In June, the NLA Technical Competency Panel met for the second time this year to discuss recent developments in the industry related to building safety, regulatory compliance, and exemplar public housing. Central to the discussion was the evolving role of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and the challenges surrounding communication and clarity on its expectations. There is growing concern that a lack of transparency from the BSR could impact the government’s housing delivery targets.

Recent Industry Updates Around Building Safety
The Chair of the working group highlighted an inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator, recently released by the Industry and Regulators Committee, which is seeking evidence from building industry specialists. The group discussed submitting a collective response under New London Architecture. Submissions are to be completed by the end of July and will include constructive suggestions for improvement.

In addition, the group discussed the government’s formal response to the Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry report. This included a list of recommendations such as revising the definition of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), updating Approved Document B, strengthening fire safety strategies, assessing construction products more rigorously, and building a centralised construction products library.

The working group also discussed opportunities and challenges around client obligations and industry competency. There was an emphasis on better engaging clients, particularly owner-occupiers, to capture a broader perspective. A key concern is the inconsistency in understanding the client duty-holder role. There is a need to support clients in recognising their responsibilities, especially where programme pressures may compromise adequate resourcing and compliance.

Focusing on Gateway 2 of the Building Safety Act
During the discussion, specific attention was given to Gateway 2 requirements due to its increased prioritisation during the design and construction process.

The group engaged in a discussion on how competency is defined across the industry, noting that many examples and standards are set by professional bodies. With the growing number of information sources available, the group also explored the challenge of identifying the most accurate and reliable ones. There was a suggestion to establish a hierarchy of information sources to help improve client competency.

Further discussion focused on the role of client competency in this context. The group highlighted the importance of appointing a Building Safety Act (BSA) advisory role, particularly in cases where the client’s existing competency may be limited. Such an appointment was seen as potentially beneficial in ensuring compliance and informed decision-making.

As a result of this, the group will be working towards creating client guidance on responsibilities, compliance tracking, and a clear outline of duties across RIBA work stages. This will include suggestions, highlight best practices, and possibly incorporate case studies. The goal is to arm clients with reliable, accessible, and actionable information to support safer and more compliant project delivery.

NLA Public Housing Regeneration Research
The NLA is also exploring how innovative housing solutions can address the government’s ambitious housing targets and meet demand. The group discussed opportunities for ensuring a sustainable approach to public housing development that caters to London’s growth. The group shared insights on exemplar public housing schemes meeting high performance and net zero standards, and the importance of policy setting these targets - namely, the Future Homes Standard.

Coming Up…
The working group will reconvene for a final time in Q3 to review and finalise industry best practice guidance, which will be a Client Guidance document on The Building Regulations (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023, to be released by the end of the year.