Victorian Electricity Distribution Network Operators will maintain a register of contractors that meet the VEDN underground electrical infrastructure civil works requirements.

Only contractors that hold current VEDN accreditation shall perform VEDN related works and holding VEDN accreditation does not guarantee work.

The awarding of work to VEDN accredited contractors will be in accordance with the Network Operator or third party clients’ selection and engagement processes.

• Application for Accreditation

Applicants must provide sufficient supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with the specified eligibility criteria for the approval type sought.

The applicant will be required to provide as evidence, details of a recent audit of their WHSEQ Management System and its deployment in the field, conducted by a VEDN Recognised Systems Auditor. The applicant applying for accreditation, or upgrading of their current accreditation status, must allow at least six weeks for review of their application after they have submitted the required information.

• Related and Subsidiary Companies

The company in control of the work must hold the relevant VEDN accreditation in its own right which does not extend to their subcontractors, subsidiary or other engaged personnel. However subcontractors are permitted provided they are working directly under the Accredited Contractors WHSEQ Management System and contract requirements (i.e. SWMS, supervision, work practices and auditing process) and a trained person is directly supervising the work at all times.

• Assessment and Notification

The VEDN Review Panel will assess applications against the specified eligibility criteria. Applicant/s may be required to supply additional information to clarify details of their application.

By submitting an application for accreditation, the applicant/s are deemed to authorise the VEDN Review Panel to seek verification of the information supplied.

Applicant/s will be notified in writing of their accreditation status and details will be provided in the case of non-acceptance.

Unless circumstances warrant an earlier review, accreditation status will remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of approval, or the date of any review that confirms the status.

• Updating of Register Details

Contractors shall notify the VEDN Review Panel of any significant change to their technical capacity, address, ownership or holding as soon as practicable.

• Performance Assessment

Identified poor performance of accredited contractors will trigger a requirement to participate in regular reviews of their performance against the eligibility criteria and approval type. The VEDN Review Panel will consider and implement changes if appropriate.

• Review of Accreditation Status

The VEDN Review Panel reserves the right to review any contractor’s accreditation at any time. The contractor may also request a review be conducted by the VEDN Review Panel.

Upon request, the contractor must provide any information required for the review. Failure to comply with any request may result in suspension, or re-classification of a contractors accreditation.

Before such action is taken, the Contractor will be given an opportunity to show cause as to why the approval should not be suspended, or reclassified.

The Contractor will also be given details of the matter prompting the request to show cause. These matters may include:

• Failure to provide a letter from a VEDN Recognised Systems Auditor confirming the ongoing suitability of WHSEQ management system and its deployment in the field annually.
• A period of more than twelve (12) months has elapsed since the review that confirmed the status of the contractor;
• A period of more than twelve (12) months has elapsed since the review following unsatisfactory performance;
• A period of more than twelve (12) months has elapsed since the review of changes to technical capacity was carried out;
• A period of more than twelve (12) months has elapsed since the review that confirmed the status of the contractor, which commenced following breaches of VEDN preliminary or full approval conditions.

Where accreditation is suspended, the Contractor will be entitled to make application for reinstatement within a nominated period. Such applications will require the contractor to demonstrate that any matters that lead to suspension have been rectified. If accreditation is not reinstated within the nominated suspension period, the contractor’s accreditation will be rescinded and removed from the VEDN register.

• Determination

A determination by the VEDN Review Panel of any application for accreditation or for reclassification, suspension, or rescission, is at the VEDN Review Panels absolute discretion. The Review Panel will not be liable for any costs or damages incurred in the exercise of such discretion.

• Confidentiality and Publicity

The VEDN will publish the names, addresses and categories of accredited contractors for notification of accreditation purposes. No responsibility is accepted for any consequences arising from the publication of such information.

In applying for accreditation, the applicant agrees to the publishing of their company details and VEDN accreditation status. Other information provided with applications will not be disclosed to any other party except where necessary for the assessment of the application.

• Compliance and Contract Requirements

Interim Pre-Qualification, Pre-Qualification and Accreditation does not negate the need for a contractor to fully comply with contract conditions. All Contractors must comply fully with all relevant Acts, Legislation, Codes of Practice and the Network Operators requirements for the works being undertaken.

• Acceptance of Conditions

By applying for approval contractors agree to accept the Victorian Electricity Distribution Network Operators Conditions of Approval.