CROSS-UK Named as Official Reporting System for Building Safety

CROSS-UK (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) has been named as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety until at least 2028.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in its role as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) announced the move.

As part of the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower fire, the 2022 Building Safety Act introduced strengthened legislation covering building safety and construction products.

Reporting System for Building Safety

The legislation includes a requirement for an official VORS. While the system is a critical part of the HSE’s mission to improve building safety, it must be operated independently of both the regulator and the government.

CROSS-UK has been operating the system on an interim basis since April 2023. It has been applauded as a success story by the industry, offering a practical way of recognising risks, promoting culture change, and improving public safety.

Following a competitive tender process, CROSS-UK has been appointed to run the service until at least 2028.

Philip White, Director of Building Safety, Health and Safety Executive, said: “This public interest appointment promotes openness, learning, and culture change – exactly what’s needed to raise standards, improve building safety, and prevent future tragedies.”

Although appointed by the regulator, CROSS remains entirely independent, providing a trusted, confidential way for professionals in the construction industry and those responsible for managing buildings to voluntarily report safety concerns.

CROSS UK

CROSS provides a confidential platform for professionals to report safety concerns, near-misses, and insights from across the built environment.

Reports are anonymised, reviewed by experts, and shared with the industry to promote learning and improve standards.

Yasmin Becker, CEO, IStructE said: “CROSS is an important and trusted function of the building safety regime, now confirmed as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System until 2028. The HSE’s decision means there will be much needed continuity for the voluntary reporting of building and fire safety issues. The Institution of Structural Engineers is pleased to continue supporting CROSS-UK as part of our commitment to structural safety.”

Established in 2005 by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), CROSS-UK has been supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) since 2021.

Paul Livesey, Head of Operations, CROSS added: “CROSS has always championed the power of sharing knowledge to prevent future failures, and this appointment reinforces the critical role of confidential reporting in driving a safer built environment. We encourage all construction professionals to contribute by reporting concerns and near-misses. Each report can make a difference.”

Find out more about the reporting process and submit a report online here.

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