The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has launched a free online toolkit to help Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) understand and meet their legal responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022. The resource aims to support those responsible for managing building safety across more than 13,000 high-rise residential buildings in England.

The new Building Safety Toolkit – Making Buildings Safer brings together practical guidance, training and resources to support more than 4,000 Principal Accountable Persons in fulfilling their statutory duties.

Principal Accountable Persons play an important role in ensuring that fire and structural safety risks are effectively managed in higher-risk residential buildings, helping to protect residents and maintain building safety standards.

Supporting compliance with building safety responsibilities

The toolkit has been developed to help Principal Accountable Persons navigate their responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022, with particular support for those involved in resident-managed buildings.

It provides access to a range of practical resources, including on-demand webinars, frequently asked questions, guidance documents, useful tips and regulatory updates.

Key topics covered include:

• Engaging with residents on building safety matters.

• Remediation in existing buildings.

• Free building safety training for resident-managed building directors.

• Official building safety guidance for occupied buildings.

• Guidance for high-rise residents.

• Your Home, Your Safety campaign materials.

The toolkit also includes information on preparing a building's Safety Case Report, a key document used to demonstrate how building safety risks are identified, assessed and managed.

Additional guidance is available on the BSR's planned approach to building assessments, helping duty holders understand what to expect as part of the regulatory process.

Dedicated support for resident-managed buildings

Recognising the different management arrangements in place across England's high-rise residential buildings, the toolkit also provides targeted support for resident-led organisations.

This includes free training aimed at more than 2,000 resident directors, who may also hold responsibilities as Principal Accountable Persons.

The training is particularly relevant to those involved in Resident Management Companies, Right to Manage Schemes and Commonhold Associations.

By providing accessible guidance and training, the BSR aims to help those managing residential buildings better understand their legal obligations and take appropriate steps to manage building safety risks.

Strengthening resident engagement and awareness

Alongside supporting regulatory compliance, the toolkit highlights the importance of effective communication and engagement with residents.

Principal Accountable Persons have a responsibility to engage with residents on building safety matters, ensuring that their views and concerns are considered as part of the building safety management process.

The toolkit provides practical advice on engaging with residents and includes resources to support the BSR's national Your Home, Your Safety campaign, which aims to improve residents' understanding of building safety and their rights.

Residents considering improvements or alterations to their homes can also access Building Control approval advice, helping them understand the requirements that may apply when undertaking work in a high-rise residential building.

For buildings undergoing remediation or other relevant construction work, the toolkit also signposts resources relating to the BSR's approach to remediation.

Accessing the toolkit

The launch of the toolkit provides an additional source of support for Principal Accountable Persons and others involved in managing higher-risk residential buildings.

Clear guidance, access to training and effective resident engagement are important elements of maintaining building safety and meeting regulatory responsibilities.

The FIA recognises the importance of making reliable building safety information accessible to those responsible for protecting residents and managing fire safety risks.

Principal Accountable Persons and other relevant duty holders can access the free resources through the Building Safety Toolkit – Making Buildings Safer.

Significant step forward

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the Building Safety Regulator, explained: “This new toolkit represents a significant step forward in our efforts to support ‘Principal Accountable Persons’, particularly so those in thousands of resident-managed buildings across England.”

Pugsley added: “By centralising resources, training opportunities and links to guidance, we are supporting duty holders to more effectively manage the complex, but essential requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022.”  

Further, Pugsley stated: “Whether it’s preparing a Safety Case Report, planning for remediation work on an existing building or engaging with residents, this resource helps to ensure that building safety remains the top priority for both the Building Safety Regulator and thousands of our high-rise communities.”

The launch of this digital resource is part of the Building Safety Regulator’s commitment to keeping building safety information current, accessible and useful. It follows on from a recent announcement that the Building Safety Regulator plans to introduce a more proportionate and targeted approach for future higher-risk building assessments. That plan also includes the offer of greater support to underpin resident-led ‘Principal Accountable Persons’.  

Regular updates are planned over the coming months to add new resources to the toolkit as the building safety regime continues to evolve. ‘Principal Accountable Persons’ and other interested parties can access the free toolkit and sign up for regular updates at Building Safety Toolkit – Making Buildings Safer.