Authorising Engineer Services – Large O&M Solar PV Portfolio

Following the Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) Review (Case Study #4), the Client identified the need for an independent Authorising Engineer (AE) to oversee, govern, and continually improve the implementation of its revised Safety Rules across its 670MWp solar PV portfolio. This role would ensure ongoing legal compliance with UK regulations, drive best practice, and provide assurance of competence for all operational personnel.

The AE appointment provided the Client with an independent layer of oversight and governance, ensuring that the new SSoW framework was embedded effectively across all sites and that personnel training, authorisation, and audits met statutory and industry standards.

To act as Authorising Engineer for the Client, delivering governance, auditing, training, and operational support, while ensuring all authorised personnel operate safely and in compliance with statutory requirements including the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) and industry best practices.

F&H Power Consultants was retained on a 12-month basis (2 days per month) to deliver a structured AE service including:

• Governance and continual improvement of Safety Rules and supporting procedures.
• Training, authorisation, and issuance of Certificates and Letters of Appointment for all Authorised and Competent Persons.
• Maintenance of a central register of authorisations and training.
• Annual competency reviews and performance audits of all Authorised Persons.
• Delivery of refresher training and assessments.
• Monitoring and auditing of Safety Rules application through quarterly site visits across four regions (Central, North, South East/Central, South West).
• Facilitation of quarterly “Community of Best Practice” meetings to share lessons, improve practices, and promote a strong safety culture.
• Operational support for Control Engineer and field teams during office hours via remote and on-site engagement.

The AE service has provided continuous assurance that all operational staff are competent, authorised, and working to current legislation and industry standards. It has also delivered a proactive mechanism for identifying gaps in training, updating procedures, and implementing best practice across the Client’s solar PV operations.

• Independent oversight ensuring legal and procedural compliance with EAWR and UK safety legislation.
• Improved governance of Safety Rules through regular audits, reviews, and updates.
• Assurance of competence via structured training, certification, and annual reviews.
• Enhanced operational safety culture through quarterly engagement meetings and regional oversight.
• Cost-effective delivery, consolidating governance, training, and support under a single retained arrangement.

As an output of the Safe Systems of Work Review (Case Study #4), the AE appointment has embedded the revised safety framework into the Client’s Operations. By delivering structured oversight, training, and governance, F&H Power Consultants has strengthened operational safety, ensured legal compliance, and established a sustainable system for continual improvement across the Client’s 670MWp solar PV portfolio.