MHCLG consults on fire protection rules for telecoms work in buildings

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassiveSafety

MHCLG: Fire protection and building control dispensations

A government consultation proposes streamlined building control procedures for certain telecommunications work while retaining fire protection requirements.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has opened a consultation on dispensations covering drilling holes through internal fire-resisting walls for fibre optic cabling and work to mobile communications masts.

The proposals focus on work to existing buildings, including existing higher-risk buildings, and also seek views on approval routes for fibre optic work in buildings outside the higher-risk regime.

The consultation document describes the higher-risk building control regime introduced in October 2023 and defines higher-risk buildings as buildings containing at least 2 residential units, care homes and hospitals that meet the 18 metre or seven storey height threshold.

How the higher-risk process would change

The consultation outlines that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is the sole building control authority for higher-risk building work in England.

For fibre optic cabling in existing higher-risk buildings, the proposal is to dispense with procedural requirements linked to gateway two, requirements during construction and gateway three, so work could proceed without applications to, or approval from, the BSR.

A condition under consideration is written notification to the BSR once the work is completed, alongside retaining a handover of accessible digital information covering how the work complies with parts B, F, L and O of Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 2010.

For fibre optic cabling in existing buildings outside the higher-risk regime, the proposal is to dispense with procedural requirements related to giving a building control notice or submitting full plans, with a completion notification to the relevant building control authority also under consideration.

For mobile communications masts on existing higher-risk buildings, the proposal is to dispense with gateway two and construction-stage procedural requirements, while retaining gateway three checks including the need to apply for, and obtain, a completion certificate from the BSR.

Across the proposals, conditions under consideration include limits on hole size, fire-stopping requirements, product safety standards, time limits between start and completion and requirements for relevant qualifications, with the Principal Contractor identified as the party responsible for ensuring conditions are met.

Consultation dates and response route

The consultation runs from 27 January to 24 March 2026 and invites evidence and views on scope, conditions, enforcement and whether competent person schemes could be appropriate in future for the types of work covered.

Responses can be submitted via an online survey or by emailing buildingregulationsconsultation@communities.gov.uk, with respondents asked to confirm whether they are replying as an individual or on behalf of an organisation and to include contact details.

Stronger testing for safer buildings: SOCOTEC integrates UKTC fire testing to close compliance gaps

by Breaking NewsConstructionPassive

Following the recent acquisition of UKTC, SOCOTEC UK CEO Matthew Marriott discusses the integration of testing and engineering expertise across the building lifecycle

Can you introduce yourself and your role at SOCOTEC and what the company does in the fire and safety sector?

I originally qualified as a mechanical engineer and spent 12 years in high volume manufacture predominantly for the automotive industry – which gave me a great background in process engineering and driving continuous improvement.

From there, I spent 15 years in the elevator business starting in construction and service roles within the UK, before heading up field operations globally operating in over 150 countries.

More recently, my career has taken me to the Fire and Security sectors.

My passion is to ensure we can robustly deliver and exceed our customer requirements, while continuing to grow our team of over 2000 experts, setting the standard in all markets we operate within.

As CEO at SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, my main objective is to lead this fantastic business in the next stage of its journey, with a key focus on growing our market share organically through delivering exception service to our customer.

To do this, we look to continually make operational improvements, which, in turn, allows us to spend more time on meeting the requirements of our customers.

We also strive to make SOCOTEC the best possible employer to work for – something we were officially certified for in 2025, through the Great Place To Work® benchmark, as a result of our employee feedback.

Specific achievements we were particularly proud of, was being recognised as one of The Sunday Times Top 100 Employers for our Apprenticeship Programme, as well as ranking on the Financial Times’ FT-Statista 2026 Diversity Leaders list, which saw us recognised for our diversity and inclusion practices.

Additionally, we are focusing on a series of finer strategic acquisitions that will enable us to provide our customers with a more comprehensive offering, that will ultimately enable us to support them in managing their building or infrastructure asset through its lifecycle, working with them at every stage to ensure compliance is met, as well as maximising the performance and future potential.

The breadth of service we offer in relation to fire engineering and fire safety is really quite unique.

We provide complete range of services that can impact an asset at any part of its life cycle.

Whether at the early stages of a building or infrastructure project, through to the ongoing operations of the asset, and upgrades/refurbishments we cover fire and façade design and engineering, fire strategies, fire risk assessment, passive fire protection compliance, expert witness, building control compliance and consultancy, there is something for every single point of the asset’s lifecycle.

Now, in addition to the above, we can provide our customers with not only desktop and engineering advice related to the performance but also product testing for resistance to fire, reaction to fire and smoke leakage.

And ultimately gives compliance to our unique certification process.

What made UKTC the right fit for SOCOTEC and where did its strengths stand out?

Over the last couple of years, we have significantly grown our fire engineering capability.

As part of this, we are often asked if we can provide physical testing of products – which traditionally we have had to outsource.

Fast-forward to the present day, and our acquisition of UKTC now enables us to provide this service in-house giving us an incredibly unique service offering.

We had previously considered developing this ourselves, however, when we met the UKTC team, we saw their passion for the business, their desire to grow while continuing to deliver an exceptional service to their customer and knew this would be a great fit with SOCOTEC.

What new capabilities does UKTC bring to SOCOTEC’s existing fire safety offering?

The key capabilities UKTC adds to our existing offering is the physical testing of products that previously we would only have been able to do either through a third party or through a desktop engineering exercise.

