The Chimney Sweep Academy is still proud to say it is a fully independent association.
We have no ties to any other organisation. For example, The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps. This “organisation” was set up in the recent past by the sole NVQ supplier and one of the other associations. It was clear from the outset to me, that whole reasoning, as far as I could see, was to generate money and ring-fence the entire trade in the long run, and cost chimney sweeps far more money each year in subs and retraining. I have had phone with one of the people involved in this process and it wasn’t comfortable listening. Because of this, and the standards we have seen via social media, we will not support said Federation in any way.
We did attempt to form a self governing body two years ago, with all of the other associations invited, with NO FINANCIAL GAIN for anyone at all, purely for the benefit of the members and customers in setting higher standards, but to no avail. It would seem that a certain association was not interested in any way as A: they would not make any money from it, and B: They would not have overall control (based on previous phone call).
The Academy is more than happy to work with other organisations, to help with higher working standards and educating the public in the overall safety and efficiency of using a solid fuel appliance.
