Building Safety Regulator: New updates for inspector registration before April deadline

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

BSR announces competence assessment extension

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has issued new guidance for building control professionals facing the upcoming registration deadline of 6 April 2024.

In response to concerns about the number of professionals registered as Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs), BSR has introduced a temporary extension for those meeting specific criteria.

This move aims to support the profession and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Philip White, Director of Building Safety, explained the rationale behind this decision in a letter dated 13 March 2024: “As you will be aware number of concerns have been expressed by the building control profession about whether enough building control professionals will be registered as RBIs by the 6 April.

“I understand those concerns and have been working with colleagues in BSR and across government to consider what we can do to support the profession.

“To that end, the decision has been taken to implement a competence assessment extension period for those meeting set criteria.

“Professionals who are not registered by 6 April will not benefit from the extension period and will not be able to continue to work on regulated building control activities.”

Criteria and process for the extension

To qualify for the extension, building control professionals must meet several criteria, including being registered as a Class 1 RBI by 6 April 2024 and enrolled in an approved competency assessment scheme.

Those eligible will have a 13-week period, until 6 July 2024, to complete their assessment and upgrade their registration.

Failure to do so will result in the inability to continue working on regulated building control activities without supervision.

“This must not be seen as an opportunity to delay – there will be no extension to these arrangements,” stated White.

“From 6 July 2024 any professionals who have not completed a competency assessment and upgraded their registration class will only be able to undertake work under supervision.”

Importance of timely registration and assessment

The BSR’s guidance emphasises the importance of timely registration and competency assessment completion. Professionals are urged to register with BSR and enrol in a competency assessment scheme as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in their ability to work on building control activities.

“We expect employers to support staff going through the assessment process by ensuring they have time to complete the assessment process and providing assistance and support to help them succeed,” White added.

“I encourage everyone who has not yet done so to register with BSR and enrol with one of the competency assessment schemes as soon as possible.”

IFSJ Comment

The BSR’s decision to extend the competence assessment period reflects a pragmatic approach to addressing concerns within the building control profession.

By providing a clear path for professionals to complete their assessments and secure registration, the BSR aims to ensure that safety standards are upheld in building control activities.

This move supports professionals in meeting regulatory requirements, reinforcing the commitment to building safety across the industry.

It’s an example of how regulatory bodies can effectively respond to industry needs while maintaining high safety standards.

BSR unveils comprehensive enforcement policy for higher-risk buildings

by Building ManagementFeatured News

The Health and Safety Executive details new enforcement policy

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently detailed its Enforcement Policy Statement (EPS) for the newly established Building Safety Regulator (BSR), highlighting its regulatory functions and enforcement approach.

Published in December 2023, the EPS delineates the BSR’s enforcement methods, especially in situations involving non-compliance, hazards, or significant risks.

This development follows the BSR’s establishment as the building control authority for high-rise residential buildings, with a focus on a range of enforcement actions.

Enforcement actions and responsibilities outlined

The enforcement actions encompassed by the BSR include issuing written information on legal breaches, verbal warnings, demands for improvements in risk management, actions to rectify non-compliance, cessation of hazardous activities, recommendations and prosecutions for serious legal breaches, and the appointment of special measures managers for failing higher-risk buildings.

Additionally, the BSR’s role extends to regulating the building control profession, involving local authorities, registered building control approvers, and individual registered building inspectors.

The BSR’s powers include making disciplinary orders, varying or cancelling registrations, imposing financial penalties, prosecuting criminal offences, issuing improvement notices, and issuing serious contravention notices.

Building Safety Act 2022 and its implications

The Building Safety Act 2022, effective from October 2023, introduced a more stringent regulatory regime for buildings classified as ‘higher-risk’, typically those at least 18 metres or seven storeys high containing two or more residential units.

The Act’s passage followed recommendations from Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 ‘Building a Safer Future’ report, commissioned in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.

The BSR, a part of the HSE, will oversee safety standards across all buildings, focusing on higher-risk structures to promote industry competence in building design, construction, and management.

New offences and powers under the act

The Act introduces several new criminal offences, such as obstructing or impersonating a BSR officer, providing false information, failing to register higher-risk buildings, and allowing occupation without a completion certificate.

It empowers the BSR to issue compliance and stop notices during the design and construction phase of higher-risk buildings to address non-compliance.

These measures aim to prevent dangerous work from continuing, with failure to comply constituting a criminal offence.

The overarching goal is to ensure compliance with the Act, drive positive industry change, and elevate building safety as a primary concern.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the new enforcement policy by the Building Safety Regulator marks a pivotal shift in the UK’s approach to building safety.

The comprehensive nature of the enforcement actions and the introduction of new offences under the Building Safety Act 2022 signify a rigorous and proactive stance towards ensuring higher safety standards in building construction and management.

This policy is likely to have far-reaching implications for the building industry, necessitating heightened compliance and accountability.

As the policy takes effect, it will be crucial for industry professionals and stakeholders to adapt to these new regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and the broader community.