In November, UKTC broke ground on a multi-million pound expansion set to create around 20 new jobs, which is incredibly exciting for us.

The team in East Kilbride is vastly knowledgeable and talented, so expanding the facilities to meet the increased demand for fire testing services at the site was the logical next step forward to help the continued growth of UKTC, and provide the best service possible to its customers across the UK and Europe.

The planned extension will be completed in 2026, and will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace.

How does UKTC’s laboratory testing link to day-to-day building safety compliance?

A real-world example for instance would be fire doors, that are a critical part of ensuring people’s safety in a building.

UKTC is able to test these doors in real-life surroundings and configurations, such as glazed panels to ensure they meet the required standard and will work as they should if there was to be a fire.

We are all aware of the attention that has been given to the performance of different materials during fire and how these materials can perform differently when combined with others.

The ability of our fire labs to do real world testing of these materials, allows us to confirm if they will meet the required standard and ultimately help to keep people safe.

How will clients benefit from the combined knowledge and services of both divisions?

The Fire Engineering team is actively engaged in several research studies with universities, leveraging their practical expertise to support and sponsor work mainly focused on machine learning applications in CFD and the fire behaviour of façade systems.

These initiatives aim to enhance industry knowledge and promote the development of science-based design approaches.

Access to the UKTC testing facilities will further strengthen these collaborations by supporting both ongoing and future research.

It also presents opportunities for the External Wall Fire Engineering team to develop bespoke testing solutions for complex projects, enabling more robust assessment and mitigation of rapid fire spread risks over external walls.

What does lifecycle fire testing look like in practice for different types of buildings?

Across the building lifecycle refers to initial design right through to remediation or refurbishment to extend the life of the asset and everything in between.

Pre-build, we will test doors and partitions to ensure they meet the requirements of a new build.

At the other end of the cycle, we can test how new products, attached to old will react in a fire.

We deal with many historical buildings.

particularly through our Building Pathology division, the stakeholders of these buildings don’t want to be replacing all their doors for a modern equivalent.

Through sample testing, we are able to give confidence that the existing doors will act as required in the case of a fire.

What are the key findings from UKTC’s recent whitepaper on issues within the construction sector?

UKTC carried out a comprehensive survey of fire safety professionals which revealed significant shortcomings in current third-party certification schemes, with 60% of respondents reporting issues with their existing providers and 82% demanding greater transparency in certification processes.

The release of this whitepaper highlights several concerning shortcomings in the third-party certification market at present.

There’s a clear requirement for radical change, and we look forward to seeing UKTC ensure® have a real positive change on the sector.

How is SOCOTEC preparing to support clients in meeting newer, stricter fire safety regulations?

SOCOTEC’s Fire Engineering team is proactively investing in technical excellence to support clients in meeting the evolution of more stringent fire safety regulations.

To achieve this, our team have continuous professional development (CPD) embedded into staff performance targets and supported through mandatory weekly sessions.

These focus on, but are not limited to, technical updates, emerging fire engineering topics and lessons learned workshops.

To help stay in the know we maintain corporate membership with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), with all engineers registered at appropriate grades.

Our engineers are also actively involved in several key industry committees, including the IFE London Branch, SFPE UK, NFPA 101A, ISO/TC92/SC4, and BSI FSH/24, which allows us to contribute to the advancement of fire safety standards.

A robust technical workflow is in place, requiring all deliverables to undergo independent technical review by a Senior Fire Engineer not involved in the original design.

For complex projects or cases of differing technical opinion, matters are escalated to a dedicated Technical Committee for resolution and peer review.

Alongside this, in response to new duty holder responsibilities under the Building Safety Act, the team has expanded its capability by appointing a Fire Systems Specialist and a Fire Testing Consultant.

These roles specifically support Principal Designers and Contractors in reviewing fire-related design submissions that may impact the overall fire strategy.

Looking ahead, do you see SOCOTEC making further investments in fire testing and building compliance?

This is absolutely a key area for us to continue investing in the right strategic acquisitions and organic growth.

We are always on the lookout for great individuals that want to join a rapidly growing team of experts, who are not only working on exciting projects in the built environment but are also working on some very interesting research projects to keep us at the forefront of fire practice, which ultimately allows us to provide forward-thinking fire guidance to our customers.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Building Safety Regulator becomes standalone body in Gateway 2 reform milestone

by ConstructionFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Gateway 2 framework and transition to standalone status

The Building Safety Regulator officially became a standalone organisation on 27 January 2026, marking a structural shift in the delivery of Gateway 2 building control oversight.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), previously part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), transitioned to an arm’s-length public body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, paving the way for the creation of a single construction regulator as recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The regulator was established in 2021 following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, with full statutory powers introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022.

The move formalises a broader mandate that extends beyond high-rise buildings to include responsibility for safety standards across all buildings in England.

The transition follows what BSR described as an operational reset in its role as the building control authority for higher-risk buildings, supported by the introduction of its Innovation Unit and new efficiency measures.

These changes were positioned as part of efforts to improve operational delivery, target regulatory guidance and support competence development across the construction sector.

Regulatory mission, leadership and sector response

Lord Roe, Chair of BSR, said: “Today is a decisive and important step in strengthening building safety and a milestone that marks our evolution into a standalone regulator.

“While the creation of BSR in 2021 was a watershed moment, today is about looking forward to a single construction regulator that brings coherence to a once-fragmented system.

“We will know we are successful when residents acknowledge we have made the built environment safer.

