Free digital course available for RTM and RMC directors
The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) has announced a new free training programme aimed at improving building safety understanding among resident directors in England.
According to LEASE, the digital training was developed in collaboration with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to help directors of Right to Manage (RTM) and Resident Management Companies (RMCs) meet their legal duties under the Building Safety Act 2022.
The initiative is designed to help non-professionals understand their responsibilities for managing fire and structural risks in residential buildings over 18 metres in height.
LEASE stated that more than 3,500 RTMs, RMCs and Commonhold Associations operate across England, many of which rely on unpaid resident volunteers to manage safety obligations.
The training aims to simplify complex legal requirements, whether duties are undertaken directly or delegated, and equips directors to assess the quality of services they receive.
Legal context under the Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced new regulatory duties following the Grenfell Tower fire.
LEASE explained that individuals who manage buildings above 18 metres must now take on formal roles as Accountable Persons (APs) or Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs), even if operational tasks are outsourced.
The advisory body said that volunteer directors must remain legally responsible, regardless of whether external managing agents or third parties are involved.
The training addresses how to remain compliant within these roles and what directors should know when commissioning professional advice or services.
LEASE added that the training builds confidence in making informed decisions that affect safety and compliance.
Course structure and topics
LEASE said the training comprises four 30-minute eLearning modules.
Module 1 covers preparation for the new safety regime, including the Golden Thread requirement.
Module 2 addresses managing building safety risks and preparing the Safety Case Report.
Module 3 focuses on resident engagement, mandatory occurrence reporting, and complaint handling.
Module 4 outlines the Building Assessment Certificate process and regulatory interactions.
The course uses practical examples and plain language to make the regulatory framework easier to understand.
Applicability across the housing sector
LEASE stated that while the course is targeted at RTM and RMC directors, it is also relevant for others involved in managing residential buildings.
This includes freeholders, housing associations, local authorities, and professional building safety managers.
Managing agents and leaseholders are also encouraged to complete the training to better understand obligations and financial charges.
According to LEASE, the course aims to support everyone involved in building management, not just those with formal legal duties.
The organisation emphasised the importance of shared understanding across all stakeholders.
Joint statement from LEASE and the Building Safety Regulator
Ella Norman, Senior Legal Advisor at LEASE, said: “The new Building Safety eLearning programme fills a critical knowledge gap in building safety guidance.
“Many leaseholders that have volunteered, unpaid, to help manage their high-rise residential buildings often have limited formal training yet now carry significantly more legal responsibility.
“This training will ensure that residents involved in managing high-rise residential buildings have access to the knowledge they need to carry out their legal duties confidently and competently.
“In collaboration with the Building Safety Regulator, we created this free online course to empower and protect both residents and resident directors.”
Andy McGrory, Policy Lead for resident matters at the Building Safety Regulator, said: “We are delighted to have worked with LEASE to make this invaluable training openly available to the directors of thousands of high-rise Resident Management Companies.
“Their role is critical in upholding the highest standards of building safety for high-rise residents across England.
“This programme provides RMCs with the information needed to understand their responsibilities, to work towards implementing robust building safety measures, to be intelligent customers where they secure assistance from third-party providers and to ensure residents feel safe and are safe in their own homes.”
Resident directors, leaseholders and housing professionals can access the Building Safety eLearning via the LEASE website.
Building safety training launched for resident directors in England: Summary
LEASE and the Building Safety Regulator have released a free online training course.
The training targets directors of Right to Manage and Resident Management Companies in England.
It addresses legal duties introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022.
The course includes four interactive 30-minute modules.
Topics include risk management, resident engagement, and safety certification.
The course is also relevant for freeholders, housing associations, and managing agents.
The aim is to help directors understand their roles and legal responsibilities.
It uses clear language and real-life examples.
LEASE said over 3,500 such resident-led groups exist across England.
Ella Norman of LEASE said the training fills a gap in formal safety education.
Andy McGrory of BSR said the training supports consistent standards in high-rise buildings.
The Building Safety eLearning course is now publicly available.