The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps
The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps (GMCS) was established with the goal to improve the standards within the industry by introducing stringent training and assessment for Chimney sweeps. Today, the GMCS is both nationally and internationally recognised for its efforts and achievements in improving standards within the industry for both Chimney sweeps and their customers.
The GMCS is also part of the 'Europaische Schornsteinfegermeister Fóderation' or the European Federation of Master Chimney Sweeps (ESCHFOE). Some countries take chimney sweeping more seriously than others. For example, in Germany it is a legal requirement that chimney's are swept once a year which has resulted in Germany having a drastically lower number of chimney fires than in the UK.
Sweeps within the UK are still not legally obliged to pursue any training or gain any qualifications in order to trade as chimney sweeps. However, for a chimney sweep to become a member of the GMCS they must meet and adhere to strict criteria whilst also achieving various levels of training. For chimney sweeps, this means that they can provide the highest level of service to their customers whilst having the support and experience of a national organisation to help them gain further qualifications within the chimney sweeping industry.
For customers this means that when you seek the services of a Guild Chimney Sweep, you can have the peace of mind that you will be receiving a level of service and knowledge that is above and beyond the legal necessary and required.
To ensure a sweep is a certified member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps go to Find A Chimney Sweep
If the sweep is not featured on the Sweep search then they are not a member.