“Today is about continuing to support homes being built safely while fulfilling our primary mission: ensuring we are all building better and living safer, together.”

Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BSR, said: “Today is a significant new chapter for BSR, with a clear signal that while we must continue to focus on improving our operational delivery for both new build homes and occupied HRBs, our mandate extends far beyond high-rise oversight to a broader responsibility for safety and standards across buildings in England.

“By driving professional competence and refining regulatory guidance, we can ensure a holistic approach that spans from initial design through to lifelong building management.

“Our commitment to robust enforcement and cultural transformation serves a single, vital purpose in 2026 and beyond – restoring resident confidence and trust in the built environment.”

Samantha Dixon, Building Safety Minister, said: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe home and we are determined to deliver lasting change to make this a reality.

“The Building Safety Regulator sits at the heart of this mission, and today launching a new body is an important step in realising sector wide reform.

“I look forward to working with the new leadership team on our journey towards the Single Construction Regulator.”

Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair of Mace Group and Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, said: “Over the last twelve months we’ve seen a very tangible shift in how BSR has worked with the Construction Leadership Council and developers across the country, and the result has been a more effective process, enabling safer buildings to be commissioned and delivered faster.

“The UK needs confidence that the construction industry, the regulator and government are all working together to deliver new and safe housing at scale – and I believe this moment marks a major step forward on that journey.

“As an independent body and working under the leadership of Charlie and Andy I have no doubt we’ll see more positive progress during 2026.”

The transition formalises BSR’s independence and establishes its governance framework as the regulator works toward the development of a single construction regulator model.

Regulatory role and standalone status

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlined the regulatory framework and operational changes following the transition to standalone status.

The HSE described the Building Safety Regulator as the national regulator responsible for improving the safety and standards of all buildings in England, established in 2021 following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, with full statutory powers introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022.

From 27 January 2026, BSR operates as a stand-alone executive non-departmental public body sponsored by MHCLG, with governance and accountability formalised while day-to-day regulatory activity continues.

The framework includes responsibility for regulating higher-risk residential buildings over 18 metres or seven storeys across design, construction and occupation through a three-stage gateway approval process.

BSR also acts as the building control authority for all higher-risk buildings, including hospitals and care homes, and oversees the performance of local authority and private sector building control bodies.

Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Building Safety Regulator, said: “This month marks a significant new chapter for BSR as a standalone body, with the knowledge that our new processes are driving improvements – evidenced by the fact we recently made the most decisions in our operating history.

“We are determined to build on this momentum by launching a Remediation Improvement Plan to tackle complex remediation cases and streamline resources.

“We will also be engaging even more closely with applicants to help improve the quality of new build HRB applications.

“By driving these improvements, we can ensure we keep essential construction projects being built, while upholding the critical safety standards that protect residents in both new and existing homes.”

Gateway 2 decisions and application volumes

The Building Safety Regulator published new building control approval data covering November 2025 to January 2026.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) recorded 698 Gateway 2 decisions across all application types in the 12 weeks to 24 January 2026.

Live applications across all categories totalled 1,159.

The final quarter of 2025 recorded 673 decisions by 31 December, compared with just over 200 in early 2025.

Across all Gateway 2 categories, 68% of decisions related to London cases, totalling 476 decisions in the capital since November.

In the 12 weeks to 24 January, 97 Gateway 2 new build applications received decisions and 99 new build applications were submitted.

New build applications represented 19,600 residential units.

Decisions were issued for 19,914 units, including 11,962 approvals.

Live cases represented 37,065 residential units.

Legacy, remediation and Innovation Unit performance

The update set out volumes and decision outcomes for legacy applications, remediation cases and the BSR Innovation Unit alongside new build activity.

Since November, 52 decisions were made on outstanding legacy cases inherited under the previous model, with 29 in London.

The approval rate for historic applications viable to receive a decision reached 87%.

The remaining 29 complex legacy cases were under assessment to determine whether continued resources were warranted or whether rejection and resubmission would be required.

Since 3 November 2025, 75 remediation decisions were issued and 73 new remediation cases were received.

Live remediation cases totalled 286, representing 24,949 units.

A batching pilot delivered 12 decisions, with a Remediation Improvement Plan scheduled to launch in the coming weeks to address application quality and streamline internal resources.

In the past 12 weeks, the BSR Innovation Unit (IU) recorded 39 decisions, with 27 in London.

The IU managed 111 live new build applications representing 25,226 units, including 61 in the capital.

Of cases progressing beyond validation, 30% were approved and 41% were rejected.

Initial validation failure rates reached 56%, linked to missing basic design information.

Industry reaction on Gateway 2 evidence and digital records

Rob Norton, UK Director at PlanRadar, said: “The BSR becoming a standalone body corporate is the final nail in the coffin for ‘analogue’ site management.

“For years, the industry has treated documentation as a post-script, something to be tidied up at the end of a project.

“Those days are over.

“An independent regulator, equipped with its own board and a dedicated enforcement mandate, isn’t going to accept a ring-binder full of blurred photos and missing signatures as proof of safety.

“The real challenge for Gateway 2 and 3 isn’t the regulations themselves, it’s the evidence.

“We are currently seeing a massive disconnect between on-site reality and regulatory reporting, which is the single biggest factor behind the Gateway delays currently stalling UK construction.

“If the BSR is to succeed in clearing these backlogs as an independent entity, it requires high-quality, tamper-proof digital data.

“Without a robust ‘Golden Thread,’ developers are essentially playing Russian Roulette with their completion certificates.

