Fire safety and housing repair frameworks launched under Procurement Act

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsSafety

Frameworks to deliver repairs and fire safety services across UK housing stock

A new £120 million fire safety framework and a £480 million housing repairs programme are being launched by Places for People.

The organisation said the repairs framework will cover homes in England and Scotland, excluding the South East, and is expected to run until 1 April 2030.

Alongside this, it has started procurement for a fire safety framework that will include fire risk appraisals, cladding remediation design, cladding replacement, and both passive and active fire protection systems.

Contracts launched under Procurement Act 2023

Places for People confirmed that both frameworks will be issued under the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force in February.

The Act has been described by the government as a modernisation of public procurement, allowing for more flexible spending processes across public sector organisations.

Local authorities and housing associations have been identified as key stakeholders in this procurement overhaul, which applies to all contracting authorities in the UK.

Procurement leader highlights supplier opportunities

Alan Heron, director of procurement at Places for People, said the new contracts reflect a wider commitment to supporting procurement reform in housing: “We are committed to continually improving public sector procurement and working alongside others who share the same values.

“These are two of the upcoming contracts we will be tendering for in the coming 18 months.

“Our frameworks provide suppliers across the UK the opportunity to partner with us to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the housing sector, as well as granting access to the highest-quality and most cost-effective solutions on the market.

“In addition, when using one of our frameworks, suppliers can be confident that they’re supporting social value projects across local communities.

“Now more than ever, we need robust frameworks, underpinned by professionalism, integrity, transparency, and a passion for both procurement and the public sector within which they operate.”

Previous reporting highlights demand for repairs

According to Places for People’s most recent annual report, 54,000 more repairs were carried out in 2023–24 than originally forecast.

This increase in demand preceded the launch of the new national repair contract and has been cited as one of the drivers behind the new framework’s development.

In a separate announcement, Fusion21 recently confirmed the supplier list for its £1.5 billion decarbonisation framework, another procurement programme under the new legislative regime.

Fire safety and housing repair frameworks launched under Procurement Act: Summary

Places for People has announced a £120 million fire safety framework.

It has also announced a £480 million planned and responsive repairs framework.

The repairs contract will run until 1 April 2030.

The frameworks will cover homes in England and Scotland, excluding the South East.

The fire safety procurement covers risk assessments, cladding design, cladding replacement, and fire systems.

Both contracts are being issued under the Procurement Act 2023.

The Act came into force in February 2025.

It aims to modernise and add flexibility to public procurement.

Alan Heron is director of procurement at Places for People.

He said the frameworks would create opportunities for suppliers and support social value in communities.

Heron added that robust, transparent frameworks are needed across the sector.

In 2023–24, 54,000 more repairs were carried out than expected.

This was reported in the company’s annual report.

Fusion21 has recently named suppliers on a separate £1.5 billion framework.

This decarbonisation framework also operates under the Procurement Act.

Sharjah building fire systems under inspection in summer readiness drive

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsSafety

Joint inspection campaign targets faulty fire alert systems

A large-scale inspection of building fire alarm systems has begun across Sharjah, according to local media reports.

The campaign is being carried out by Saned Facility Management in cooperation with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority.

According to local media, the initiative aims to identify faults in early warning systems using data collected from the Aman system, which links building fire alarms to emergency control rooms.

Saned Facility Management stated that the first stage of the programme focuses on properties flagged by the Aman system as having technical issues.

Building owners and managers are being contacted and advised to complete repairs through Civil Defence-approved maintenance providers.

The goal is to improve the response time to incidents and reduce the likelihood of property damage or casualties caused by fire.

Aman system used to pinpoint alert faults

The Aman system monitors connected fire alarms and transmits data to the General Directorate of Civil Defence and Saned’s operations centre.

This allows emergency teams to receive alerts immediately when a fire occurs and locate the source quickly.

The data also enables performance monitoring, allowing authorities to track trends and identify problems in early warning equipment.

The system is part of Sharjah’s broader effort to deploy digital tools for fire prevention across buildings and public infrastructure.

Saned said the campaign is ongoing and performance will be reviewed continuously, though no fixed end date has been announced.

Saned highlights importance of maintenance compliance

Eng. Hamid Al Zarouni, Managing Director at Saned Facility Management, said: “At Saned, we are committed to enhancing the efficiency of the public safety system in the Emirate of Sharjah through the early warning system ‘Aman,’ which stands as a top operational priority for us.

“It is considered one of the key pillars of the smart protection system implemented across buildings and facilities in Sharjah.

“The system plays a vital role in minimizing the risk and occurrence of fires by enabling rapid response from rescue and firefighting teams at the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, thereby helping to prevent human and material losses through early fire detection.”

Al Zarouni added: “Our ongoing partnership with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority reflects our commitment to supporting government efforts in promoting proactive prevention practices and achieving the highest standards of safety and readiness to protect lives and property.

