An industry working group has unveiled 11 key recommendations for the future oversight and regulation of building control bodies
Leadership organisations from across the building control sector make up the future of building control working group.
The group has produced proposals for regulation of the building control profession, following discussion with the ministry of housing, communities and local government (MHCLG).
Reform of the sector is an important part of the Building Safety Programme and responds to recommendations in the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety relating to competence of the building control profession.
The 11 recommendations for the building control regulations are a starting point for further dialogue with government and the Building Safety Regulator as to how best to protect the public interest.
They will do this by making sure the sector further improves competence amongst professionals and organisations.
Key recommendations include:
- Steps to simplify and unify building control legislation, process and procedures
- An independent designated body to oversee professional registration and organisational audit
- Introduction of a new competence framework to cover all persons working in building control including those working on higher risk buildings in scope of the new regulator
- A unified pan-industry Code of conduct for all Building Control Bodies and professionals
- A unified pan-industry career structure to set clear expectations of competence across the sector.
An inclusive and sustainable built environment
In a joint statement, the Future of Building Control Working Group, said: “These recommendations are a potentially key part of the reform of the construction sector. They suggest a consistent plan to make sure building control professionals and the bodies they work for are competent and effective.
“We are all committed to working together to further improve the essential public protections building control delivers.
“These proposals will help everyone to have confidence building control is working first and foremost in the interest of their safety, welfare and in supporting development of an inclusive and sustainable built environment.
“We look forward to engaging more widely in the sector to discuss these recommendations. We are also keen to move to the next stage of dialogue with Government and the Building Safety Regulator to work up proposals for reform in more detail.”
Lesley McLeod, chief executive of the Association for Project Safety, said: “Construction needs to have the people with the skills, knowledge and experience to build safely and well.
“This will make the construction process safer and the final buildings better for those who live and work in them. Robust building control is vital, but safety must start at pre-planning stage where problems can be solved before they start.
“We fully supports developing the whole construction workforce, so the right people are working in the right ways on the right projects.
“The association is already working on a capability framework to ensure its members can play their full part in making construction safer, healthier and better for everyone.”