“This independence should be a wake-up call.

“The BSR now has the autonomy to set a higher bar for digital competence.

“We can’t expect to build the next generation of high-rise homes using the record-keeping standards of the 1990s.

“It’s time for the industry to stop viewing digital tools as an ‘extra’ and start seeing them as the only way to stay on the right side of an empowered regulator.”

Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “Data published by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in the past few months has spoken for itself.

“While more building control approval decisions are being made thanks to the new Innovation Unit, the speed of decision-making, specifically for remediation applications, must improve.

“Establishing the BSR as an independent organisation is certainly an important step toward unifying and simplifying how construction is regulated.

“It shows the industry is being listened to in the same way the BSR’s process adaptations did last year.

“That said, the BSR cannot afford to take its foot off the gas.

“Its new caseload is growing and construction’s residential market particularly would benefit from a slicker regulatory system sooner rather than later.

“Both private and public sector housing output has slowed and fewer approval holdups would go a long way to speed up project starts and the economic value they can deliver.”

Standards before shortcuts: How Global HSE Group is reshaping fire engineering competency

by Breaking NewsConstructionIFSJ ExclusivesMiddle East - Breaking NewsSafety

Andrew Cooper, Managing Director at Global HSE Group, outlines competency-led fire engineering, façade assessment programmes and the training pathways supporting safer, resilient buildings

Training and competency development sit at the heart of our consultancy work and form a key part of the Global HSE Group story, shaping how we serve clients and how we build internal capability.

Competency has become one of the defining issues in modern fire engineering and façade safety.

As regulatory expectations rise across the UK and internationally, the sector faces growing demand for professionals who can pair technical capability with sound judgement, consistent methodology and a clear understanding of risk.

Not just consultancy, everything we do is about improving standards of work and competency across the industry.

We place structured learning at the centre of our approach as a way to support consistent standards across projects.

We focus strongly on raising those standards through the Level 4 Fire Safety Design qualification, which supports professionals working in complex and high-risk environments.

Further programmes will follow as we build on this foundation.

On the façade side, our team in the UK has developed a high level of competency and that expertise creates clear opportunities to share knowledge into other markets, including the Middle East.

Competency is no longer a background requirement.

It is critical for building safety outcomes.

The Building Safety Act, PAS 9980 and the Scottish Single Building Assessment framework have placed façade performance under close scrutiny.

In Scotland, the introduction of the Single Building Assessment process has reinforced the need for consistent methodology, clear documentation and defensible professional judgement.

Current industry demand reflects this focus, as we are heavily engaged in single building assessments and Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEWs).

One ambition is to recruit within the region so that capability grows locally as well as through visiting teams, allowing us to blend regional presence with targeted support.

Where travel makes sense we can bring our specialists into the Middle East and, where regional talent is available, we want to build capacity on the ground so the flow of expertise runs in both directions.

Façades have become a major part of our workload because of legislative change and rising expectations across the UK construction and housing sectors and our teams now deliver FRAEWs in line with the Building Safety Act and single building assessments within the Scottish framework.

Demand continues to increase and we see that trend extending across the next three to five years as building owners look for consistent and reliable guidance.

We currently lead many of these programmes across London and Scotland and plan to expand our team as the volume of projects grows, supported by professional indemnity cover for assessment, design and remediation activities that enables us to manage full façade lifecycles.

The insights from these projects carry direct relevance for other regions, including the UAE, where façade performance and cladding issues feature as part of a wider set of sector concerns.

Developing the Global Academy

Our training arm division, Global Academy, began as an internal vehicle to give our staff a clear route to the competency levels we expect across every division and over time we recognised the scale of the need for structured learning at Level 2 and Level 3, along with formal qualifications that match real roles in the field.

In response we are extending Global Academy into Level 2 pathways and establishing Global Skills Academy as part of our learning ecosystem.

The aim is to develop multi-skilled people across the fire sector trades, with joiners, technicians, passive fire specialists and fire door practitioners gaining a broader set of abilities rather than working within narrow task bands.

Many individuals currently work in isolation from adjacent trades, and qualification frameworks often fail to reflect the realities of modern passive fire installation or inspection.

For now, this training effort concentrates on our own teams.

Our response is to promote a more integrated approach and define qualification standards that reflect that mindset, creating learning that adds genuine value to careers and to the organisations that rely on these skills.

External delivery remains a future possibility as the programme matures.

Intersec Dubai 2026

Raising brand awareness and relationship building is one of our central aims going into Intersec 2026, with people coming together in Dubai from every direction and giving us a way to create opportunities and revenue in the UAE and the wider Middle East while also forming connections with visitors from across the world.

Intersec 2026 represents the most concentrated gathering of global fire safety thinking in the region and reveals the direction of travel for high-rise safety across the Middle East.

Intersec also strengthens ties with partners who already know us, raising our profile with UK exhibitors and with the UK expat community working in international roles.

Fire safety feels like a closely connected field and we use the event to develop leads, reinforce existing relationships and learn from peers in ways that influence how we structure our services.

The Middle East and beyond

Our outlook extends well beyond a single event cycle as we see a clear route to continued growth in the Middle East through partnerships, projects and, in time, training delivery.

Our collaboration with Connected Safety Net in Dubai already anchors us in the region and we are in discussion with several stakeholders around projects under consideration.

Our goal is not to replicate UK services directly but to adapt our expertise to local conditions, building capability through deployed teams and over time through local recruitment and training.

