February 2024
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This conference looked at next steps for the future of building safety.
It brought together policymakers and stakeholders to assess building safety reform following the passing of the Building Safety Act 2022, which introduced a new building safety regime in October 2023, including changes to regulation affecting higher-risk buildings.
It also followed the publication of the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) first strategic plan which outlines the BSR’s strategic direction and vision, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Delegates examined the way forward for implementing the plan and using funding announced by the Government to support the delivery of building safety updates and to tackle legacy issues within public buildings, such as RAAC and asbestos.
They discussed best practice for creating and implementing collaborative strategy frameworks for key bodies, including local authorities, landlords, developers and fire safety regulators to provide support and protection for residents, as well as ensuring suitable accountability measures are in place.
Further sessions looked at implications for new building development, including the design, construction, completion and management of properties.
Delegates assessed what will be needed from regulation, and within the sectors involved, to ensure compliance with standards in ways that support safety and environmental priorities, investment, innovation, cost management and affordability. Discussion also considered equitably addressing potential added costs within the system, and serving the interests of business, local authority and private end users.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Camilla Sheldon, Deputy Director, Building Safety Reform Policy and Implementation, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; Tim Galloway, Deputy Director, Building Safety Programme, Health and Safety Executive; Jane Duncan OBE, Consultant, Jane Duncan Architects; former President, Royal Institute of British Architects; and Chair, RIBA Fire Safety Panel; Professor Anna Stec, Professor in Fire Chemistry and Toxicity, University of Central Lancashire; and Robert Gould, FRICS, Partner, Barker.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- Policy and regulation: the building safety landscape following the Building Safety Act 2022 - the legacy of Grenfell - priorities and next steps
- Implementation: preparation for regulatory changes - legacy issues for existing buildings - addressing costs and liability for fire safety - risk management - resident and other end user priorities
- Public buildings: RAAC and asbestos - refurbishment - costs and practicalities - priorities moving forward
- New developments: accountability in the design and development process - client duties - mandatory New Home Build Warranties - cost inflation and burden
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DBT; Department for Communities, NI; Defra; DLUHC; HSE; NAO; OPSS; and the Welsh Government.
