With the Building Safety Act overhauling the regulation of construction products and higher-risk buildings in the UK , GQA Qualifications is introducing measures to help built environment professionals to navigate the new landscape . The awarding and qualifications-writing organisation is offering specialist advice and practical assistance to help ensure companies are equipped to deal with the Act ’ s edicts . Staff at GQA are conscious of the fact that many employers may not even be aware of the requirements of the Building Safety Act and how it impacts them . Dan Brown , GQA ’ S Strategic Relationship Manager , has said that whilst companies must act to avoid potential pitfalls , they need not be daunted by the prospect , especially if they have the right professional advice and support :

“ It ’ s true that employers in all areas of the building industry will find themselves in trouble if they don ’ t adjust their working practices in accordance with new regulation requirements . However , the key to preventing mis-selling , incorrect installation and poor site practice is to raise competencies through accredited training and the acquirement of vocational qualifications . The Building Safety Act has the potential to create many professional casualties , but with the right guidance and support , companies can be helped through this landmark time in construction ’ s history . We

would advise employers to be alive to the risks , and talk to us about how we can help .”

So what is The Building Safety Act all about ?

The Act takes forward the Government ’ s commitment to fundamental building safety reform . The objectives of the Act are to learn the lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire and to remedy the issues subsequently identified by strengthening the whole regulatory system for building safety . This is to be achieved by ensuring there is greater accountability and responsibility for fire and structural safety issues throughout

the lifecycle of buildings within the scope of a new regulatory regime .

What Does the Act Involve ?

Here are some of the key areas ( but not all ) that the Act will involve . The Act has established a new Building Safety Regulator in England to oversee a new , more stringent regime for higher-risk buildings and to drive improvements in building safety and performance standards in all buildings . The Act ensures residents have a stronger voice , and has established additional protections for leaseholders in relation

to financing remediation works . It increases access to redress , and is driving industry culture change and incentivising compliance . The Act strengthens the Fire Safety Order , and provides a stronger and clearer framework for national oversight of construction products . The Act includes provisions for the creation and maintenance of a ‘ golden thread ’ of information to ensure that the right people have the right information at the right time to ensure buildings are safe and building safety risks are managed through its lifecycle . A new Construction Products Regulator is to ensure that all construction products marketed in the UK fall under a regulatory regime , allowing them to be withdrawn from the market if they present a risk . The Act will allow those directly responsible for defective building work to be held to account .

Where can GQA assist ?

There are multiple areas in which GQA Qualifications can provide advice and practical support . Here are some of them :

• The Building Safety Regulator will have the power to ensure compliance with measures outlined in The Act not only to prosecute a corporate body but also individuals attributable to neglect . Employers should seek out the correct vocational training for staff in order to protect their company and employees from incorrect practices .

• Criminal or Special Measures proceedings may ensue for any ‘ dutyholders ’ failing to comply with their statutory obligations . Ask GQA about the Act ’ s new ‘ Dutyholder Regime ’ to be incorporated across the lifecycle of higher risk buildings . GQA can also advise what constitutes a higher risk building .

• The Act provides powers to impose competence requirements on the Principal Designer , Principal Contractor and other appointees to ensure everyone doing design or building work meets competency requirements to carry out that work in line with Building Regulations . A signed declaration from the Client that they have assessed and are content with the competence of the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor is required . Ask GQA about the accredited training and vocational qualifications needed to prove competency and how to go about achieving them . Accredited training and courses are expected to be welcomed by architects and will be regulated for CPD .

GQA is planning to host an event in the near future where employers and employees who are unsure how or even whether the Building Safety Act is to impact them will be able to attend and meet with GQA ’ s team who will be happy to advise .

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