Global HSE Group already serves international clients and delivers work across several countries, with recent activity including projects in Norway, Finland, Germany and the United States.

This stream of work fluctuates over time, although we expect the overall trajectory to rise as we build a balanced portfolio that includes strong UK operations and a growing international footprint.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Advancing early-stage fire safety design: Why Global HSE Group created a Level 4 pathway

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionPassive

Global HSE Group outlines how its Level 4 Fire Safety Design qualification addresses gaps between regulatory guidance, drawings and what is built on site

Fire safety is most effective when embedded at the earliest stages of a project, yet it is often introduced late in the design process, leading to costly rework and compromised performance. Global HSE Group set out to address this through the creation of the Level 4 Fire Safety Design qualification, the first of its kind to embed regulatory and technical understanding at the design stage. Developed to meet UK regulations, it is now being adapted to align with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice and other Middle Eastern standards.

In this discussion, Managing Director Andrew Cooper, Head of Technical and Training Chris Sharman, former West Yorkshire Fire Service Group Manager Nigel Craven, and Fire Safety Consultant Keith Plowman explain how the qualification was shaped, the gap is addresses, and how Global HSE’s dual role as both educator and practitioner informs its aim to raise competence through structured training and growing digital access across the region.

Was there a gap in the industry that prompted Global HSE to create the Level 4 Fire Safety Design qualification?

Chris: There were two main drivers. The first was a direct request from one of our tier one contractor clients, who wanted training for their design teams, especially the people doing design work on site. While we were developing that, we realised there was a wider structural gap in the qualification landscape.

A number of us at Global HSE had previously completed a Level 4 Diploma in fire safety management. To reach Level 4 you often have to divert into a different discipline and then come back, rather than progressing in a clear technical line. As we were building something for our client, we saw that gap and decided to create a qualification that would sit between the Level 3 technical awards and the Level 5 fire engineering route.

Andrew: Alongside that, we had eight years of experience working with tier one contractors, project teams, architects and designers where we kept encountering the same issues in fire safety design. There was a lack of formal competence in understanding regulatory requirements, fields of application, interpreting manufacturers data and test evidence, and understanding how components should work together as tested systems rather than ad hoc assemblies.

In the UK, Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations, which covers materials and workmanship, came up repeatedly. In around 90 per cent of finished buildings we reviewed under defective premises claims, the core weakness was either poor workmanship or inappropriate product selection. It was clear the people doing the work did not fully understand Regulation 7.

The Level 4 course is intended to close that gap. It focuses on selecting appropriate materials, understand supporting design information, and delivering workmanship that meets the functional requirements at completion.

We had also been offering a “fire scrutineer” service since around 2016, which is essentially a modern version of the old clerk of works. We were brought in to look at buildings during construction and found that many were not being built incorrectly in a legal sense, but they were being built poorly from a fire safety perspective.

How does early design integration prevent retrofits or compromises later during project delivery?

Andrew: A key aim is give people a roadmap. That means knowing where to find the right information, understanding system design and ensuring that products are selected and installed as tested systems, rather than individual components.

We developed the course from our experience of tier one projects where designers and contractors were pulling in components from multiple manufacturers without fully understanding how they behaved in combination.

Keith: The gap usually appears between what is drawn and what is built. On a computer, buildings  are perfect and it never rains. On site it is a completely different environment. Products are swapped, details are adjusted, and value engineering does not always take full account of the fire strategy.

Early integration is about ensuring that everyone involved has the right skills and training so that decisions they make along the way do not undermine the original design philosophy. That is really what early integration is about.

What are the main learning outcomes or skills that professionals gain from this qualification?

Nigel: The qualification is split into two units. The first is the knowledge component covering fire science, active and passive fire protection, and fire safety management. It also addresses routine testing responsibilities for people managing buildings. Finally, it considers fire risk in the built environment and touches on the fire risk assessment process.

The second unit is entirely practical. Learners must demonstrate that they can apply what they have learned. They complete two tabletop exercises using large plan drawings and produce a coherent fire safety design for a given scenario.

We talk them through the design guidance module by module. In the exercise they then have to prove they can interpret that guidance and apply that guidance correctly.

By the end, they are able to take a floor plan and decide where 30, 60 or 120 minute compartmentation is needed, where emergency lighting should go, which doors are fire doors and how to factor in doors when calculating occupancy. It is about moving from knowing the words in the guidance to being able to use it properly on a real layout.

How did UK regulations shape the course, and what changed for UAE code alignment?

Chris: The course is structured around UK regulatory guidance, but it translates well to the Gulf. Many Gulf states already blend British standards with NFPA material, and British influence remains strong.

Much of the testing still references BS and BS EN standards, which makes adaptation for the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code relatively straightforward.

Are there clear differences in how fire safety design is approached in the UK compared with the Middle East?

Chris: Where Approved Document B provides scope, Gulf regulations tend to specify exactly what must be done. This reflects experience with high-rise fires and results in particularly stringent requirements for tall buildings.

Andrew: The real weakness in both regions is not the codes themselves but the lack of knowledge at site level and at the final design stage. People making key decisions do not always understand the implications of material selection and system assembly. That is what we are trying to address with this qualification.

How does Global HSE’s education and site experience shape how the programme is delivered?

Andrew: We deliberately worked with awarding bodies and followed formal qualification requirements rather than delivering a simple CPD course. The aim was to create a recognised progression route, not just a certificate of attendance.

We wanted a qualification that sits properly in the UK framework and that gives learners a meaningful progression route, not just a certificate of attendance.

