The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) iwas founded in 1906, and is the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry. It is a member of the CIC - Construction Industry Council - and is also a licensed member of the ENGC - Engineering Council (UK). It has a membership of approximatley 12,000 consultants, specifiers, lecturers, designers, public health engineers, practitioners, trainers, trainees, manufacturers and distributors, based both in the UK and overseas. There are around 50 local Branches grouped in six areas within Britain. Qualified CIPHE members also enrolled as Registered Plumbers, are recognised by the Secretary of State, DEFRA, as "Approved Contractor Persons" under the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 in England and Wales and the Water Byelaws (Scotland) 2000.