The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy continues to shape building safety reforms across the UK, and the government’s recent acceptance of all 58 Inquiry recommendations reinforces the reforms introduced by the Building Safety Act and other key policies.
Dame Judith Hackitt joined us to exclusively reveal some of the key elements of the government’s approach to bolstering resident safety, and to assess the impact of these decisions on local authorities, housing associations and those responsible for delivering safe and secure spaces for the four million households living in social housing.
Dame Judith was clear that the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry is a significant step forward in ensuring safer homes. The Deputy Prime Minister’s commitment to providing safe, quality homes, alongside the government’s acknowledgment of the need for further reforms, emphasises the importance of not just building at speed, but with safety as a top priority. The response also helps to provide greater clarity on roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, and starts to move towards licensing and registration of some critical professions within the system.
But the clear message was that the government’s response builds on the reforms that are already happening to place residents at the heart of the safety decision-making process. This is not a change of direction, but a reinforcement of the existing direction of travel, so keep moving forward as the government and industry leaders work together to safeguard residents’ lives and rebuild trust in the housing sector.
Key to this progress is the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, which outlines how manufacturers and distributors must take responsibility for ensuring that products are safe, properly tested, and fit for purpose. For Dame Judith, the Green Paper is a ‘highlight’ and a ‘much-needed systemic fix’ for the industry. She actively encouraged everyone with a stake in the sector to respond positively to the consultation, which is underway now and ends in May. This is a moment for those who need to have confidence in the products used in our homes to ‘make our voices heard’.
The establishment of a single regulator, combining construction and product safety oversight, aims to streamline regulatory efforts, though challenges remain in defining the scope and responsibilities of this body. Despite recent and high-profile challenges with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), there has been considerable progress since 2018. Housing leaders should be proud of the strides made so far, but also mindful that the journey is far from complete. Government’s commitment to quarterly progress reports and the BSR’s ongoing review of buildings in occupation will provide opportunities for feedback, as well as insights into the most pressing areas for improvement.
Another crucial recommendation focuses on accountability in the construction process. A statement of compliance from principle designer senior managers for high-risk building proposals is now mandatory, ensuring personal responsibility at the highest levels of management. This will promote a more strategic and holistic approach to risk assessment, as opposed to a narrow focus and quick-win mentality.
The ongoing reforms also address the need for a more competent fire safety workforce, with plans to increase the registration of fire safety engineers. However, Dame Judith was clear that this will take time, as a skilled workforce cannot be created overnight.
The evolving landscape of building safety reform requires public sector leaders, particularly in housing associations, to embrace a strategic, long-term approach to enhance fire safety and building compliance. With the implementation of the Building Safety Act and the ongoing work of the Building Safety Regulator, housing executives must remain focused on driving change despite the complexities of the reform process.
A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of prioritisation and proportionality. With the vast array of challenges ahead, it’s crucial to avoid being sidetracked by superficial compliance activities. Rather, focus efforts on the most impactful actions that address the greatest safety risks to residents. By doing so, organisations can align their efforts with the overall aim of improving building safety, while minimising unnecessary stress and workload.
This emphasis on long-term planning is essential, building safety isn’t an overnight fix. Housing associations and local authorities need to map out a five-year strategic plan that balances immediate priorities with sustainable outcomes. These plans should address key issues like licensing for fire risk assessors, improvements in fire lift controls, and the effective management of personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable residents. Additionally, improving procurement competency and ensuring clear responsibilities for contractors will help ensure that safety standards are robustly maintained throughout the construction and refurbishment processes.
Ultimately, the path forward requires courage and clarity. Leaders must focus on the risks that matter, drive compliance with integrity, and foster a culture of long-term safety planning. This approach will help create a safer living environment for all residents and ensure that the reforms of the Building Safety Act are fully realised.