“It also contributes to building a safe and sustainable environment in the Emirate of Sharjah.”

Long-term campaign to track improvements

The joint committee leading the campaign stated that inspections will continue without a fixed deadline.

Performance data gathered from the Aman system will be used to evaluate how quickly emergency teams respond to alarms and how effectively faults are being addressed.

Property owners are being encouraged to take responsibility for system upkeep by working with approved providers.

Al Zarouni said: “We urge property owners, developers, and management and operations companies to swiftly contract with qualified and approved service providers to carry out and continue preventive maintenance operations, ensuring the protection of lives and assets.”

Saned Facility Management is a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management Company, the investment body of the Sharjah Government.

Sharjah building fire systems under inspection in summer readiness drive: Summary

Saned Facility Management has launched a building inspection campaign in Sharjah.

The programme is being run in partnership with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority.

The inspections are informed by data from the Aman early warning system.

The Aman system connects fire alarms in buildings to control rooms at Civil Defence and Saned.

Properties with detected faults are being prioritised for review.

Property owners are being urged to use Civil Defence-approved providers for repairs.

Eng. Hamid Al Zarouni of Saned said the Aman system is central to Sharjah’s fire prevention strategy.

The campaign will continue without a fixed end date.

Performance data will be used to assess emergency response times and system effectiveness.

Saned Facility Management is owned by Sharjah Asset Management Company.

Dame Judith Hackitt talks the UK Building Safety Act and sector-wide competence issues

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsSafety

Failures at Grenfell reflected broader system breakdown

SFG20 has published an interview with Dame Judith Hackitt, former Chair of the Health and Safety Executive, focusing on the regulatory and cultural challenges facing the UK built environment.

The interview, released on 13 May 2025, reflects on sector-wide problems exposed by the Grenfell Tower fire and the systemic flaws identified in her 2018 independent review.

Dame Judith told SFG20 that the regulatory system was already known to be failing prior to the Grenfell tragedy and that poor safety practices were widespread across the industry.

She stated: “None of the specific findings associated with Grenfell that came out of the public inquiry should have come as a surprise to people, because I had identified six years before then that those things were happening.”

She added: “Grenfell was by no means a one-off, and neither was it just about cladding.”

Compliance with the Building Safety Act remains inconsistent

Responding to questions about the sector’s current state of readiness, Dame Judith said the response to the Building Safety Act was inconsistent.

She noted that while some organisations had actively embraced the Act, others were avoiding action by waiting for further direction.

She said: “I see lots of examples of people who have embraced it and are doing the right things.

“I also see a lot of people who are still playing ostrich.”

Dame Judith added that many dutyholders were unsure where to seek appropriate guidance, and that some were acting on poor advice or misapplying requirements.

Clear responsibilities for maintenance under new regulations

Dame Judith said the Act had brought clarity to previously fragmented lines of responsibility, particularly for maintenance teams.

She explained that under the new framework, there is now a statutory expectation for individuals and organisations to act responsibly.

She said: “What’s clear is there’s been no proper line of responsibility and accountability in the past, and what we’ve put in place is exactly that.”

She added that this was directly aligned with principles from the Health and Safety at Work Act, placing responsibility across all those involved in building management.

Building owners must understand and audit their assets

Asked what building owners should focus on in complying with the Act, Dame Judith said that a comprehensive understanding of the building is the starting point.

She noted that legacy buildings pose particular challenges due to a lack of recorded data.

She said: “One of the biggest challenges, of course, is that golden thread that I called for in all new buildings.”

She added: “Trying to fill those gaps to the best of your ability is the next, and then having the courage to go and look and find what problems there are.”

Building regulations guidance seen as overcomplicated

Dame Judith said that existing guidance documents had been overly prescriptive and fragmented.

She noted that Approved Documents were developed in silos, contributing to inconsistent understanding and implementation.

She said: “There is far too much prescription and not enough joining up of how all of those things are interdependent.”

Height-based definitions of high-risk buildings under review

Commenting on the current definition of ‘higher risk’ buildings, Dame Judith acknowledged that using building height as a primary metric was too simplistic.

She highlighted the need to consider use and occupancy characteristics.

She said: “What’s really interesting is how… people now start to think much more about buildings as complex systems than they did before.”

She added that different types of occupancy – such as care homes or student housing – brought different risk factors that should be reflected in regulation.

Sector-wide competence remains a critical concern

Dame Judith said that improving building safety depends heavily on the competence of those involved.

While competence frameworks have been developed, she said that uptake has been slow.

She said: “We know that this isn’t just about the guidance, but is also about a lack of overall competence throughout the sector.”

She added that while guidance is important, competence is needed to make effective judgments about safety.

Future outlook connects safety and quality

Looking ahead, Dame Judith expressed hope that safety and quality would become integrated objectives.

She compared the industry’s shift in mindset to earlier changes driven by the Health and Safety at Work Act.

