This strategic roadmap charts the BSR's commitment to reshaping the building safety landscape from April 2023 to March 2026, emphasising accountability, transparency, and a culture of higher standards.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has released its first three-year strategic plan, which is a significant development for the fire safety landscape. The 27-page document, which includes a foreword by Housing Minister Michael Gove, outlines the BSR's mission to implement the Building Safety Act 2022-mandated building safety regime from April 2023 to March 2026.

The BSR, a division of the Health and Safety Executive, is in charge of overseeing and enforcing the new building safety regime. The strategic plan, which is required by the Building Safety Act, serves as a road map to help the BSR fulfil its responsibilities.

The assessment of approximately 40% of occupied higher-risk buildings, representing 65% of residential dwellings in England, by April 2026 is a key strategic goal. The plan emphasises a commitment to maintaining focus on priorities, with ongoing reviews expected, particularly after the release of the Grenfell Inquiry report next year.

The BSR has already observed tangible effects on the design of new high-rise buildings in the United Kingdom. During the first two years of gateway one planning (August 2021-2023), the quality of submitted applications improved by 28%. Notably, BSR objections decreased from 59% in August 2022 to 31% in August 2023, indicating a positive trend in fire and structural safety concerns.

In addition, the document includes a roadmap outlining key dates in the BSR's strategic plan. Notable milestones include the implementation of additional responsibilities for Accountable Persons and Principal Accountable Persons in early 2024, the implementation of mandatory registration for building inspectors and control approvers in spring 2024, and the completion or commencement of work on dangerous cladding remediation after March 2026.

Philip White, HSE’s director of building safety, emphasised the plan's significance, stating, “Our focus is clear and resolute as we oversee a culture of higher standards, putting building safety first. Our regulatory activities will be conducted in a way which is transparent, accountable, proportionate, and consistent.”

He also expressed the BSR's commitment to cross-sector collaboration, ensuring engagement with the building sector to effect fundamental changes in safety standards. The BSR aims to see transformative improvements in building safety and increased competency among industry professionals over the next three years, raising standards on an annual basis.

View the SOURCE here.

Our eNews provides regular insight into industry trends, news headlines, and product and service information. For news articles parallel to those mentioned above, sign up for our eNews. Click here to sign up: Subscribe to our enews (fia.uk.com)