MEP sector compliance under review in new building safety survey
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has announced new research into how UK firms are responding to the current building safety regime.
The research is being carried out with construction analysts Barbour ABI.
BESA said the aim is to evaluate levels of compliance across the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) sector under the Building Safety Act.
The news follows changes announced by the UK Government, which removed enforcement responsibility from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
According to BESA, this is the second annual building safety survey targeting organisations of all sizes.
The organisation said it will assess levels of legal understanding, individual competence, and organisational capability across the MEP supply chain.
Fast-track measures follow planning delays and low approvals
BESA stated the research comes at a time of policy changes and growing urgency around planning approvals.
According to BESA, delays and a shortage of assessors prompted the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to introduce a fast-track scheme.
The new scheme is being led by two former senior fire officers.
A Freedom of Information request submitted by cost consultant Cast revealed that only 10.8 percent of Gateway 2 project applications had been approved.
The association said these low figures had raised concern among industry bodies and highlighted the practical challenges of meeting planning regulations.
BESA also pointed to renewed public scrutiny following the release of the Netflix documentary Grenfell: Uncovered, which revisited the causes and consequences of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Survey aims to identify barriers to compliance
Rachel Davidson, BESA’s director of specialist knowledge, said the survey aims to uncover obstacles to legal compliance.
Davidson said: “We want to find out what is preventing organisations from adopting the requirements of the legislation.”
She added: “Levels of awareness and understanding of the Act have improved in the past 12 months, but it is a far from consistent picture.”
She continued: “We are seeing very big variations by role and type of organisation.”
She said: “Those with greater understanding, particularly of individual competence and organisational capability, are more likely to have taken steps to comply with the Act.”
BESA said the survey will explore role-specific awareness, track behavioural change, and examine why some organisations have not adapted their practices.
According to Davidson, lack of support remains a key issue: “Where action has not been taken, it is often due to a lack of clarity, guidance, or support.”
She added: “Identifying these barriers will inform targeted interventions to improve industry-wide compliance.”
Industry Competence Committee input included
BESA stated the new survey includes input from Jon Vanstone, chair of the Industry Competence Committee (ICC).
The ICC advises the Building Safety Regulator on matters relating to individual and organisational competence.
Vanstone said: “BESA’s research comes at an important time because pressure is building to get more projects through planning gateways.”
He added: “However, this also raises the stakes around competence and compliance because the industry will still need to meet rigorous safety standards as workloads increase.”
He continued: “Therefore, any findings that help us understand why companies might be struggling to meet the requirements will be incredibly helpful in shaping our advice to the regulator.”
BESA said the inclusion of ICC questions will help shape guidance and education efforts for the wider sector.
Legislative intent remains a central focus
The UK Government has pledged to hire 100 new planning specialists to reduce project delays.
According to BESA, this is linked to the Government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million homes during the current parliamentary term.
Alex Norris, Minister for Building Safety, said: “We’re enhancing operations, reducing delays, and unlocking the homes this country desperately needs – while keeping safety front and centre.”
BESA chief executive officer David Frise said the sector must remember the reason the legislation was created.
Frise said: “The Netflix documentary was a timely reminder to anyone involved in a building project that every decision they make has a consequence.”
He added: “If you are making a change to a design (possibly for very valid reasons) what impact will that have, ultimately, on the people who inhabit that building?”
Frise continued: “The research we are launching aims to understand why so many companies and individuals are still not changing their behaviour because, ultimately, this has to be about doing the right thing – even when no-one is looking.”
UK building safety research launched by BESA and Barbour ABI: Summary
The Building Engineering Services Association has launched new research on building safety compliance.
The study is being carried out with Barbour ABI.
It targets mechanical, electrical and plumbing sector firms across the UK.
It will assess awareness, behaviour, and legal understanding under the Building Safety Act.
The research follows the removal of enforcement powers from the HSE.
A new fast-track planning process has been introduced under the MHCLG.
Only 10.8 percent of Gateway 2 applications have been approved, according to Cast.
The study includes questions provided by the Industry Competence Committee.
The Government has pledged to hire 100 new specialists to speed up planning.
The research also responds to renewed public interest following the Grenfell documentary.
David Frise said the survey aims to identify why compliance remains inconsistent.
Rachel Davidson said understanding varies across roles and organisation types.