CROSS reporting system formally appointed by UK building regulator
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in its capacity as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), has appointed CROSS (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) as the official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS) until at least 2028.
According to CROSS UK, this appointment follows a competitive procurement process and builds on its interim operation of the system since April 2023.
The reporting system was mandated under the Building Safety Act 2022 as part of post-Grenfell reforms.
While the regulator appoints the operator, the system must be managed independently from both the HSE and Government.
CROSS UK provides a confidential reporting route for professionals across the built environment sector to share safety concerns.
Role of CROSS in UK building safety regime
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced VORS to allow voluntary reports of structural and fire safety issues by those responsible for buildings.
CROSS has managed this system on an interim basis since April 2023 and will now continue in the role through to at least 2028.
The HSE said the system is a key part of its wider duty to improve safety standards across high-risk buildings.
Although appointed by the regulator, CROSS operates entirely independently to encourage open, confidential sharing of information.
The appointment supports the UK Government’s approach to encouraging transparency and culture change in the building industry.
Stakeholder response to the CROSS appointment
Philip White, Director of Building Safety at the HSE, said: “Everyone deserves a safe and accountable built environment, and as the official operator of the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System, CROSS will play a key role in making that happen.
“This public interest appointment promotes openness, learning, and culture change – exactly what’s needed to raise standards, improve building safety, and prevent future tragedies.”
Yasmin Becker, Chief Executive Officer of the Institution of Structural Engineers, said: “CROSS is an important and trusted function of the building safety regime, now confirmed as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System until 2028.
“The HSE’s decision means there will be much needed continuity for the voluntary reporting of building and fire safety issues.
“The Institution of Structural Engineers is pleased to continue supporting CROSS-UK as part of our commitment to structural safety.”
Dr Janet Young, Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “One of the fundamental principles of the Institution of Civil Engineers is to provide the knowledge and services civil and infrastructure engineers need to build, operate, and maintain infrastructure that is safe and fit for purpose.
“Supporting CROSS is an important part of this work. Having CROSS selected as the official voluntary occurrence reporting system by the Health and Safety Executive is a testament to the essential role the service plays in public safety.”
Steve Hamm, Chief Executive Officer of the Institution of Fire Engineers, said: “The Institution of Fire Engineers was honoured to support the expansion of CROSS to include fire safety reporting in 2021.
“The sector had never previously had such a facility but the benefits for the consumers of the information as well as the contributors were easy to comprehend and get behind.
“This news is a positive next step as we collectively strive towards continuous improvements to building safety.”
Statement from CROSS-UK leadership
Paul Livesey, Head of Operations at CROSS, said: “CROSS-UK is honoured to be appointed as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety under the Building Safety Act until 2028.
“CROSS has always championed the power of sharing knowledge to prevent future failures, and this appointment reinforces the critical role of confidential reporting in driving a safer built environment.
“We encourage all construction professionals to contribute by reporting concerns and near-misses. Each report can make a difference.”
The appointment maintains continuity for those who have already used the system to raise issues.
CROSS UK has confirmed that reporting remains open and accessible for all professionals in the construction, engineering and fire safety sectors.
Reports can be submitted confidentially and reviewed for lessons and trends that may affect future safety guidance.
Background and system operation
CROSS was originally set up by the Institution of Structural Engineers in 2005 to facilitate confidential reporting of structural concerns.
It was later expanded to include fire safety in 2021, supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers.
Its role was formalised through the Building Safety Act 2022, which required the creation of a VORS operated independently from both Government and regulator.
The HSE then appointed CROSS-UK on an interim basis in 2023.
Following evaluation, the system was extended through a competitive process resulting in CROSS’s reappointment to 2028.
CROSS receives reports and publishes anonymised summaries, supported by expert panel review and guidance.
CROSS appointed UK’s official fire and structural safety reporting body: Summary
CROSS UK has been confirmed by the Health and Safety Executive as the official operator of the UK’s Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System.
The appointment follows a competitive tender and will run until at least 2028.
The system enables confidential reporting of structural and fire safety concerns.
The reporting process supports the goals of the Building Safety Act 2022.
The HSE requires that the system be operated independently from regulators and Government.
CROSS had been operating the system on an interim basis since April 2023.
The appointment was welcomed by professional institutions supporting civil, structural and fire engineering.
Statements were issued by the HSE, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers and Institution of Fire Engineers.
CROSS UK said the appointment reflects the importance of shared knowledge in preventing safety failures.
The system is open to all professionals working in construction, engineering and building management.
Reports submitted to CROSS are anonymised and reviewed by expert panels.
The initiative aims to improve safety culture and standards across the UK’s built environment.