Industry leader Woodsure wins new government contract

09 September 2025, UK: Woodsure, the organisation behind the UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme, has been awarded a new contract by tender to administer the Biomass Suppliers List (BSL) on behalf of the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). 

Woodsure, which has managed the scheme since 2021, will now oversee the BSL until 2027 with options to extend up to 2029. Since taking over the management, the scheme has undergone a regime change to ensure its audits are as robust as possible. These changes have dramatically increased audit frequency, with 2024 seeing a 306% increase in the number conducted compared to 2022. The audits include verifying sustainability and fuel quality, reviewing documentation, and site visits to ensure continued compliance. 

The BSL is a list of wood fuel suppliers that have proven their products meet the eligibility requirements for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Launched in 2011, the RHI is part of the UK government’s drive for businesses and organisations to adopt renewable energy heating systems, helping them to reduce emissions. 

As well as ensuring all fuels meet the required standards, DESNZ sought a partner that has the capabilities to engage with suppliers and continue to drive positive audit statistics. 

Driven by a shared mission to create a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment, Woodsure, in partnership with its sister organisation HETAS, leads the way in training, education, certification and testing across the solid fuel, wood and biomass heating industries. 

Under the banner of its parent organisation Cleaner Safer Group (CSG), Woodsure and HETAS combine their expertise and resources to support clients both within and beyond the heating sector, helping them meet compliance and regulatory standards, and reduce their environmental impact. 

Since becoming part of the group in 2014 Woodsure has been at the forefront of spearheading wood fuel quality and sustainability across the UK. As well as administrating the BSL, it also established the UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme for firewood, briquettes, woodchip, and other fuels, ensuring producers are responsible, trustworthy and operating in compliance with standards set out by Government. 

Woodsure is also the administrator of Defra’s Ready to Burn scheme for wood fuel, aimed at supporting and educating domestic fuels users on quality fuel use when heating their homes. A leading independent voice supporting suppliers, and engaging with the wider industry, Woodsure has its own UKAS accredited testing laboratory in Tewkesbury, which supports the wider structure of the group. 

At a BSL Advisory Panel meeting earlier this summer, consisting of industry leads, NGOs, and Woodsure, DESNZ stated: “Congratulations from DESNZ on Woodsure achieving the contract. The continuity and established relationship is valued and the openness and aim to improve the portal and experience for suppliers and consumers are encouraging.” 

Jason Harries, Head of Woodsure, added: “Following a competitive tender process, building on our experience and through our team’s dedication, we have successfully secured a retender of the Biomass Suppliers List contract on behalf of DESNZ. 

“We remain committed to maintaining high service standards and we will be continuing development work to improve the BSL portal and streamline processes. 

“We look forward to the opportunity to keep delivering great value to government and supporting the renewable energy sector through this contract.”

Ends

Editors notes

The UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme, Woodsure – a not-for-profit organisation - administers the ‘Ready to Burn’ certification scheme on behalf of Defra, which shows that wood fuels are ready for immediate use under the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations. The organisation also managers the Biomass Supplier List on behalf of DESNZ. 

The Woodsure scheme works closely with producers and suppliers to achieve the highest standards of wood fuel production throughout the UK. In addition to testing and assessment, Woodsure also provide technical and regulatory support, keeping the industry up to date on standards. 

Woodsure is part of Cleaner Safer Group, an independent, not-for-profit organisation which works to promote the highest standards for fuel, appliance and people to encourage the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible use of solid fuels including wood. 

For more information on Woodsure, visit woodsure.co.uk.