Industry working group launches building control regulation proposals

Leadership organisations from across the building control sector have come together in the ‘Future of building control working group’ to develop 11 key recommendations for the future oversight and regulation of the profession and Building Control Bodies.

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 building control 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 are a starting point for further dialogue with government and the Building Safety Regulator as to how best to protect the public interest 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 building control sector.

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.”

View the full report here