Published: 20 May 2026
We have been delighted to continue so many productive conversations with contractors and surveyors at Utility Week Live this week. One message came through clearly: there is now a genuine and growing groundswell of support for PUMA.
Across the sector, more clients and client organisations are recognising its value and are actively seeking out TSA to find out more about what the scheme offers.
Why PUMA matters
Geospatial surveying is one of the essential, but often unseen, disciplines behind and under the built environment. Raising standards in utility surveying, a specialism within geospatial surveying, has never been more important. High-quality, reliable survey data is essential to prioritise safety, improve efficiency, and ultimately save time and money on infrastructure projects.
This was the driving force behind the creation of PUMA, the PAS128 Utility Mapping Accreditation scheme and feeds directly into the national marketing campaign recently launched by TSA
Developed over ten years by TSA, PUMA represents a significant step forward for our profession. It provides a robust and independent way to assess whether geospatial surveyors can consistently deliver work in line with the PAS128 specification.
Building confidence through accreditation
For accredited TSA members, PUMA offers a clear and credible way to demonstrate compliance with PAS128:2022. Crucially, it also gives clients confidence in both the level of service and the accuracy of the data they receive.
Every PUMA-accredited company has undergone independent audit, ensuring that:
- Survey outputs meet PAS128 requirements
- Working practices are robust and consistent
- Staff are properly trained and demonstrably competent
This means that when clients choose a PUMA-accredited company, they can be assured they are working with a provider fully equipped to deliver reliable, compliant survey data.
Raising the bar for utility surveys
By standardising how PAS128 surveys are delivered, PUMA has raised the bar for the entire construction industry. It establishes a benchmark for quality, giving accredited companies a powerful way to differentiate themselves and prove their capability.
Equally, it simplifies decision-making for clients, who no longer need to rely solely on claims of compliance as they have independent assurance.
PUMA is administered by LRQA, a global leader in assurance, certification, and inspection services, further strengthening the scheme’s credibility and rigour.
A scheme gaining real traction
What’s particularly encouraging is how quickly PUMA is gaining recognition across the sector.
With a number of major infrastructure projects in the pipeline that will require PAS128 surveys, we are seeing a shift in client expectations. Organisations with large contracts are beginning to explicitly request that PUMA accreditation is written into project requirements.
In many cases, they are actively reaching out to TSA to better understand how the accreditation works and how it can support their project delivery.
PUMA is increasingly being recognised as the gold standard for PAS128 surveys.
Looking ahead
The momentum behind PUMA signals a positive change for the industry. For survey companies, this is an opportunity to demonstrate excellence and stand out in a competitive market.
For clients, it is a chance to reduce risk, avoid costly delays, and ensure confidence in the data that underpins their projects.
Find out more about PUMA
If you’re interested in learning more about PUMA accreditation and how it could benefit your organisation or projects, we encourage you to get in touch with TSA.