She said: “Once people get over the ‘I don’t know what to do, I’m scared’… we’ll look back on this period and think, ‘Wow, not only did we build safer and better quality buildings, but our productivity went up at the same time’.”

Dame Judith Hackitt on UK Building Safety Act and sector-wide competence issues: Summary

SFG20 has interviewed Dame Judith Hackitt, former Chair of the Health and Safety Executive.

She said poor safety practices were common before the Grenfell Tower fire.

She explained that the Building Safety Act provides clearer accountability.

Dame Judith said some organisations have embraced the Act, while others are reluctant.

She noted that maintenance teams now have defined responsibilities.

She said building owners must understand the assets they manage.

She described current guidance as overly complex and fragmented.

Dame Judith stated that building height alone is not an adequate risk measure.

She said there is still a lack of competence across the sector.

She predicted a shift toward combining safety and quality in construction practices.

The full interview and Building Safety Act Checklist are available at SFG20’s website.

Class A2 fire rated vapour control system launched by Glidevale Protect

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsPassiveProductsSafety

Internal air and vapour control product targets UK high-rise market

Glidevale Protect has launched a Class A2 fire rated internal air and vapour control layer for use in internal walls, ceilings, and floors.

According to Glidevale Protect, the new Protect FrameFoil FR membrane and complementary Protect FR Foil sealing tape are designed to be used alongside its existing FrameSafe FR external breather membranes.

The company stated that the new system provides a fire rated, airtight, and thermally efficient solution for both residential and commercial buildings, especially those over 11 metres in height and covered by the Building Safety Act in the United Kingdom.

Designed for use across construction types

Glidevale Protect explained that the Protect FrameFoil FR system is suitable for internal application in steel, masonry, and timber-framed buildings.

It added that the system has been independently fire tested both as a free-hanging membrane and in application over A1 and A2 substrates, achieving a Class A2-s1, d0 reaction to fire rating.

According to the company, this rating exceeds the requirements of Building Regulations Approved Document B in England and Technical Guidance Document B in Ireland.

Contributes to thermal performance and airtightness

The company stated that Protect FrameFoil FR features a woven glass fibre construction with an aluminium foil surface.

Glidevale Protect reported that the membrane delivers an aged thermal resistance (R-value) of 0.64 m²K/W when used facing into a still air cavity.

It said this helps enhance thermal efficiency and overall building energy performance.

Product aimed at compliance and offsite efficiency

Glidevale Protect highlighted that the system is intended for use across traditional and offsite construction methods.

John Mellor, Head of Marketing at Glidevale Protect, said: “FrameFoil FR is another exciting addition to our fire rated solution offering, designed to meet the increasing demands of regulatory compliance and building performance as well as helping to deliver airtightness, vapour control and thermal efficiency.”

He continued: “Combined with our Class A2 fire rated external wall membranes, we can provide specifiers, contractors, and developers with a fully independently fire tested wall membrane system solution.”

Mellor added: “This can be installed across all development heights, helping to build healthy solutions with fire rated materials that can provide added reassurance for specification.”

Class A2 fire rated vapour control system launched by Glidevale Protect: Summary

Glidevale Protect has launched a new Class A2 fire rated internal air and vapour control layer called Protect FrameFoil FR.

The product is designed for internal walls, ceilings, and floors in multi-occupancy buildings.

It is intended for use in steel, masonry, and timber-framed structures.

Glidevale Protect has also introduced Protect FR Foil tape to seal membrane laps.

The system has achieved a Class A2-s1, d0 fire rating.

Fire tests were conducted with both free-hanging membranes and fixed system applications.

The company stated that this rating exceeds UK and Irish building regulation requirements.

The system includes a woven glass fibre structure and an aluminium foil surface.

It delivers an aged thermal resistance of 0.64 m²K/W.

It is designed to support airtightness and improve energy efficiency.

Glidevale Protect developed the solution for both offsite and traditional construction.

The product is aimed at supporting compliance with the Building Safety Act in the UK.

It is targeted for use in projects over 11 metres in height.

The product is part of a wider system including external wall membranes.

Glidevale Protect said it allows full wall membrane system specification with fire rated components.

Budget reform and skills development in UK construction

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Payment performance and pre-qualification in focus as Build UK marks 10 years

Build UK’s chief executive has said that payment performance and industry standards have improved during the trade body’s first decade.

According to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), Suzannah Nichol made the comments during a recent edition of the Behind the Built Environment podcast, hosted by BESA chief executive David Frise.

The podcast episode covered progress on average payment times, pre-qualification schemes, and construction competence since Build UK was launched in 2015.

Payment terms shorten and transparency improves

The Building Engineering Services Association reported that Build UK contractor members have reduced average payment terms from 45 days to 29 since benchmarking began.

Suzannah Nichol said: “We improved payment metrics…when we started benchmarking them. Transparency is key, when you put things in a league table, it starts to drive different behaviours.”

