INSTITUTE NEWS
INSTITUTE NEWS
NHS England and IHEEM standardise authorising engineer certification
NHS England has joined forces with IHEEM in a major new partnership to create a single, nationally recognised certification process for Authorising Engineers (AEs) across the health system.
The agreement, signed by both NHS England’s Simon Corben, Director of Estates and Facilities and Professional Lead, and IHEEM CEO Pete Sellars (pictured) at the Healthcare Estates Conference in October 2025 establishes IHEEM as the lead organisation responsible for accrediting and registering all AEs working within NHS organisations and NHS commissioned services. The move aims to strengthen governance, improve consistency, and raise professional standards across key engineering and safetycritical functions, including electrical, water, ventilation, medical gases, decontamination, and fire safety.
Since its announcement back in October 2025, IHEEM Head Office has received a steady stream of applications from Authorising Engineers who wish to become Certified and Registered with IHEEM, indicating the acknowledgement from AEs of the importance of this initiative in improving and maintaining patient safety standards within NHS critical infrastructure. To assist AEs in complying with the new requirements, a threeyear transition period will allow all practising AEs to complete the certification pathway through IHEEM ahead of its inclusion in the updated Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 00, due for release in 2026, which will make the certification and registration a mandatory obligation for AEs and
NHS Trusts.
NHS England and IHEEM will jointly oversee implementation through a national Collaboration Board, which will manage project milestones, AE engagement, data assurance, and development of the new assessment and renewal framework. IHEEM will also maintain the national AE register, ensuring accurate and secure oversight of the workforce. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the safety and resilience of NHS healthcare infrastructure. By formalising AE certification, the NHS is taking decisive steps towards ensuring every Authorising Engineer meets the highest professional and technical standards.
IHEEM Chief Executive Pete Sellars welcomed the partnership, emphasising its importance for professional recognition and the future sustainability of the AE workforce. NHS England’s leadership similarly highlighted the significance of improving
Scotland regional branch news
With speakers’ presentations to be centred around the conference theme ‘Scotland’s Future NHS Estate’, the discussion throughout the conference promises to cover a diverse range of topics across strategic investment, sustainability, digital transformation, infection control, and governance and assurance. Day one of the conference is set to engage delegates with regionally critical updates, innovation, and change making in strategy, policy, and investment direction, with
the second day providing opportunity to reflect on delivery and impact, exploring challenges and opportunities through practical, real-world case studies. The day and a half event will take place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh, with the regional awards gala dinner being held at Playfair Library, University of Edinburgh. To register for the event or awards gala dinner, visit:
www.uhei.uk/scotland
March 2026 Health Estate Journal 7
governance and ensuring consistent national standards across healthcare engineering disciplines.
NHSE and IHEEM are in the final stages of agreeing a dedicated Data Sharing Agreement which underpins the partnership along with a comprehensive Communications and Engagement
Plan, with a further update being published in the April edition of HEJ.
In the meantime, if any practising AEs wish to start the application process to become Certified and Registered, please head to: https://www.iheem.
org.uk/membership/authorising- engineers/
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