Emma Clancy is the CEO of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), the electrical industry’s leading voluntary regulatory body.
Construction Magazine: What does the NICEIC do and whom does it represent?
Emma Clancy: The NICEIC is the electrical industry’s leading voluntary regulatory body. Essentially we have been in existence for over 50 years and have run certification and assessment schemes. So what happens is that an electrical contractor will sign up to our scheme rules; we will independently and rigorously assess their abilities and check them out as an organisation as well as their technical competence. If they meet the required standard then they become our customers and join the role.
We are owned by a charity, the Electrical Safety Council, so it’s very much like a third sector organisation. Over the years we have diversified into a range of other schemes as our contractors’ needs have changed. For example, we’re involved in the Green Deal pilot. Obviously the world of contracting has changed to the broader new technologies.
CM: What are the advantages of being a member of the NICEIC?
EC: Essentially, it is a badge to work. Specifiers will look for the NICEIC logo, because they know they will be working with electricians who meet the highest standards of work and that the work is guaranteed and supported by an organisation. Consumers and householders are reassured as they are getting a guarantee and warranty in place.
CM: As a campaigning organisation, how successful have you been in changing the industry?
EC: We are very proud of the standards the NICEIC contractor meets and we go out there to talk to the consumer to ensure they understand the importance of choosing one of our contractors and safety implications. We know we are the most recognisable brand that consumers know they can trust.
CM: As a female CEO of an organisation that represents an overwhelmingly male dominated industry, what do you see as being the main obstacles to increasing the number of female electrical contractors?
EC: I think it is all down to attitudes and perceptions. There are no practical reasons for the position we are in – only 1% of electricians are female. Through the NICEIC Jobs for the Girls campaign I’ve met a few female contractors, and they love the industry. They say it’s a great place to be; it can be a flexible job and you can run your own business. So we just have to promote those opportunities to overcome any prejudices that may exist.
CM: What was your route to becoming CEO of the NICEIC?
EC: I had a slightly unusual route in some ways. I worked for a couple of blue chip companies – Marks & Spencer and the Royal Bank of Scotland – building a general business skill set from my roles within the companies. Following on from that I worked for a consumers association where I picked up a consumer background in various issues, which has undoubtedly helped me. I was then lucky enough to join the NICEIC as their HR Director and spent a number of years learning the industry and became CEO in 2010.
CM: What are the most crucial issues currently affecting the electrical contracting industry?
EC: The economic climate is clearly one of them and the fact that it has driven costs so low. Very often you’re hearing of jobs cost -20 for tender work. Clearly that is suicidal and unsustainable over time. Also, people do want to diversify and invest but when you’re up against issues such as the change to the Feeding Tariffs those investments can change and be harder than you expect. I think you have got to be fleet of foot and aware of the policy issues that are going on and be prepared to diversify, learn new skills and take a few chances.