Nichol added that government enforcement of payment performance is increasing. Under current requirements, contractors must now pay 95% of invoices within 60 days to continue receiving public sector contracts.

She noted a shift in the tone of payment discussions since Build UK was founded: “They were very adversarial and now they’re much less combative.”

Retentions and refusal to work with late payers

According to the podcast, new reporting on retentions will soon be introduced. Companies will be required to disclose how much they are withholding.

Nichol said: “Then we’ll see where the money is sticking.”

She encouraged businesses to stop working with late payers: “I know it’s brave to say I’m not going to work for you, but at some point that is a business decision you make to work for somebody who is going to pay you or isn’t going to pay you. And we make it easy because we show you exactly what their payment terms are.”

Nichol told the podcast that BESA members “had more power to their elbow” than they may realise.

Pre-qualification scheme simplifies access

Nichol said Build UK introduced the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) to simplify pre-qualification, replacing 21 different schemes used in 2015.

She explained this has helped contractors prepare for compliance under the Building Safety Act.

She acknowledged however that many contractors still face challenges understanding their duties under the new legislation.

Nichol said: “I’m used to reading legislation, I understand hopefully quite a bit of this, and it [still] hurts my brain just trying to understand what the requirements are, what that looks like, how do you deliver it?”

She questioned the impact of long technical documents on the industry: “Why we think writing 90-page reports and giving [industry members] complicated legislation is going to change behaviour I’ve honestly got no idea.”

Addressing skills shortages through mentoring and training

Nichol told the podcast that skills development was a key area of work during Build UK’s first ten years.

She highlighted the ‘Open Doors’ programme as one of its top achievements.

She said: “We have so many jobs in construction that we find it difficult to explain in a 30-minute careers talk. And we know from our research that 88% of our visitors [to a site opened up to school, college and community groups] would then consider a career in construction.”

Nichol added that older workers should be supported to transition into teaching roles.

She said: “They’ve got to be the best people to inspire that next generation…by teaching the skills they have and talking about all the best parts of their work.”

According to BESA, its new Skills Legacy programme is intended to help address this issue.

The trade body said the scheme will train experienced engineers to become assessors, building safety auditors, and trainers.

The programme aims to place 100 engineers, with The Manly Trust funding the first 50 positions.

Budget reform and skills development in UK construction: Summary

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published a podcast interview with Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol.

Nichol said Build UK members had improved average payment times from 45 to 29 days.

She said contractors must now pay 95% of invoices within 60 days or lose access to public sector contracts.

Nichol said businesses would soon have to report on retention payments.

She urged contractors to stop working with late-paying clients.

Build UK introduced the Common Assessment Standard to reduce complexity in pre-qualification.

Nichol said the standard helps firms meet requirements under the Building Safety Act.

She said the complexity of safety legislation made compliance harder.

Nichol raised concern about the average reading age in the construction workforce.

She said Build UK’s ‘Open Doors’ initiative had encouraged more young people into the industry.

BESA’s new Skills Legacy programme will train older engineers to become assessors and trainers.

The Manly Trust is funding the initial phase of this scheme.

Engineering competence standard introduced for higher-risk UK buildings

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementFire EngineeringSafety

New UK standard targets engineering competence in higher-risk buildings

The Engineering Council has published a new standard to assess the competence and commitment of engineers and technicians working on higher-risk buildings in the UK.

According to the Engineering Council, the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB) was created in response to recommendations made in Dame Judith Hackitt’s review of building regulations and fire safety following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

The standard is based on the existing UK-SPEC but adapted for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of buildings defined as higher risk under the Building Safety Act.

Collaboration with professional institutions guided the development

The Engineering Council explained that UK-SPEC HRB was developed with input from professional engineering institutions and expert volunteers.

It stated that the standard is designed to support professional registration of those working on higher-risk buildings through an adapted assessment framework that includes discipline-specific annexes for fire, structural, façade and building services engineering.

At the launch, Engineering Council CEO Paul Bailey said: “We are very proud to be launching this new Standard today which presents a significant milestone in our continuing work with the professional engineering community to ensure public safety in the built environment.

“We hope the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire and the sad loss of 72 lives will never be seen again.”

Paul Bailey added: “UK-SPEC HRB will provide a means for those engineers and technicians working in the built environment, particularly on the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of higher-risk buildings, to become professionally registered.”

Paul Bailey further stated: “This is the first step however and it is our hope that UK-SPEC HRB is embraced and championed by the sector and the wider engineering profession, and that the Standard, and the Register of those individuals assessed against it, will support the continuing improvement of public safety across the sector.”

Fire discipline annex provides a route for registration

According to the Engineering Council, the standard includes a Fire Discipline Annex which outlines criteria aligned with the Building Safety Act.

