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 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 Föderation’ 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 chimneys are swept once a year which has resulted in Germany having a drastically lower number of chimney fires than 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 while also achieving various levels of training.

For chimney sweeps this means that they can provide the highest level of service to their customers while 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 service 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 legally necessary and required.

For your peace of mind:

• To ensure that a sweep is really a member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps log on to
  www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk/find_sweep.php

If the sweep is not featured in our sweep search then they are not a member.

• Ask to see the brush out of the top of the chimney! For fun, it is good luck and you can make a wish. On a serious note, you will know the chimney has been swept in its entirety.