Can the Same Contractor Carry Out the EICR and the Remedial Works?

After a failed EICR, one of the first questions duty holders ask is whether the same contractor can complete both the inspection and the remedial works.

It is a fair question. It is also one that is often misunderstood.

For facilities managers, estates teams, and responsible persons, the concern is usually about independence, transparency, and whether using the same contractor creates a conflict of interest.

This article explains when it is acceptable for the same contractor to carry out both the fixed wire testing (EICR) and the EICR remedial works, what best practice looks like, and how to manage the process correctly.

Why This Question Comes Up So Often

Electrical compliance inspections identify risk. Remedial works correct that risk.

Because the same organisation may benefit commercially from remedial works, duty holders often worry that:

• Defects may be overstated

• Remedial scopes may be excessive

• Independence may be compromised

Understanding the legal and practical position helps remove uncertainty.

Is It Illegal for the Same Contractor to Do Both?

No. There is no legal requirement in the UK that prevents the same contractor from carrying out an EICR and the associated remedial works.

What the law requires is:

• Competence

• Accuracy

• Transparency

• Proper certification

Independence is good practice in some circumstances, but it is not a legal requirement in itself.

What the Regulations Actually Require

Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and wider health and safety legislation, the duty holder must ensure that:

• Electrical systems are safe

• Risks are identified competently

• Defects are corrected appropriately

• Work is verified and documented

How these steps are delivered matters less than whether they are delivered correctly.

When Using the Same Contractor Makes Sense

In many cases, using the same contractor for inspection and remedial works is efficient and effective.

Benefits include

• Clear understanding of the installation

• Faster remedial planning

• Reduced duplication of surveys

• Consistent documentation and reporting

• Shorter compliance timelines

This is particularly valuable in large or complex buildings.

When Independent Verification May Be Appropriate

There are situations where separation may be beneficial.

Examples include:

• High-risk or sensitive environments

• Disputes over inspection findings

• Procurement policies requiring separation

• Large remedial scopes with budget scrutiny

In these cases, an independent review can provide reassurance.

The Real Risk Is Not Shared Delivery, It Is Poor Process

Problems arise not because the same contractor delivers both stages, but because:

• Inspection findings are unclear

• Remedial scopes are not transparent

• Certification is incomplete

• Documentation is poor

A robust process removes these risks regardless of delivery model.

What Best Practice Looks Like

Whether using one contractor or two, best practice should include:

Clear EICR reporting

• Observations explained clearly

• Codes justified

• No ambiguity in required actions

Transparent remedial scopes

• Each defect clearly linked to an observation

• No unnecessary work included

• Risk-based prioritisation

Proper verification

• Testing carried out after remedials

• Certification issued

• Records updated

How Duty Holders Can Protect Themselves

Facilities managers and responsible persons can protect their position by:

• Requesting clear explanations of EICR observations

• Asking for itemised remedial scopes

• Ensuring works are tested and certified

• Keeping full compliance records

Good contractors welcome this scrutiny.

Common Myths About EICRs and Remedial Works

Myth: Using the same contractor is always a conflict of interest

Reality: Competence and transparency matter more than separation.

Myth: A second opinion is always required

Reality: It is optional, not mandatory.

Myth: Remedial works should be completed immediately regardless of impact

Reality: Works should be risk-based and planned appropriately.

The Role of Documentation and Evidence

In the event of an audit, inspection, or incident, documentation is critical.

Duty holders should retain:

• The original EICR

• Remedial work scopes

• Certificates

• Test results

• Photographic evidence where appropriate

This demonstrates defensible compliance.

How Protest ES Ltd Manages Inspection and Remedial Works Correctly

Protest ES Ltd delivers both fixed wire testing (EICR) and electrical remedial repairs using a transparent, compliance-led process.

Our approach includes:

• Clear, justified inspection reporting

• Itemised remedial scopes

• Risk-based planning

• Independent verification within the process

• Full certification and documentation

Our focus is accuracy, safety, and defensible compliance, not unnecessary work.

Key Takeaways for Duty Holders

• It is legally acceptable for the same contractor to carry out EICRs and remedial works

• Competence and transparency are the key requirements

• Clear reporting and documentation reduce risk

• Independent review is optional, not mandatory

• A robust process matters more than separation

Managing EICR remedial works correctly protects people, buildings, and organisations.