Institution of Fire Engineers CEO Steve Hamm said: “The IFE is proud to support the launch of the Fire Discipline Annex to the UK-SPEC HRB.

“This marks a significant milestone in maintaining the highest standards of professional competence within the built environment, reflecting the growing complexity and scrutiny associated with higher-risk buildings.”

Steve Hamm added: “Fire engineering plays a crucial role across all sectors, and this annex offers a clear framework for practitioners to demonstrate their capability in line with the Building Safety Act.

“As the professional engineering institution licensed to assess against this standard, we remain committed to upholding public safety and promoting excellence across the profession, working alongside the Engineering Council and other institutions to contribute to safer, better-managed buildings.”

Emphasis placed on ethical conduct and sector-wide adoption

Dame Judith Hackitt, who chaired the 2018 Building a Safer Future review, delivered the keynote address at the launch of UK-SPEC HRB.

Dame Judith Hackitt said: “People who will uphold high standards of professional conduct themselves and call out those who undermine that in any way.”

Dame Judith Hackitt added: “This launch is very much the end of the beginning of the process.”

Dame Judith Hackitt further stated that institutions must now promote the standard and encourage its adoption throughout the sector.

HRB register aims to support housing safety ambitions

The Engineering Council said the HRB Register and the UK-SPEC HRB standard together create a mechanism to ensure engineers have the appropriate competence to work on higher-risk buildings.

In a statement, it said: “With the Government’s commitment to building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament which are of high quality, and safe now and in the future, we believe our HRB Register and UK-SPEC HRB is a key example of how this ambition can be achieved through a pipeline of suitably qualified professionals for the housing and construction market with the right skills.”

It added: “We welcome the professional engineers who have already achieved registration, and we are committed to building on this momentum.”

Standard structured to enable professional registration and revalidation

The Engineering Council confirmed that UK-SPEC HRB aligns with BS 8670 and outlines the required knowledge, behaviours and technical skills for safe practice in higher-risk buildings.

It explained that applicants can apply for Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer registration through UK-SPEC HRB, with assessment supported by relevant discipline annexes and five-year revalidation requirements.

The Engineering Council stated that individuals assessed against the HRB standard must demonstrate competence in five key areas: knowledge and understanding, problem-solving, leadership, communication, and professional commitment.

Formalised assessment routes available to new and current registrants

The Engineering Council outlined three routes to registration under UK-SPEC HRB.

It said that individuals already registered with the Engineering Council can apply for HRB recognition through a Professional Review process.

It added that those not currently registered may apply for both principal and HRB registration, or for HRB registration alone, depending on their qualifications and experience.

It explained that all applicants must submit documented evidence and participate in an interview to demonstrate how they meet the required standards.

Five-year revalidation process ensures competence is maintained

According to the Engineering Council, registrants must renew their HRB status at least every five years.

It stated that this process includes submitting a portfolio of evidence and may involve an interview to assess ongoing competence.

The Council confirmed that revalidation aligns with requirements in BS 8670 and recommendations from the Setting the Bar report, which identified the need for periodic reassessment of professional capability in higher-risk settings.

Engineering competence standard introduced for higher-risk UK buildings: Summary

The Engineering Council has published the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB).

This was developed in response to recommendations made in Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 review commissioned after the Grenfell Tower fire.

The standard is adapted from the UK-SPEC and applies to engineers working on the design, construction, maintenance and operation of higher-risk buildings.

It includes core and discipline-specific criteria and supports professional registration at three levels: Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer.

Dame Judith Hackitt called for wide adoption of the standard to uphold professional conduct in the sector.

The Institution of Fire Engineers supported the launch of the Fire Discipline Annex within the UK-SPEC HRB.

The Engineering Council said the HRB Register would help meet national housing safety targets.

Applicants can apply via professional review and must undergo revalidation every five years.

The standard references BS 8670 and is intended to support competence assurance across the built environment.

Johnson Controls celebrates 140 years in building systems and fire protection

by Building ManagementFeatured News

Johnson Controls marks milestone in building safety and HVAC innovation

Johnson Controls has marked its 140th anniversary, reflecting on the development of building systems since its founding in 1885.

According to Johnson Controls, the company introduced the first automatic sprinkler and room thermostat, and now provides integrated fire protection, security systems and building control technologies.

It stated that its current offerings support customers throughout the lifecycle of buildings, from data centres to hospitals, education to industrial facilities.

CEO statement on 140th anniversary and future direction

Johnson Controls Chief Executive Officer Joakim Weidemanis said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the company’s legacy and future development.

Joakim Weidemanis said: “This year marks a very special milestone for Johnson Controls, our 140th anniversary.

“And this anniversary is a chance for us to reflect on our journey.

“We are humbled by and grateful for those who came before us and feel the responsibility to forge ahead, accelerate solving our customers’ problems, and find new and better ways to advance technologies to make a difference.”

