The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published a new guide designed to help construction clients understand their responsibilities under the Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.

Available free of charge, the guide is aimed at anyone commissioning building work on behalf of a business, public body, charity or other non-domestic organisation.

It provides clear guidance on clients’ legal duties under the Building Safety Act 2022 and helps organisations understand which projects are and are not subject to the Building Regulations.

The guide also includes a practical checklist for clients to work through before starting a project. This covers key considerations including checking the competence of appointed professionals, confirming that appropriate processes are in place to manage compliance, and establishing whether the project involves a higher-risk building.

By setting out these responsibilities in a clear and accessible format, the guidance aims to help clients better understand their role and ensure building safety and regulatory compliance are considered from the outset of a project.

Ayo Allu, chair of the CIOB’s Client Steering Group, stated: “As a client, your role is no longer simply to commission construction work. You should help ensure that it’s properly planned, managed and delivered in compliance with the Building Regulations, keeping in mind the decisions you make before and during the project influence safety, quality and compliance.”

Allu continued: “You are not expected to be a technical expert. However, you are expected to make informed decisions, appoint competent individuals, provide necessary information to your contractor and estate manager, maintain records and remain engaged throughout the project.”

In conclusion, Allu noted: “It’s not uncommon for projects to be derailed when clients are unaware of the level of involvement they need to have and only realise when it’s too late. By empowering clients to make good decisions from the outset and fulfil their legal obligations, their relationships with their contractors are likely to be easier and their projects more successful.”

Find out more and access the guide here

View the source.

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