The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), acting as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), has formally appointed CROSS-UK as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS) for structural and fire safety until at least 2028.

CROSS-UK (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) will continue in its role as the official independent platform for reporting safety concerns, helping to improve standards across the built environment. This appointment supports a key measure within the Government’s post-Grenfell reforms, established through the 2022 Building Safety Act, which introduced strengthened legislation for building safety and construction products.

While the VORS is central to the HSE’s mission to enhance building safety, its independence is a legal and practical necessity. The system must be operated separately from both the regulator and Government, ensuring confidentiality and trust among those who use it.

Having managed the system on an interim basis since April 2023, CROSS-UK has gained industry-wide recognition for its contribution to identifying risks, encouraging cultural change, and supporting public safety. Following a competitive tender process, it has now been appointed to continue delivering the service for the next three years.

Although appointed by the BSR, CROSS-UK remains fully independent. It provides a secure and anonymous way for construction professionals and duty holders to voluntarily report structural or fire safety concerns and near-misses—critical information that can prevent future incidents.

Sector Leaders Welcome the Announcement

Philip White, Director of Building Safety at the HSE, said:

“Everyone deserves a safe and accountable built environment, and as the official operator of the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System, CROSS will play a key role in making that happen. This public interest appointment promotes openness, learning, and culture change – exactly what’s needed to raise standards, improve building safety, and prevent future tragedies.”

Yasmin Becker, CEO of the Institution of Structural Engineers, commented:

“CROSS is an important and trusted function of the building safety regime, now confirmed as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System until 2028. The HSE’s decision means there will be much needed continuity for the voluntary reporting of building and fire safety issues. The Institution of Structural Engineers is pleased to continue supporting CROSS-UK as part of our commitment to structural safety.”

Dr. Janet Young, Director General of the Institution of Civil Engineers, added:

“One of the fundamental principles of the Institution of Civil Engineers is to provide the knowledge and services civil and infrastructure engineers need to build, operate, and maintain infrastructure that is safe and fit for purpose. Supporting CROSS is an important part of this work. Having CROSS selected as the official voluntary occurrence reporting system by the Health and Safety Executive is a testament to the essential role the service plays in public safety.”

Steve Hamm, CEO of the Institution of Fire Engineers, also welcomed the news:

“The Institution of Fire Engineers was honoured to support the expansion of CROSS to include fire safety reporting in 2021. The sector had never previously had such a facility but the benefits for the consumers of the information as well as the contributors were easy to comprehend and get behind. This news is a positive next step as we collectively strive towards continuous improvements to building safety.”

Paul Livesey, Head of Operations at CROSS, said:

“CROSS-UK is honoured to be appointed as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety under the Building Safety Act until 2028. CROSS has always championed the power of sharing knowledge to prevent future failures, and this appointment reinforces the critical role of confidential reporting in driving a safer built environment. We encourage all construction professionals to contribute by reporting concerns and near-misses. Each report can make a difference.”

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