Joakim Weidemanis added: “It’s no doubt the secret to our longstanding success is our talented teams around the world and I thank our employees, customers and partners for their role in helping us reach this exciting milestone.

“As we celebrate what we’ve accomplished, we’re also excited about the future. We feel like we have just gotten started.

“We are ready to accelerate our technology-based innovation and continuous improvement together with our customers to keep transforming our industry for the next 140 years.”

Fire protection and building technology across sectors

Johnson Controls reported that it delivers equipment and services to more than four million customers globally.

It stated that its offering spans heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fire safety, security, and building automation.

The company said its portfolio is supported by digital capabilities, including internet of things integration, AI-based monitoring, and real-time data analysis.

Historical brand development and continued investment

Johnson Controls stated that some parts of its business, including the Grinnell and York brands, have histories extending beyond 150 years.

It added that the group holds nearly 8,000 patents and has invested billions of dollars in research and development in recent years.

The company noted that it delivers services from original design and engineering through to installation, maintenance, and upgrade of systems.

Johnson Controls celebrates 140 years in building systems and fire protection: Summary

Johnson Controls has announced its 140th anniversary.

The company was founded in 1885.

It developed the first automatic sprinkler and room thermostat.

It currently supplies building technologies including HVAC, fire protection and security.

Its systems are used in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and education.

Joakim Weidemanis is Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Controls.

He said the company is focused on technology innovation and supporting customer needs.

Johnson Controls serves more than four million customers globally.

Its portfolio includes internet of things integration and real-time analytics.

It holds nearly 8,000 patents.

Parts of the company, including Grinnell and York, are over 150 years old.

Johnson Controls stated that it supports buildings through the full lifecycle, including installation and upgrade.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2: Scottish Government outlines building and fire safety reforms

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsSafety

Scottish Government responds to Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report

The Scottish Government has accepted all applicable recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.

As reported by the Scottish Government, the response outlines measures to improve building standards, strengthen fire safety systems, and ensure competence across construction professions in Scotland.

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 caused 72 deaths and triggered a wide-ranging public inquiry into the roles of government, regulators, contractors and fire services.

Eight policy themes guide government’s reforms

The Ministerial Working Group on Grenfell, established in advance of the Phase 2 report’s publication, organised the recommendations into eight themes.

These cover regulation and systems, government restructuring, fire tests and product certification, design competence, firefighting, resilience, assorted matters and additional housing issues.

The Scottish Government’s response accepts the 58 recommendations where they apply to devolved matters and outlines a framework for working with the UK Government on reserved areas.

Newlegislation to improve building compliance and enforcement

The Scottish Government intends to introduce legislation following consultation to reinforce the building standards system.

Plans include a new compliance plan manager role, stronger enforcement powers and sanctions, and an expanded certification framework.

The Building Standards Futures Board will oversee implementation of these changes and continue its reform programme.

Fire safety campaign to target high-rise domestic buildings

A national fire safety awareness campaign will run through 2025 across high-rise buildings.

The campaign will focus on supporting vulnerable people with evacuation guidance and will promote Home Fire Safety Visits by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The campaign is part of efforts to implement Inquiry Recommendation 57 and increase public knowledge on fire safety practices.

Training and competence in fire risk assessment to be strengthened

The Scottish Government will bring forward legislation to mandate accreditation for fire risk assessors, following a public consultation.

At present, there is no legal requirement for formal qualifications in Scotland.

This response addresses Recommendation 26, which highlights a lack of oversight and accreditation that contributed to failings at Grenfell Tower.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to support digital transition and inspections

SFRS is replacing analogue radios with digital models and reviewing training and operations control.

HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland will conduct thematic inspections on incident command and control rooms, in line with Inquiry Recommendations 31 to 33.

The rollout of digital radios started in 2024 and is expected to complete in 2025.

Competency standards for fire engineers and architects under review

Scotland supports UK-wide action to regulate fire engineers and improve education for architects.

The government will engage with the UK Government and professional bodies to define competencies and expand access to fire engineering degree programmes.

Scotland is also reviewing continuing professional development requirements for designers and fire service personnel.

Personal emergency evacuation planning under consideration

The Scottish Government supports Recommendation 57 in principle and will explore the introduction of person-centred risk assessments or evacuation plans.

A 2025 campaign will share updated fire safety toolkits with factors, landlords and residents’ associations.

Further steps may follow the Scottish Law Commission’s 2026 recommendations on mandatory homeowners’ associations.

New protocols for firefighting equipment and water supply

SFRS will continue its review of fireground communication equipment, including radios and hydrant systems.

Existing protocols with Scottish Water will also be assessed to ensure adequate water pressure and access in emergencies.

Operational learning from incidents will remain a focus of internal reviews and assurance visits.

Greater integration of resilience planning with voluntary and community sectors

The Scottish Government will review resilience doctrine and guidance during 2025–2026.