Keith: We are not just trainers. We are also installers, maintainers and consultants. If we have a topic that is heavily fire engineering focused, we can go to our fire engineers and ask, “How does this work in practice?”

That practical insight feeds directly into the training and keeps it grounded in current practice, not just theory.

What feedback have organisations or learners shared after completing or trialling the qualification?

Andrew: We already have several hundred learners lined up in the UK for the Level 4 qualification, and we are in discussions with the Construction Leadership Council and hope to evolve these and establish further recognition and wider rollout throughout 2026.

Nigel: Our internal trial group found it demanding but appropriate for Level 4. One learner with a degree in civil engineering said it stretched his understanding which is exactly what we want at Level 4.

Will other programmes be digitised for the region, and how will this affect access and consistency?

Andrew: We are digitising the Level 4 course and others, but formal assessment requirements mean this must be done carefully.

Keith: We do not want a passive click-through course. Classroom interaction remains important, both for learners and assessors. Digital delivery will complement, not replace, that approach.

How might qualifications like this influence wider competence standards and career pathways?

Andrew: Yes. We have aligned the qualification with the existing competence frameworks in the UK. We have mirrored the competence requirements that have been set out nationally so that this course sits as part of a recognised pathway rather than a standalone product.

The idea is that someone with Level 3 technical qualifications can move into this Level 4 and through to higher-level fire engineering and management roles

Looking ahead, what role would you like to see Global HSE playing in advancing fire safety education and regulation across the Middle East?

Andrew: We see our role as both contributor and partner. We already support clients operating across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Expanding this qualification regionally, supported by digital delivery, is a key growth area.

More broadly, we aim to take lessons from live projects, remediation work and new legislation and turn them into practical training. Our goal is to help professionals apply requirements consistently and competently across both the UK and the Middle East.

Our aim is to take lessons from live projects and remediation work and turn them into practical training that improves real-world outcomes. This helps professionals across the UK and the Middle East apply requirements in a consistent and competent way as building complexity and regulatory expectations continue to increase.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Pick Everard supports Building Assessment Certificates for Salford high-rise blocks

by Associations and OrganisationsConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Pick Everard role in Salford Building Assessment Certificates

Building Assessment Certificates (BACs) have been issued for two high-rise apartment buildings in Salford following safety works commissioned after the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Pick Everard said it was appointed principal designer – CDM – for a programme of safety upgrades across nine residential blocks managed by Pendleton Together Operating, part of the Together Housing Group.

The firm said it undertook detailed structural surveys and supported the submission of the Building Safety Case.

BACs were issued for two blocks, Spruce and Thorn Court.

Pick Everard said the two buildings now meet legal duties relating to the spread of fire and structural standards.

Works programme and stakeholder engagement

Works included replacement cladding, insulation and fire compartmentation, alongside new fire alarms and sprinklers.

Work is continuing on safety upgrades to the remaining buildings.

The scheme experienced early delays linked to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pick Everard said all blocks are due to be completed in spring 2026.

Simon Senior, Project Director at Pick Everard, said: “The project sits within the transition period for adopting the Building Safety Act 2022, with our team working to ensure services aligned to the requirements of the developing legislation and associated regulatory requirements.

“Collaboration remained a key element of this project and involved liaising with a complex network of stakeholders, including PTOL, the construction management team, contractors, neighbourhood management team, Salford City Council and Together Housing.

“Fire safety is, understandably, a matter of significant sensitivity, and the development and maintenance of strong stakeholder relationships was critical to providing reassurance to everybody involved in the scheme and the residents.”

Regulator data and scope of services

Pick Everard cited the latest building control approval data from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which it said shows the regulator is considering 283 remediation cases.

The source said the BSR report states: “Having focused on addressing the new build backlog initially, BSR is now developing a focused plan to extend the lessons learned to remediation cases.”

Services provided by Pick Everard on the scheme included building surveying, building and construction safety, architecture, structural and building engineering, project management, M&E and quantity surveying.

Senior added: “Achieving certification reflects the project’s disciplined governance and resident-focused outcomes, providing a strong benchmark for future schemes.

“To address the highly sensitive nature of the project we refined our building and construction safety consultant team’s usual communications process to create a proactive, tailored engagement strategy.

“Applying learning from past projects, we ran regular risk workshops with representatives of each design discipline and the wider design teams (sub-contractors, package contractors) with design responsibility.

“All parties shared their health and safety learning, reinforcing our joint commitment to safety – which was so important to residents.”

Building compliance with confidence: AESG breaks down Saudi code changes designers must track

by Breaking NewsConstructionMiddle East - Breaking NewsSafety

Abdullah Faza, Director of Fire & Life Safety at AESG, outlines updated Saudi code implications, guiding design teams through compliance requirements and authority processes.

On 30 June 2025, the Saudi Building Code (SBC 2024) came into effect, setting new requirements for projects central to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme.

For schemes already underway, the transition carries the risk of duplicated work, redesign and delays if compliance is not managed carefully.

At the same time, the updated code offers practical improvements, such as flexibility on aerial fire truck access and closer alignment with national standards, giving project teams more workable routes to approval.

AESG has responded by expanding its Fire & Life Safety team and securing certification from Saudi Civil Defence as one of only two international consultancies authorised to act as an AHJ reviewer.

Leading this work is Abdullah Faza, Director of Fire & Life Safety at AESG Middle East, whose team safeguarded around SAR 30 billion in assets in 2024.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Abdullah to discuss how AESG is supporting this new regulatory era.

