Presents a report, which defines what a competent person is, the role of a competent person and how a competent person or competent firm can be used to improve the standard of building work. In five parts - 1) looks at the different definitions used for competent persons, including those used in regulatory and non-regulatory roles, and the conflicting terms used, 2) looks at the role of organisations involved in building services and construction and how competent persons are involved, 3) identifies the drivers for the development of competent persons and linked the main competent person issues to these drivers, 4) outlines the mechanisms involved in becoming competent, including statutory and industry regulations, 5) looks at specific competency schemes. Concludes by discussing how to recognise competency and which competency route to take.