Competent person (to prepare site investigation information)
A competent person is a generic term but with quite specific meanings in certain circumstances, for example under the building safety Act. Specifically 'competent person (to prepare site investigation information)' is described in the NPPF from December 2025 as "a person with a recognised relevant qualification, sufficient experience in dealing with the type(s) of pollution or land instability, and membership of a relevant professional organisation."
See also Competent person self-certifications schemes, Competent person
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
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