How is SBC 2024 influencing AESG’s work since its official start date on 30 June 2025?

Since 30 June 2025, the way projects move through compliance has changed in practical ways.

For designs submitted under the previous edition but awaiting AHJ approval, the transition carries obvious risks.

Duplicated work. Redesign. Delay.

We step in early, map the delta to SBC 2024 and keep progress intact while meeting the new requirements.

It is about being fair and balanced with what is already designed, then adjusting where it matters.

SBC 2024 also fixes pain points.

Flexibility on aerial fire truck access resolves a requirement that had been excessive in many Saudi contexts.

Referencing SASO is another important step.

It starts the path to a localised testing and listing framework that fits the Kingdom’s needs.

Over time, that will reduce reliance on international listings that do not always align with regional realities.

Compliance becomes clearer, more achievable, better aligned with project goals.

What does Saudi Civil Defence AHJ reviewer certification involve, and how does it help clients?

Certification requires evidence. A strong record of complex reviews. Detailed knowledge of SBC 2024.

The ability to work directly with authorities so compliance is achieved consistently and fairly.

AESG is one of only two international consultancies certified by Saudi Civil Defence to act as an AHJ reviewer.

That status is backed by senior expertise, including James Quiter, our Executive FLS Consultant and Chair of the NFPA Building Code Committee, and Steve Apter, former Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade.

They add depth, and they mentor our leaders.

For clients, the benefit is felt early. We identify risks before they harden into redesign.

We shape proportionate strategies that meet intent and preserve delivery.

Certification gives us structured engagement with Civil Defence, insight into how giga projects operate and the levers that matter on schedule, governance and approvals.

It goes beyond design services.

It puts us alongside client goals and the national programme, and that creates better outcomes.

How did AESG safeguard about SAR 30 billion in assets across Saudi projects last year?

By being present through the full compliance chain. Civil Defence consultant reviews and approvals.

Design and supervision. Inspections and assessments of existing buildings.

Private fire code development where clients needed tailored guidance.

That breadth means we can carry a project from early concept to operation without losing the thread of intent.

The portfolio was wide. Airports, ports and tunnels. Masterplans. Hospitality, healthcare and residential. Schools, museums and offices. Retail and shopping malls.

Each asset class brings different hazards and constraints, yet the principle stays constant.

Start with code compliance as the foundation.

Then meet the intent using equivalencies and performance-based solutions where prescriptive routes do not fit.

Bring international best practice together with local knowledge and AHJ expectations.

That is how we protected around SAR 30 billion in assets.

Practical strategies. Evidence where needed. Decisions that keep people safe and keep projects moving.

What challenges arise when planning Fire & Life Safety for Saudi giga and mega projects?

Scale changes the conversation. Remote sites can make full firefighting water supply and networks a time and cost challenge.

Six metre access roads in isolated areas can be difficult to justify.

Iconic architecture often needs equivalencies to satisfy the code’s intent.

Early clarity is essential.

We see frequent confusion between smoke control and smoke ventilation in car parks and large enclosures, and that can trigger redesign if left late.

There is also the operational gap. Design strategies reach approval, then operations create their own approach and the thread is lost.

We are advocating for operational mandates, permits and approvals that carry design intent into use.

Our method is proactive and integrated. Embed FLS specialists from day one.

Use modelling, evacuation analysis and fire dynamics to build evidence.

Use our certified reviewer role to streamline authority engagement.

Engineering should add value to client goals and to Vision 2030.

Otherwise it is engineering for its own sake.

How do reduced prescriptions in SBC 2024 support performance-based design and modelling tools today?

Performance-based design was available in SBC 2018. SBC 2024 does not invent it.

What it does is reinforce when and how to use it.

The six years between editions gave the industry a proving ground.

Difficult approvals, technical debates, workshops with authorities.

That experience matured judgement on when prescriptive compliance is necessary and when alternatives achieve the same life safety intent.

Today there is clearer confidence in tools.

Smoke modelling that reflects geometry and heat release scenarios.

Evacuation analysis that tests flow, queuing and management strategies.

Fire dynamics studies for complex risks.

Used well, these approaches deliver safer, more workable solutions on projects where rigid prescriptions do not fit.

Saudi Arabia’s compliance culture is stronger for it.

You see better conversations with AHJs, clearer documentation of intent and a tighter loop between design, evidence and approval.

What new capabilities accompany AESG’s plan to expand the FLS team by over 25 percent?

Growth is about capability, not headcount alone.

We have added leadership on the ground with Associate Consultant Amer Almerabi in KSA.

We have brought in operational depth with Steve Apter as FLS Operations Advisor and Mentor.

His experience in incident command and emergency management helps bridge the gap between paper strategies and what happens on site.

With this expansion we are formalising operational advisory scopes: Policy and governance development, emergency response planning, city wide response strategies and private fire codes and guides tailored to client portfolios.

How is AESG supporting clients with submissions predating SBC 2024 – is grandfathering available?

Saudi Civil Defence has taken a pragmatic route for advanced designs.

Projects that reached key AHJ or CDC milestones under SBC 2018 before the transition can continue under that edition.

Detailed designs fully approved before the cut off stay on 2018.

Schematic designs that addressed major comments can proceed, provided teams move quickly to detailed design and secure approvals within a defined window.

Projects that did not reach these milestones adopt SBC 2024 in full.

We guide clients through those conditions. Identify which rule applies.

Close out outstanding comments.

