1.1    This Standard supersedes Edition 1 of IGEM/TD/102 Communication 1761 published in 2012. It has been drafted by a Panel appointed by IGEM’s Technical Co-ordinating Committee, subsequently approved by that Committee; the Gas Utilisation Committee, the Gas Measurement Committee, the Gas Transmission and Distribution Committee, and published by the authority of the Council of IGEM. 

1.2    Competence is the foundation on which the safe undertaking of all activities within the gas industry are built. This Standard is part of a series of Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) publications covering all sectors of the gas industry, providing practical guidance to support the definition and management of competence associated with all onshore production, transportation, transmission, distribution, storage, measurement & metering, and utilisation of gas as an energy source in all forms. 

1.3    The Standard also supports engineers in carrying out their work in achieving their organisation’s objectives. It has been drafted by an IGEM Panel which included representatives from across the gas industry.

1.4    This Standard is the basis for good practice for the gas industry, including, but not limited to:

• gas producers
• gas transmission and storage companies
• gas distribution network companies
• independent gas transporters
• Meter Equipment Managers (MEMs)
• Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) storage and transmission companies
• Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage, transmission and distribution companies
• operators of private gas networks
• Utility Infrastructure Providers (UIP)
• Organisations operating in the gas utilisation sector nominated contractor(s)
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• Office of Gas and Energy Markets (Ofgem)
• individuals who are, or aspire to be employed in the industry.

1.5 The Framework outlined in this document is designed to illustrate, at a high level, the components of a best practice competence management system. It is intended to be used as a guide along with the other sources of guidance outlined in Section 7 to support organisations or individuals seeking to demonstrate competence. Each organisation should validate if the components suggested in this Standard are appropriate for their organisation and these components provide them with the correct level of protection against the risks they have identified for their organisation. 

1.6  Significant amendments have been made compared to the first edition of IGEM/TD/102. These include:

• change in Standard designation from a Transmission and Distribution Standard to a General Standard 
• revised from a details process-based Standard to a framework Standard
• scope revised to cover both traditional gas-based fuels and the emergence of new low carbon alternatives such as Hydrogen 
• inclusion of guidance on independent competence approval for the most senior technical role within an organisation 
• inclusion of guidance on managing gaps in a person’s competence through a restriction process 
• inclusion of guidance on the implementation of a management system within an organisation 
• revision of figures and the addition of new figures, and
• updated references to competence Standards.

1.7    This Standard makes use of the terms “must”, “shall” and “should”, when prescribing particular requirements. 

• the term “must” identifies a requirement by law in Great Britain (GB) at the time of publication
• the term “shall” prescribes a requirement which, it is intended, will be complied with in full and without deviation
• the term “should” prescribes a requirement which, it is intended, will be complied with unless, after prior consideration, deviation is considered to be acceptable.

1.8  Requests for interpretation of this Standard in relation to matters within its scope, but not precisely covered by the current text, are to be either:

• addressed to Technical Services, IGEM, IGEM House, 26 & 28 High Street, Kegworth, Derbyshire, DE74 2DA; or 
• emailed to [email protected].

These will be submitted to the relevant Committee for consideration, advice and response, but in the context that the final responsibility is that of the Engineer concerned. If any advice is given by or on behalf of IGEM, this does not imply acceptance of any liability for the consequences and does not relieve the Responsible Engineer of any of their obligations.

1.9    This Standard was published in June 2024.

2.1 The purpose of this Standard is to provide a recognised industry framework that will enable organisations to define, develop, implement and manage the technical competences required to carry out their work and assist to achieve their organisational objectives.

2.2 It is intended that the application of the Competence Framework will enable gas industry organisations to demonstrate a robust system for the management of the competence of their Employees or those undertaking work on their behalf.

2.3 The Competence Framework is applicable to all onshore gas industry activities associated with the production, transportation, transmission, distribution, storage, measurement & metering, and utilisation of gas as an energy source in all forms.

Note: The phrase ‘gas’ refers to traditional gas fuels such as natural gas and LPG as well as non-conventional gases and the emerging use of Hydrogen.

2.4  This Competence Framework may be used for any technical job role from Engineering Operative to Engineering Chief/Director within the gas industry. It is a generic framework, but may be built upon for specialist roles by adding competence requirements that apply to these roles as necessary.

2.5 Italicised text is informative and does not represent part of formal requirements.

Note: This does not apply to a clause title. 

2.6 Appendices are informative and do not represent part of a formal Standard unless specifically referenced in the main sections via the prescriptive terms “must”, “shall” or “should”.