Building Safety Regulator Holds First Conference

THE BUILDING SAFETY REGULATOR (BSR) has held its first conference to prepare industry for new building safety regulations in England.

The event, held at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster attracted 900 architects, landlords and building control professionals. They heard what the BSR will expect from them over the next 18 months.

It was the first opportunity for industry representatives to engage with those leading the regime.

Participating in a programme of information and Q&A sessions with BSR policy leads and industry representatives, delegates learned about the new regulatory regime. They also gained guidance on the legal duties and requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Dame Judith Hackitt discussed the Industry Safety Steering Group’s third report and culture change.

Milestone Moment

The conference comes at a ‘milestone moment’ for building safety as the registration process for high-rise residential buildings (HRBs) is set to begin in April.

Owners and managers of approximately 12,500 HRBs in England will need to register before October with the Building Safety Regulator.

Chief Inspector of Buildings, Peter Baker, said: “The regulatory reforms that will start from April will ensure that you all lead the behaviour change that is needed and do what is required to protect residents. They also introduce a new regulator ‘with teeth’ to hold to account those who chose not to learn the lessons and improve.”

Conference sessions will be available to view online in the next few weeks.

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