The ARB and others have welcomed the publication of the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Per the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, the government is taking the first steps to establishing an independent office to oversee building products and regulation within the profession.
The current plan is to evolve the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) into a body separate from the Health & Safety Executive, presiding over a variety of factors relating to building regulations- but notably not undertaking testing or certification processes.
The Single Construction Regulator Prospectus is seeking industry input
The consultation document is seeking responses from stakeholders and interested industry parties until 20 March 2026.
Minister for building safety Samantha Dixon said: “The plans set out today show how we are learning from the Grenfell tragedy and what we are doing to improve the effectiveness, consistency and efficiency of the construction sector and what we’re doing to make sure people’s homes are safe and good quality.
“The case for reform is strong – one regulator across the entire construction system will be better able to review evidence, identify risks, issues and opportunities, as well as support action with enforcement where it is necessary.”
“Alongside the prospectus published today, we have launched a consultation which seeks views on the plans from across the construction sector. This will inform final plans and a full response to the consultation will set out more detail on regulatory reform – set to be published in summer 2026.
Interim chief construction advisor Thouria Istephan added: “This prospectus is the starting point for reform which delivers on the Grenfell Inquiry’s call for systemic change. The creation of a Single Construction Regulator will replace a fragmented system with one that prioritises safety, accountability, and clarity – integrating oversight of buildings, products, and professions.
“It’s about protecting lives, rebuilding trust, and fostering a culture where responsibility, accountability and quality come first”.
Executive chair of the Building Safety Regulator Andy Roe commented:
“The journey toward a Single Regulator is a decisive and important step in strengthening building safety. Over the past few months, we have worked hard to speed up the application processes within the BSR for new high-rise residential buildings and are already seeing positive changes.
“The BSR’s role will evolve as we move to a new body, and in longer time toward the Single Regulator, through a carefully managed transition. Throughout this process, we will continue our commitment to collaboration, and delivering a regulatory system that keeps residents safe, and supports essential construction.”
Hugh Simpson, chief executive and registrar of ARB, said:
“We welcome the government’s commitment to rationalise and strengthen the system of regulatory oversight and enforcement for the professions in the built environment. We will continue to share our expertise, as we have done through our participation in the Single Construction Regulator Advisory Board, and to work constructively with government and other built environment stakeholders. We look forward to contributing to the call for evidence on regulation of professions which the government is planning for spring 2026.
“ARB has taken a number of steps since the Grenfell Tower tragedy to strengthen our own regulatory framework. These include the introduction of a new statutory CPD scheme, the strengthening of fire and life safety design requirements through initial education and training of architects in the UK, and stressing the importance of acting in the public interest through the new Architects Code of Conduct and Practice.
“ARB agrees with government that this is a generational opportunity to enable better, clearer regulation. We have been discussing with government opportunities through their consultation to review regulation of title ‘architect’ and consider alternative ways to increase the efficiency of pre-construction design and increase consumer and business confidence including regulated activities in architecture.”
The government will publish a call for evidence in spring 2026 to seek detailed views on targeted proposals for reform and a future regulatory framework.
