RIBA calls for changes in construction safety and regulatory systems

by Building ManagementConstruction

Regulatory recommendations for enhancing building safety

On 16 January 2025, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) released its further response to the Phase 2 report of the Grenfell Inquiry.

Building on its initial reaction on 4 September 2024, RIBA identified opportunities for regulatory reform.

It recommended exploring the establishment of a single statutory body, akin to the Engineering Council, to develop a competence system for construction professionals.

Other suggestions include revising the definition of higher-risk buildings to cover assembly spaces and temporary leisure establishments, requiring dual fire-fighting staircases in new residential buildings over 18 metres, and retrofitting single-staircase buildings of similar height with fire safety upgrades during material alterations.

RIBA also advocated for a review of Approved Document B and broader use of sprinklers in buildings with vulnerable occupants.

Structural reform for accountability and safety

RIBA proposed structural changes to improve accountability in fire safety.

It supported consolidating fire safety responsibilities under a single Secretary of State and appointing a suitably qualified Chief Construction Advisor.

The organisation also called for an organisational-level licensing scheme for principal contractors to enhance professional accountability.

These measures, RIBA stated, are vital to ensuring better coordination and safety in the construction sector.

Operational changes and independent research

To restore trust in construction product standards, RIBA urged the need for independent research and development into testing methods.

It also suggested making safety-critical guidance freely accessible and emphasised the role of contracts and procurement in clarifying the responsibilities of project teams.

A key operational recommendation was the introduction of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents requiring them in all buildings over 11 metres in height.

These operational adjustments aim to strengthen safety protocols and rebuild public confidence in construction practices.

RIBA’s commitment to meaningful reform

Jack Pringle, RIBA Chair of Board, emphasised the need for industry-wide cultural and behavioural changes: “The full findings of the Inquiry’s report make a clear case for further regulatory, structural and operational change, alongside a fundamental shift in culture and behaviours – and we remain fully committed to playing our part.”

He highlighted RIBA’s ongoing efforts to improve training and education, including its mandatory Health and Safety test and Principal Designer Register, and its dedication to driving reforms to enhance public confidence in the built environment.

RIBA calls for changes in construction safety and regulatory systems: summary

RIBA has released further recommendations following the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, urging changes in regulatory, structural, and operational practices.

Key suggestions include establishing a single statutory body for construction competence, revising high-risk building definitions, mandating fire-fighting staircases in residential buildings over 18 metres, and implementing broader sprinkler use.

The organisation also advocates for a unified fire safety authority under a Secretary of State and operational measures like PEEPs for vulnerable residents in buildings over 11 metres.

RIBA remains committed to supporting these changes to ensure a safer built environment.

RIBA introduces new fire safety educational framework

by Projects

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced ‘The Way Ahead’ Education and Professional Development Framework after the Grenfell tragedy and growing concern about the climate.

The framework signifies a new direction for architectural education and continuing professional development, with a greater emphasis on health and life safety, the climate emergency and professional ethics.

For the first time, the RIBA has developed a single standard covering pre and post-registration education and professional development. Key components of the new framework include education themes and values, mandatory competencies, career role levels, core CPD curriculum, specialisms and accreditation.

The Education and Professional Development Framework will be phased in over two years, beginning in 2021. The Way Ahead, which outlines the changes, gives advance notice of these developments to schools of architecture, CPD providers, practices and members so they can implement and respond.’

Adrian Dobson, RIBA’s executive director of professional services, said: “After 40 years of deregulation in UK society, there was an appetite to re balance professional standards against commercial imperatives”.

RIBA president Alan Jones said the change was due, adding: “The education of future chartered architects, and the professional development of those who have already achieved chartered status, need a sharpened focus on the core knowledge, skills and experience required to respond to the immediate and mid-term challenges facing our world, society and industry.”

The first mandatory competence – health and life safety, including fire safety – will be introduced next year with architects expected to pass a test demonstrating their competence.

It is key that across society we are embedding fire safety knowledge at all levels to ensure that we are making society better, safer and more competent – especially in the realm of fire safety. Beyond the breadth of these changes, another great aspect of the new Education and Professional Development Framework is the idea of re-certifying to ensure that professionals are kept up to date on the latest changes and can become familiar with best practices.

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