TrustMark — the only government-endorsed tradesperson scheme.
TrustMark is the UK government's endorsed quality mark for tradespeople in the home repair, maintenance and improvement sector. Backed by Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, mandatory for ECO4-funded retrofit work, the Great British Insulation Scheme, and most local authority Green Homes initiatives.
What is TrustMark and is it the same as Checkatrade?
TrustMark is the only UK government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople — backed by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. Mandatory for ECO4-funded retrofit work, the Great British Insulation Scheme and most local authority Green Homes initiatives. Different from Checkatrade and MyBuilder, which are private review platforms — TrustMark is government-backed with statutory recognition for grant-funded work.
Active UK TrustMark-registered tradespeople across all schemes (2026).
TrustMark launched 2005 as a government-industry partnership.
TrustMark-mandated standard for whole-house energy retrofits — the technical reference for ECO4.
TrustMark — the terms that matter
Plain-English definitions for the 5 terms you'll see in any quote, certificate or enforcement notice for TrustMark Government Scheme.
- TrustMarkTrustMark
- The UK government's endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople. Endorsed by Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (formerly DLUHC). Operated by TrustMark UK.
- PAS 2035PAS 2035
- Publicly Available Specification 2035 — the BSI standard for whole-house retrofit. Mandatory for grant-funded retrofit since 2021. TrustMark + MCS jointly enforce.
- Energy Company Obligation 4ECO4
- The current GB-wide energy efficiency obligation on large suppliers. Funds TrustMark-installed measures for low-income households.
- Great British Insulation SchemeGBIS
- The £1bn government insulation scheme launched 2023 — TrustMark-installed measures only.
- Retrofit CoordinatorRC
- PAS 2035 mandatory role — qualified individual managing the whole-house retrofit. Required on every grant-funded retrofit project.
How to use TrustMark for grant-funded retrofit work
Five steps from instruction to certificate. Total time: 12w.
01
Eligibility check
Day 0–7
ECO4 (low-income) and GBIS (Council Tax bands A–D) have eligibility tests. Most installers run the tests free as part of the quote.
02
Pick TrustMark installer
Day 7–14
Verify on TrustMarkUK.org. The installer's registration must cover the specific scope you need (e.g. external wall insulation vs cavity vs loft).
03
Retrofit assessment
Day 14–21
PAS 2035 retrofit assessment — Retrofit Coordinator + Retrofit Assessor produce a whole-house plan. Mandatory for any grant-funded job.
04
Install + sign-off
Day 21–60
TrustMark installer carries out the work to PAS 2035 spec. Retrofit Coordinator signs off. Photos, materials, certifications all loaded to the TrustMark Data Warehouse.
05
Post-install + complaint route
Year 1+
TrustMark provides a 12-month workmanship warranty + 25-year insurance-backed guarantee on materials. Disputes go via TrustMark complaints — formal resolution within 28 days.
TrustMark Government Scheme. Done compliant.
Every TradeMatch-listed tradesperson covering TrustMark Government Scheme carries the relevant scheme registration. Verified at onboarding, re-verified annually, certificates posted to you within 30 days of any notifiable work.
TrustMark vs Checkatrade vs MyBuilder — what's the difference
Side-by-side comparison of the compliant route versus the unregistered shortcut. Most rows trace a straight line from regulation to financial exposure.
| Aspect | TrustMark | Checkatrade / MyBuilder |
|---|---|---|
| COMPLIANT — RECOMMENDEDBacking | UK Government (DESNZ) | Private review platform |
| Vetting | Annual audit + insurance + qualification check | Identity check + customer reviews |
| Grant eligibility | Required for ECO4, GBIS, BUS retrofit | Not eligible — TrustMark required separately |
| Workmanship guarantee | 12 months mandatory + 25-yr IBG on materials | Varies — installer's own terms |
| Complaint route | Formal — TrustMark mandates resolution | Mediation only — no statutory weight |
| Coverage | Energy retrofit, electrical, gas, glazing | All trades — broad |
Source: TrustMark UK, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero government endorsement 2024.
The questions homeowners ask before they commit.
Do I need TrustMark for solar panels?
No — solar PV is covered by MCS, not TrustMark. But for any government-grant retrofit work (insulation, heat pump under ECO4, GBIS), the installer must be TrustMark-registered. MCS + TrustMark dual registration is the typical credential set for installers in the renewable + retrofit space.
How much does TrustMark cost the homeowner?
Nothing — TrustMark is free to specify and use. The installer pays £200–£800/yr for registration depending on scope. For homeowners on ECO4 or GBIS, the headline retrofit measures are free or heavily subsidised — TrustMark is the gateway to claim.
What's the difference between TrustMark and MCS?
MCS covers low-carbon micro-generation (solar PV, heat pumps, biomass) — product certification + installer competence on energy-generating equipment. TrustMark is broader — energy retrofit (insulation, glazing) + electrical + gas + glazing. ECO4-funded retrofit typically needs both.
Can I use TrustMark for finding a builder?
TrustMark covers many sub-trades (insulation, glazing, electrical, gas, retrofit) but is light on general builders. For a builder, NICEIC / NAPIT (electrical) + Gas Safe (gas) + CHAS (H&S) + FMB (Federation of Master Builders) is the typical credential set. TrustMark adds value where the project is grant-funded retrofit.
What is PAS 2035?
Publicly Available Specification 2035 — the BSI whole-house retrofit standard. Mandatory for any grant-funded retrofit since 2021. Requires a Retrofit Coordinator + Retrofit Assessor on every project, with a multi-stage process from initial assessment to post-install monitoring. TrustMark and MCS jointly enforce.
How do I make a TrustMark complaint?
Contact TrustMark UK directly via TrustMarkUK.org. Formal complaint process — TrustMark contacts the installer, mandates resolution within 28 days, and can revoke registration on serious breach. The 25-year insurance-backed guarantee on materials kicks in if the installer ceases trading.
Going deeper.
Government-grade quality, on grant work.
TradeMatch installers are TrustMark + MCS dual-registered. ECO4, GBIS, BUS — grants claimed on your behalf with full PAS 2035 retrofit pathway.