The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has published their first three-year stategic plan, leading with collaboration to deliver a culture change in the industry
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has outlined their first three-year strategic plan, with the intent to ensure competence and safety in the built environment.
Developed in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster, the BSR will also ensure that residents of higher-risk buildings feel safe in their homes, by restoring trust in the built environment and its professionals.
Commenting in the foreword to the Building Safety Regulator’s strategic plan, secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, Michael Gove, said: “The system that regulates our buildings must be practical and comprehensible. The Regulator must lead the sector in creating a built environment fit for the future.
“This first three-year strategic plan is a significant moment in this mission. It looks forward and lays out a solid foundation on which the Regulator can build its ambition in future years.”
The BSR will achieve this by:
- delivering consistent standards within the building control profession
- overseeing and driving improvements across the whole built environment
- regulating the planning, design, and construction of new higher-risk buildings
- ensuring those who are responsible for occupied higher-risk buildings manage risk so that residents are safe
- working in partnership with co-regulators.
Philip White, HSE’s director of building safety, said: “This strategic plan sets out the guiding principles we have put in place to keep us focused on our priorities in delivering the new regime, and we will keep it under continuous review. We will ensure we have the right capability and capacity to meet this challenge as our remit continues to evolve, working with others sharing knowledge, expertise, and data.
“Our focus is clear and resolute as we oversee a culture of higher standards, putting building safety first. Our regulatory activities will be conducted in a way which is transparent, accountable, proportionate, and consistent.
“Throughout the next three years, BSR will continue to work across all sectors to ensure that those working in the building sector engage fully with the new regime. Our aim is that people will see fundamental changes to the safety and standard of all buildings and increased competency among industry professionals that raises those standards year on year.”
Collaboration and collective responsibility are key
Chair of the Health and Safety Executive, Sarah Newton, said: “This is a strong, coherent strategy built on collaboration with all BSR’s stakeholders, with a keen focus on ensuring industry takes ownership and responsibility for delivering a safe system throughout the life cycle of a building.
“This must be front of mind for everyone. And everyone must be aware of their legal responsibilities. Collaboration and collective responsibility are key for delivering better standards.”
