{"id":148613,"date":"2025-02-18T07:02:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T07:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=148613"},"modified":"2025-02-18T09:05:31","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T09:05:31","slug":"new-year-new-systems-embracing-change-in-building-control-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/building-control-news\/new-year-new-systems-embracing-change-in-building-control-in-2025\/148613\/","title":{"rendered":"New year, new systems. Embracing change in building control in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

As 2025 begins, the construction industry finds itself bedding-in to a new era of regulation and accountability in building control<\/h2>\n

The Building Safety Act and its associated frameworks have introduced transformative measures aimed at improving safety and competency, across all project stages.<\/p>\n

Building control: A lifecycle partner<\/h3>\n

Building Control Authorities (BCAs) (encompassing local authority building control teams and the Building Safety Regulator) along with private Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs), now work under strengthened regulatory standards.<\/p>\n

With all building inspectors required to meet specific competence classes set by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), BCAs play a critical role throughout the lifecycle of construction projects, particularly for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).<\/p>\n

In this sector, their involvement is particularly focused on building control approval for Gateway 2 submissions before the commencement of works, culminating in final sign-off at Gateway 3.<\/p>\n

The Golden Thread<\/h3>\n

A key feature of the new regulatory framework is the Golden Thread<\/a>, a digitised record ensuring accurate and accessible information about HRBs, including the design and construction phases where applicable, and records for occupied buildings.<\/p>\n

Maintained by the client, this comprehensive dataset is designed to support the safe management, operation and maintenance of buildings throughout their lifespan.<\/p>\n

Competency at every level<\/h4>\n

Competency is no longer optional; it is a legal necessity. Individuals involved in design, construction and refurbishment must be able to demonstrate their competence, by meeting criteria outlined in frameworks such as BS8670 and PAS 8671\/8672. Where organisations fulfil such roles, they will need to demonstrate their organisational capability.<\/p>\n

Dutyholders and accountability<\/h4>\n

New duties introduced under the Building Safety Act place accountability firmly on dutyholders. Whether commissioning, designing or constructing a building, stakeholders must work collaboratively to manage compliance with Building Regulations. Any changes in dutyholders must be communicated to the Building Control Body, ensuring transparency throughout the project. Understand Dutyholder Responsibilities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stronger oversight of construction products in 2025<\/h3>\n

The National Regulator for Construction Products, led by the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS), now enforces compliance in the construction materials market. Learn about the OPSS and its role<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How BCC Consultancy can help<\/h3>\n

BCC Consultancy<\/a> is uniquely positioned to support the construction industry through this period of change. With a wealth of expertise in building control and a proven track record of working on residential and commercial developments, BCC Consultancy offers end-to-end guidance.<\/p>\n