Each application will be considered on its merits, taking into account individual processes. Prospective members should recognise that the Heat Trust Scheme is a customer protection and service standard assurance mechanism on which customers connected to heat networks can be satisfied in the quality of service they receive from their Supplier.

The application is a self-assessment requiring applicants to make declarations that they adhere to Heat Trust’s standards. Accompanying evidence is required to be submitted with the application which is reviewed to ensure that processes are in place to meet the Heat Trust standards. Applicants that do not meet the criteria for membership will have the outstanding areas highlighted and registration will take place only when those gaps are addressed. We can discuss any gaps to help clarify what evidence is required.

Please be aware that providing any false or misleading information in any part of the application process is a disciplinary matter, which may result in your application being rejected, or expulsion from the Heat Trust Scheme.

The Committee may also review a number of applications per year.

General Details

The application form asks for details about your company and site that you wish to register with Heat Trust. It also asks for details about the number and type of connections on the site, as well as how customers pay for their heat.

Self-Assessment Compliance Check

The compliance check part of the application asks you to confirm that your company complies and agrees to continue to comply with the Scheme Rules, Bye-Laws and any issued Guidelines. Before you can complete this section you should read the relevant documents and prepare evidence that demonstrates your compliance with the obligations set out under the Heat Trust Scheme.

Declarations

During the application process you will also be asked to make a number of very important declarations. It is essential that you make these declarations truthfully, and that you inform us if any relevant circumstances should change.

Accompanying evidence

Please use the evidence matrix, which sets out each of the Scheme Rules, to point us to which document you have provided to demonstrate compliant practices with that Scheme Rule. We strongly recommend you have a copy of the Scheme Rules open when completing this, as it will guide you to what we will be checking against.

After your application is submitted

After you submit your application form, with all associated documentation, the Scheme Administrator will review it and determine if it has been duly completed. Where information is missing or inaccurately completed we will return the application to you indicating what more we need to make an assessment of eligibility. We may request further information from you where it is required to enable a proper assessment of the application.

We will seek to review your application form and supporting documentation in a timely manner. 

Where your site is determined to be compliant with the requirements of the Scheme we will send you a participation offer that will comprise of an accession agreement, fee invoice and deed poll for the Ombudsman.
Once we have received signed copies of the accession agreement and deed poll, and payment of the applicable fees we will process the registration of your site as a member of Heat Trust.

Upon registration your site will be listed on the Heat Trust website and you will receive a membership certificate, the Heat Trust mark and the scheme information sheet for inclusion in your customer information packs.

Further questions

For further queries about applying for Heat Trust membership please contact the Scheme Administrator, and we will be happy to help.