Coordinate directly with Civil Defence to secure the right approvals.

The aim is to protect design effort and avoid years of rework while implementing the new code where it is due. It is structured. It is fair.

It keeps giga projects moving while raising the baseline of compliance across the programme.

How will your practice adapt to future code changes and emerging project types in the region?

Codes will continue to evolve. Our job is to clarify what changed, show how to apply it and, where needed, develop equivalencies that meet the life safety intent.

We will keep contributing to how rules are implemented in practice so compliance is clear and workable.

The focus is steady outcomes that match project goals and national priorities under Vision 2030.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Built environment competence hub officially launches for industry professionals

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured News

Built environment professionals gain access to a new competence hub

The Built Environment Competence Hub officially launched on 19th January to provide industry professionals with immediate access to competence frameworks and standards.

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) confirmed the British Standards Institution (BSI) is managing the resource in collaboration with the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG).

The ICSG operates as a formal working group of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC).

The ICC is a statutory committee under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

This committee delivers competence-related functions specified within the Building Safety Act 2022.

The steering group was established to enable culture change across the built environment in relation to competency.

Resources and sector accessibility

The FPA stated that practical resources and insights from the BSI and the ICSG are now provided through the platform.

The platform aims to simplify the competence sector by making information accessible in a centralised space.

Knowledge and resources are tailored to specific industry roles and sectors following the live launch.

The system provides a cross-industry view of how roles and duty holders connect.

Eligible participants include those in design, construction and the manufacture of construction products.

Building management, trade bodies, education providers and regulators are also invited to join.

Registered users have access to newsletters, webinars, events and case studies.

The hub allows for direct engagement with industry voices within an active community – with newsletters, webinars, events and case studies – to support professional development.

Professionals can now access the full suite of resources and registration options through the official BSI website at https://competence.bsigroup.com/

Hong Kong government proposes tougher fire safety steps for major renovations

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Hong Kong proposals after apartment complex fire

Hong Kong officials have proposed expanding oversight of building maintenance projects and introducing stronger fire safety steps following a November blaze that killed at least 161 people and displaced thousands, according to an AP News report.

Changes proposed for building maintenance and fire safety

The blaze spread across seven towers in an apartment complex, raising questions about corruption, negligence and government oversight in building maintenance projects.

In the newly elected legislature’s first meeting, Hong Kong leader John Lee said the fire exposed the need for reform and pledged that the investigation by law enforcement agencies and a judge-led independent committee would be thorough.

Lee said: “We will fairly pursue accountability and take disciplinary action based on facts against anyone who should bear responsibility, regardless of whether they are from within or outside the government, or whether they are junior or senior staff.”

To combat bid rigging, the administration proposed that the Urban Renewal Authority play a greater role in helping homeowners choose contractors for building maintenance projects.

Officials planned to set up a preselected list of consultants and contractors based on official background checks and past reviews from homeowners.

The authority would facilitate homeowners in tendering and bid evaluation more.

The government also suggested requiring big renovation projects to hire a third party professional to supervise the work.

It also suggested requiring the fire department’s approval before shutting down major fire safety installations, as well as banning smoking on any construction site.

Renovation materials and next steps

Authorities have pointed to substandard netting and foam boards installed during renovations at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex as factors that contributed to the fire in November.

Authorities also said some fire alarms did not work in tests.

Proposals for law changes linked to the smoking ban were expected to be submitted for the legislature’s review within the next few weeks.

Officials were still discussing some of the other suggestions with the Urban Renewal Authority.

Passive fire safety growth plan as Trail Group appoints David Humphrey

by ActiveConstructionFeatured NewsPassivePeople

Trail Group appointment strengthens passive fire safety leadership

Trail Group has appointed David Humphrey as Operations Director, with operational responsibility for the group’s Passive Fire Safety division.

Humphrey has more than 25 years of experience in high-end housebuilding and construction, working for tier one contractors.

His experience includes cost planning, contract administration, strategic procurement, subcontractor management and operational oversight for major construction projects.

Jon Crosby, Managing Director of Trail Group, said: “David brings considerable commercial expertise, leadership experience and operational strength to Trail Group at a pivotal time in our growth.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the business and to the Board.”

Role scope and professional background

In the role, Humphrey is responsible for leading and strengthening the operational teams and managing the financial performance of the business.

This includes embedding commercial processes and delivering quality, compliance and customer satisfaction across workstreams and projects.

He will support the group’s wider commercial strategy, including new sectors and partnerships for business development, and will work with the board on growth plans.

He will also oversee passive fire safety operations from contract award to completion, with responsibility for delivery to specification, schedule and budget.

Humphrey said: “Trail Group is a business with real momentum.

“I was impressed by the entrepreneurial and customer-focused culture at every level; the high calibre of people in each division, and the genuine commitment to looking after its clients.

“Its teams have a really positive and proactive attitude, rarely shying away from a challenge, and consistently going the extra mile to deliver outstanding results.

“The opportunity to help shape and grow the business really appealed at this stage of my career – to build on these strong teams, strengthen commercial rigour, and open up new avenues of work with developers, public sector organisations, social landlords and commercial clients.”

Humphrey has a degree in quantity surveying and has held senior commercial and project director roles, working across pre-construction and construction delivery.

Trail Group said its services include passive and active fire protection, construction and refurbishment, security solutions, electrical testing and installations and planned maintenance.

The company said it works nationally with housing associations, local authorities, NHS trusts, emergency services, museums, large private landlords and commercial organisations.