Planned updates aim to clarify roles of Category 1 responders and strengthen partnerships with local authorities and community groups.

Training and learning needs will be identified through consultation to support future resilience capability.

Future work includes review of Section 2 (Fire) of the Technical Handbooks

Scottish Ministers will launch a Call for Evidence to review Section 2 (Fire) of the Building Standards Technical Handbooks.

The review will address standards for cladding, compartmentation and evacuation strategy for high-risk buildings.

Findings from the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report will inform this process alongside planned updates to the Scottish Advice Note on external walls.

Collaboration with UK Government on reserved matters

The Scottish Government confirmed it will work with the UK Government on matters such as construction product regulation, fire engineer licensure and contractor accreditation.

The UK Government’s Construction Products Reform Green Paper, published in February 2025, will inform the Scottish approach to product safety.

Scotland supports developing a shared product information library and single construction regulator across the UK.

Commitment to a culture of competence and regulation

Scottish Ministers will continue work on competence assessment for building professionals, including an independent evaluation scheme by 2027.

Engagement with the construction sector and public bodies will help ensure that regulatory changes are practical and enforceable.

Training, certification and clear accountability remain priorities for long-term system reform.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2: Scottish Government outlines building and fire safety reforms: Summary

The Scottish Government has published its official response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.

The government accepts all recommendations relevant to Scotland and outlines actions across eight policy themes.

Key reforms include planned legislation to strengthen the building standards system, enforce compliance, and improve fire risk assessment.

SFRS will support these actions with training, inspections and a new fire safety awareness campaign in 2025.

Legislation on new roles such as the Compliance Plan Manager and mandatory accreditation of fire risk assessors will be introduced following consultation.

The Scottish Government will also continue collaboration with the UK Government on reserved matters, including regulation of fire engineers and construction product safety.

A review of the fire standards within Section 2 of the Building Standards Technical Handbooks will be launched, with a call for evidence to be issued in 2025.

Further reforms will focus on competence, enforcement, resilience planning and support for vulnerable residents in high-rise buildings.

Government funding for Waking Watch Replacement Fund extended to 2026

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsSafety

Government announces additional £21.1m for alarm system installation in England

The Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 has been extended until March 2026, with the government allocating an additional £21.1m to support the installation of common fire alarm systems.

According to a report by Inside Housing, the original £20.6m fund, launched in May 2023, has now more than doubled in value to over £41m.

The funding is aimed at replacing temporary waking watch arrangements in residential buildings in England.

All residential buildings in England with a waking watch in place are eligible, regardless of who is paying for the current watch.

The scheme will not cover any work that began before 25 May 2023.

Alarm systems to comply with BS 5839-1 Category L5 standard

The government’s guidance recommends that installed alarm systems should generally be designed in accordance with BS 5839-1 as a Category L5 system.

The fund follows National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance for buildings switching from a ‘Stay Put’ to a ‘Simultaneous Evacuation’ fire strategy.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities stated that waking watches are “impracticable for a long-term solution and should only be a short-term measure”.

Sector voices welcome fund extension with caution on remediation delays

Benjamin Ralph, head of building and fire safety at consultancy Hollis, commented on the announcement: “The new extended fund will help the move from the costly waking watch towards more reliable and automated detection and alarm systems.

“But these systems must not be seen as an excuse to extend the time it takes to carry out cladding remediation services. This should not be seen as a low-cost alternative to protect residents; work must still be carried out in a reasonable time frame.”

Concerns remain over cost burden and use of temporary fire safety patrols

The cost of maintaining a waking watch has placed a financial strain on many residents.

Inside Housing reported that some individuals faced bills of more than £800 a month for the service.

Research highlighted that thousands of waking watches remained in place for extended periods due to limited funding and guidance on permanent safety upgrades.

The NFCC previously described waking watches as “the least reliable” and “most resource intensive” option for fire detection and response.

Government funding for Waking Watch Replacement Fund extended to 2026: Summary

The Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 has been extended by the UK government until March 2026.

An additional £21.1m has been allocated, bringing the total funding to more than £41m.

The fund supports the installation of common alarm systems in residential buildings in England with waking watch measures in place.

The recommended standard for these systems is BS 5839-1 Category L5.

Only projects that began on or after 25 May 2023 are eligible for funding.

The funding applies regardless of who pays for the existing waking watch.

The NFCC advises against long-term use of waking watches, which have been described as unreliable and expensive.

Research by Inside Housing shows waking watches remained in place for years due to funding and policy gaps.

Residents have faced high personal costs for these services, sometimes exceeding £800 per month.

The fund is administered centrally by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

UK fire minister outlines building safety and fire reform plans in committee session

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety
Photo Credit: By Jessica Taylor – https://members.parliament.uk/member/4641/portrait, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151457483

UK government responds to Grenfell inquiry recommendations

The UK’s new fire minister has set out the government’s approach to building safety and fire policy reform in a wide-ranging session before the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.

