Update to EWS1 Form and RICS Valuation Guidance

RICS, UK FINANCE AND BSA updated the EWS1 form on 16 March 2022. EWS1 forms were introduced in 2019 to help assess external wall systems and their combustibility.

At the same time, RICS updated the valuation guidance: Valuation of Properties in multi-storey, multi-occupancy residential buildings with cladding to reflect the new Government advice: BSI PAS9980:2022 – Assessing the external wall fire risk in multi-occupied residential buildings.

RICS Guidance and PAS 9980:2022

RICS Guidance has been updated but the criteria for the RICS guidance note remains valid, following the review by the independently led Standards and Regulation Board on 10 December 2021.

However, as the guidance was introduced based on the Government Consolidated Advice Note (CAN), which was withdrawn in January 2022, the guidance note now includes a statement explaining that this guidance was drafted with reference to Government guidance in force at the time, which has now been withdrawn, and replaced with the publication of PAS 9980:2022. This guidance note remains valid at this time and remains under review by RICS’ independent Standards and Regulation Board.

Access the RICS guidance note here.

EWS1 Form

The EWS1 form categories remain the same but following the withdrawal of the CAN, the implementation of the PAS9980, and to ensure proportionality, the EWS1 form has been updated to reflect these changes.

It now includes reference to those who have completed the EWS1 Assessment Training Programme and are now able to complete the EWS1 form and covers whether interim measures are required.

While the way to assess and associated options remain the same, the form is now electronic, making it easier to access.

The form also now includes version control. This will increase transparency for how many times a building has been assessed by the same assessor or company and will provide a clear audit trail for how many assessments have been completed on the same building by the same assessor or company.

RICS strongly recommends that all completed EWS1 forms are uploaded to the FIA portal to avoid duplication.

Download the latest EWS1 form here.

RICS states that the update is accurate as of the 16 March 2022 and in line with Government advice at that time.

The EWS1 form and guidance remains under constant review to ensure that a proportionate approach is taken to help ease the impacts on leaseholders from combustible cladding, whilst ensuring that lenders and valuers meet their legal requirements to accurately report property values.

However, as more Fire Risk Assessments are carried out under the PAS9980, with EWS appraisals, RICS envisages the need for an EWS1 form will diminish.

>>Read more on high rise buildings and cladding in the news