Providing Technical support & Training for the Glass & Fenestration Industry
Building Safety Regulator
There is little doubt that the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator has made and will continue to have a major impact on the Construction Industry. The final Grenfell report alongside the Hackett report and the Morrell report will shape the competence of our workforce and ensure that product will be fit for purpose. This page provides information and updates on this important piece of legislation.
This page provides information you should know about the Building Safety Regulator and how the Building Safety Act will impact you as a manufacturer or installer. The information below will provide a taster of the information provided within the Building Safety Act & BSR course. Below is also a link to the Charles Russell Speechly's excellent timeline providing the latest updates.
What is the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and its purpose
Established by the UK Government under the Building Safety Act, the BSR is responsible for overseeing the safety and standards of buildings throughout their lifecycle, from design and construction to occupation.
Working to improve building safety practices across the entire construction industry and enhancing the skills and knowledge of those involved in designing, constructing and managing buildings.
How does it impact on products?
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has a significant impact on construction products, primarily through its role in enforcing stricter safety standards and increasing accountability within the construction industry. Here's a breakdown of how the BSR influences products: •Increased Scrutiny and Regulation: oThe BSR, working alongside bodies like the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), is increasing the level of market surveillance on construction products. This means products are subject to more rigorous checks to ensure they meet safety requirements. oThere's a focus on ensuring that claimed performance requirements of construction products are actually met, contributing to safer buildings. •Liability and Accountability: oThe Building Safety Act, which established the BSR, has introduced changes to liability regarding defective construction products. This includes extended limitation periods for claims, increasing the timeframe within which manufacturers and suppliers can be held accountable. oThis increased liability encourages manufacturers to produce higher-quality, safer products. •"Golden Thread" of Information: oThe concept of the "golden thread" of information, emphasized by the BSR, requires detailed records of product information throughout a building's lifecycle. This means greater transparency and traceability of construction products used in buildings, especially higher-risk buildings. •Focus on Competence: oThe BSR's drive to improve competence within the construction industry also indirectly impacts products. Professionals are expected to have a deeper understanding of product safety and proper usage, leading to more responsible product selection and application. •Collaboration with OPSS: oThe BSR works closely with the OPSS. The OPSS has the role of ensuring that construction products on the UK market are safe. This collaboration strengthens the regulatory framework surrounding construction product safety. In essence, the BSR is driving a culture of greater safety and accountability regarding construction products, aiming to prevent the use of substandard or unsafe materials in buildings.
What about workforce competence?
The BSR plays a crucial role in improving competence within the construction workforce, primarily by: Setting Clear Competence Requirements: The BSR is instrumental in defining and establishing clear competence requirements for individuals and organizations involved in the design, construction, and management of buildings, especially higher-risk buildings. Promoting Competence Frameworks: It works closely with industry bodies to develop and promote competence frameworks, which outline the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviors required for specific roles. Facilitating Industry Collaboration: The BSR fosters collaboration among industry stakeholders through initiatives like the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) and the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG). These groups work together to address competence gaps and drive improvements. Providing Guidance and Support: The BSR provides guidance and support to help professionals enhance their competence, including information on training, qualifications, and best practices. Driving Regulatory Change: Through the Building Safety Act 2022, the BSR has introduced new regulatory requirements that emphasize the importance of competence, holding duty holders accountable for ensuring that individuals are competent to carry out their roles. Oversight and Enforcement: The BSR has the power to oversee and enforce competence requirements, which encourages industry professionals to prioritize continuous improvement. The BSR is working to create a culture of competence within the construction industry, ensuring that those involved in building projects have the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver safe and high-quality buildings.
The latest news on BSR
A new charging scheme for the BSR with a 5% (inflationary) increase in hourly charges, became effective on 1 April 2025. The charging scheme for the Building Safety Regulator outlines fees associated with various BSR functions, which are defined in the Building Safety (Regulator’s Charges) Regulations 2023. Chargeable functions include the determination of building control approval applications for higher-risk building (HRB) work, assessing applications to dispense with or relax building regulations, and the inspection of building work. Charges also apply to the registration of higher-risk buildings and building inspectors, as well as the review of safety case reports. The charges are calculated using a set application charge, then additional hourly rates for staff (£151 per hour), plus fixed charges for more uniform activities. ​
Timeline set in Building Safety Act introduction.
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