As reported by the UK Parliament’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Fire Minister Alex Norris MP appeared alongside Ben Llewellyn, interim Director General for Buildings, Resilience and Fire, and Catherine Adams, Director of Building Systems and Insight, to answer questions about the government’s progress in response to the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry.

Norris confirmed that remediation of unsafe buildings remains a core priority, alongside regulatory reform, resident engagement, and improved fire sector governance.

The government is also bringing forward new legislation, including mandatory personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for high-rise residential buildings and construction product reform.

Remediation timelines and enforcement measures

The government has set a target to complete remediation of high-rise residential buildings with unsafe cladding by 2029.

Norris said the current pace represents an improvement from the trajectory he inherited, which would have pushed completion into the 2040s.

He stated: “We are now getting to a phase where those buildings are being done not by the end of the decade, which is the target, but much sooner than that.”

He said enforcement will play a larger role moving forward and noted that building owners are already legally responsible for safety.

Future primary legislation may include backstop powers to compel action.

He added that legislation would simplify enforcement processes and expand data requirements for 11–18 metre buildings.

Oversight, transparency and national mechanisms

The government will publish quarterly updates on Grenfell recommendations on gov.uk and provide an annual update to Parliament.

Norris said: “It will be done recommendation by recommendation: ‘Here’s what we’re doing. Here’s our progress. Here’s what is going to happen next.’”

While a public tracker will be available, the Fire Minister said the decision on a formal national oversight mechanism remains under review by the Cabinet Office.

He also confirmed that the ministerial tracker in use internally will reflect what is published publicly and acknowledged calls from bereaved families for more transparent engagement.

Engagement with Grenfell bereaved and leaseholders

The government is maintaining contact with Grenfell survivors and bereaved families, including those based overseas.

Norris said: “We will meet in the evening, in the day and on weekends, because we want to hear those voices.”

On the decision to deconstruct Grenfell Tower, Norris said: “I believe strongly, in my heart of hearts, that the answer is yes [they were consulted].

However, if a single person says we failed, that matters much more than what I think.”

Norris also confirmed he meets regularly with End Our Cladding Scandal and is reviewing the implications for non-qualifying leaseholders affected by non-cladding defects.

Social housing voice and regulation

Improving the voice of social housing tenants was highlighted as a central concern.

The government is continuing its Four Million Homes campaign and expanding the Regulator of Social Housing’s remit.

Norris said: “If you do not know what those rights are and how to exercise them, how can you drive change?”

He acknowledged that social tenants often feel unheard and that complaints are not resolved promptly.

The government’s aim is to reduce the need for escalation by improving local resolution mechanisms.

Fire services governance and cultural change

Responsibility for fire policy has been transferred from the Home Office to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Norris now leads fire reform and confirmed plans for an independent college of fire and rescue.

He said the college will support research, training and cultural change.

He added: “Culture will be top of my inbox,” referencing findings from the Home Affairs Committee about bullying and harassment in fire services.

The government will continue working with the inspectorate and maintain a memorandum of understanding with HMICFRS.

New construction regulator and regulation reform

Plans for a single national construction regulator are advancing.

The Fire Minister confirmed that a prospectus will be published in autumn 2025 and legislation will follow.

Dame Judith Hackitt will chair an independent panel on building control reform.

Norris said: “There has been too much fragmentation, which has led to a lack of accountability.”

He said the regulator will have a “maximalist” remit but that product testing and certification may sit outside the regulator to avoid conflicts of interest.

Capacity, planning and workforce development

The government will launch trailblazer programmes and support professional development for fire and building safety roles, including a new chief resilience officer model.

Norris acknowledged workforce gaps and said building control faces future challenges if recruitment does not increase.

He confirmed additional funding is being given to the Building Safety Regulator and local resilience forums.

He said the government’s target of 1.5 million homes will not be compromised by safety efforts: “This is not seen as a trade-off, negotiation or bargain.”

UK fire minister outlines building safety and fire reform plans in committee session: Summary

Alex Norris MP has set out the UK government’s position on building safety, fire governance and Grenfell-related reforms in evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.

Remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding is targeted for completion by 2029.

Quarterly updates will be published publicly.

The Cabinet Office is reviewing whether to implement a national oversight mechanism.

New regulations on personal evacuation plans will be introduced by mid-2025.

A single construction regulator will be created following a public prospectus in autumn 2025. Legislation will follow.

The government will also move forward with construction product reform.

Fire responsibilities have transferred to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

An independent college of fire and rescue will be established.

The government confirmed plans to improve tenant voice and regulatory oversight.

The Regulator of Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman will continue to be monitored.

Support for building control capacity, fire reform, and resilience planning will be increased.

Trailblazer funding and professional roles such as chief resilience officers will be tested.

The Building Safety Regulator and Homes England are receiving additional funding to accelerate enforcement and approval processes.