Energy code reform: guidance on code manager selection

Under new powers created by the Energy Act 2023,  we will be responsible for selecting and licensing code managers. These new entities will take on the roles currently performed by code panels and code administrators, such as making recommendation on code modifications. They will also take on new responsibilities, such as ensuring that the codes develop in line with our annual strategic direction statement.

This guidance, as required by The Code Manager Selection Regulations 2024  (“the 2024 Regulations”) and The Code Manager Selection (Competitive) Regulations 2025 (“the 2025 Regulations”), is intended to provide as much detail on our code manager selection process as possible. It includes the criteria that we will apply when deciding how to select a code manager, whether competitively or non-competitively, and the processes and criteria that we will use when evaluating code manager candidates. 

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the 2024 Regulations, the 2025 Regulations and our eligibility and licensing assessment forms. It is most relevant for people who: 

• are interested in becoming a candidate for a code manager licence
• are responding to an invitation from us to express interest in becoming a candidate for a code manager licence
• have been selected to undergo a licensing assessment
• have been selected to progress to the implementation and assurance stage 

It describes the relevant eligibility criteria and information requirements, the details of the code manager licence assessment process, and what to expect in terms of implementation and assurance activities after we have published our proposal to grant a licence. 

This guidance is not applicable to other types of licences.

The original version of this guidance was published in November 2025 alongside our Energy code reform: decision on code manager selection. The latest version was updated in March 2026 to reflect subsequent decisions on our approach to implementation and assurance, as part of our energy code reform: second implementation consultation outcome.