Building Safety Regulator

As part of the changes set out in the Building Safety Bill, a new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is created within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with extensive new powers of regulation, inspection and enforcement.

The BSR will have new powers and responsibilities to ensure the safety of all buildings and will have additional responsibilities for higher-risk buildings. These additional powers apply not only to the design, construction and refurbishment of such buildings, but also to their ongoing safety management while they are occupied, so that residents are safe – and feel safe – in their homes.

It will be independent and give expert advice to local regulators, landlords and building owners, the construction and building design industry, and to residents.

The BSR will:

• Implement the new, more stringent regulatory regime for higher-risk residential buildings.
• Promote competence among industry professionals and regulators to raise standards in design, construction and the management of buildings.
• Oversee performance systems of all buildings, so one regulator can provide guidance on building performance as well as building safety, ensuring that factors like countering climate change are factored into regulatory decisions.

In preparation for the new Building Safety Regulator, housing associations will need to consider:

• How they will develop a building safety case, outlining how they are managing safety risks and ensuring a building is safe for occupation.
• How they will manage the new gateway points system, whereby plans must be approved before moving to each stage of construction.
• How they will manage the ‘golden thread’ of information on their buildings.

We are working with our members to prepare for these new requirements, and engaging with the government to share any concerns.