About the Institute

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. Its primary object is "... to advance for the public benefit and education of the public, the science, practice and principles of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.."

The Institute provides a professional home for qualified owner managers, sole proprietors, journeymen, designers, lecturers, inspectors and consultants. All corporate members (Fellows, Members and Associates) agree to abide by a five point Code of Professional Standards, which requires them to act professionally, competently and responsibly. A Professional Standards Committee meets monthly to consider possible contravention of the Code.

The CIPHE has a total current membership of over 12,000 including 260 manufacturers and distributors, which support its work as Industrial Associates. Whilst the majority of members live in the UK, some 750 are resident in Hong Kong and a further 300 are resident in over 30 other countries. In Britain there are some 50 active local Branches grouped within six areas.

Suitably qualified Institute members also enrolled as Registered Plumbers, are recognised by the Secretary of State, DEFRA, as "Approved Contractor Persons" under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in England and Wales and the Water Byelaws (Scotland) 2000.

The main dissemination of information is via the bi-monthly magazine, P&HE (PLUMBING AND HEATING ENGINEERING), which gives news of developments and technical innovations as well as CIPHE activities at national, area and branch levels. The latest edition of the widely acclaimed Plumbing Engineering Services Design Guide was published in July 2002.

The Institute is a member of the Construction Industry Council - www.cic.org.uk - and a licensed member of the Engineering Council (UK) - www.engc.org.uk. The Institute is also a founder member of the Plumbing and Heating Industry Alliance - www.phia.org.uk

Internationally, the Institute acts as Secretariat to the World Plumbing Council - www.worldplumbing.org - which is developing links with the World Health Organisation and other United Nations agencies.

History

The following are some key historical facts about the Institute.

The Institute was founded in 1906 and incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1907 by the National Association of Master Plumbers. Known then as the Institute of Plumbers, its original objectives related to development of both the industrial and technical aspects of the plumbing trade. Membership was restricted to plumbers in business.

In 1925, what is now the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), was established to take over industrial and commercial aspects leaving the Institute to concentrate on education, training and technical matters.

In 1957, the Institute's constitution was revised and its title changed to the Institute of Plumbing (IoP). Membership was extended to any individual holding technical qualifications irrespective of their position in the Industry.

In the late 1960's discussions began between the Institute and the Registered Plumbers Association (RPA) to bring about a merger of the two bodies. The main role of the RPA was to manage the Register of Plumbers on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers - the origins of which date back to 1365.

The amalgamation of the IoP and RPA took place on 10 January 1970. The new Institute was charged with the task of further developing technical and educational work; the recognition of qualified plumbing professionals and the pursuit of better standards.

In 1979 the Institute became a registered educational charity in recognition of its work in the public interest. 1986 marked the centenary of the Register of Plumbers which was started by the Worshipful Company on 21 July 1886 to identify competent and responsible plumbers in the absence of any statutory regulation in the UK - a position which still exists today. The centenary was celebrated by a gathering of over 700 Registered Plumbers at Guildhall, London where special Centenary Certificates were presented.

In 2000, to mark the new millennium, the Institute was granted Arms by the College of Heralds. The motto "Competence and Commitment" aptly describes the Institute's work as a professional body.

In March 2002 the Institute asked historical publishers James and James Ltd (J&J) to write a definitive history of the Institute to coincide with its centenary in 2006. In turn J&J commissioned Nigel Watson, a renowned historical writer, to produce the text.

Nearly four years later, ‘Competence and Commitment’ – an illustrated history of the Institute - was launched at a press conference held at City & Guilds headquarters on 8 December 2005. Speaking at the launch, Chris Humphries CBE, Director General of City & Guilds, said that he was pleased to have written the foreword to the book and proud to be the IPHE Centenary Year Patron. Chris Humphries said “Nigel Watson has done a great job in making ‘Competence and Commitment’ a very good read. It’s a fascinating story which will be of interest not only to plumbing professionals around the world but also to those who don’t have lead running through their veins!”

Order a copy of ‘Competence and Commitment’.