The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has welcomed a strong warning from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), urging main contractors to take greater responsibility for the quality, competence and compliance of their supply chains on higher-risk building (HRB) projects.

BSR chair Lord Andrew Roe KFSM has made it clear that the regulator will increase its scrutiny of how principal contractors manage subcontractors, particularly as projects progress from Gateway 2 design approval through to Gateway 3 completion. While recognising improvements across the sector, Lord Roe stressed that robust designs alone are not enough if they are not delivered correctly on site.

He called for stronger evidence of effective management, accountability and quality assurance throughout subcontracted work, warning that poor oversight continues to present an unacceptable risk. Drawing on his experience as London Fire Commissioner during the Grenfell Tower fire, Lord Roe said the industry must continue to strengthen its approach to competence and compliance.

Rachel Davidson, BESA's Director of Specialist Knowledge, said the regulator's message reflects exactly what the industry needs.

"Demonstrating the competence and quality of the supply chain is no longer optional – it is a fundamental part of meeting legal duties," she said. "Clients must be confident that those they appoint have the skills, knowledge, experience, behaviours and organisational capability required to deliver safe, compliant buildings."

Raising standards across the supply chain

BESA believes the regulator's intervention reinforces the importance of its Member Pledge initiative, launched last year to place professional and technical competence at the centre of members' operations. As part of the pledge, participating firms also commit to expecting the same high standards from their own supply chains.

The initiative has already encouraged more supply chain businesses to apply for BESA membership, enabling them to demonstrate competence and compliance through the Association's independent technical audit process.

BESA's Competence Assessment Standard is aligned with the Build UK Common Assessment Standard and has been updated to reflect the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022.

The Association said its audit process focuses on verifying whether companies can genuinely carry out the work for which they are appointed, rather than simply assessing documentation. Members are re-audited every three years, or more frequently where necessary, providing clients with ongoing assurance that contractors continue to meet both technical and quality standards.

Helping clients meet their legal responsibilities

To support dutyholders, BESA has also published its Clients' Guide to the Building Safety Act 2022. The guide explains the legal responsibilities placed on clients and outlines how projects can remain compliant throughout every stage of delivery.

It also covers the specific requirements for higher-risk buildings, highlights common pitfalls and explains the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Davidson added that the guide should empower contractors to challenge poor client decisions or procurement practices that could undermine safety or quality.

"Under the legislation, contractors have a duty to refuse to begin work unless they are satisfied that the client fully understands their responsibilities," she said

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