Almost 1,000 people attended the first conference hosted by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) which aimed to prepare people for a new regime.
Architects, landlords and building control professionals were at the largest event held by the BSR since it was established.
Held in Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, London, the inaugural conference was designed to support industry and duty holders in preparing for new building safety regulations in England which come into effect in the next 18 months.
Lee Rowley, Minister for Building Safety, said: “We need to ensure that those working in the building industry have the knowledge and confidence to properly engage with this new regime and make it a success.”
The conference came as the registration process for high-rise residential buildings (HRBs) is set to begin in April.
Legal duties and requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022 mean owners and managers of approximately 12,500 HRBs in England will have until October to register with the BSR or face investigation and prosecution.
Key information around this crucial registration stage was covered in detail throughout the national conference to increase knowledge and understanding.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Chief Executive Sarah Albon said: “Over the past 18 months, we have been talking directly to residents and to resident groups – listening to their concerns, trying to understand what would give them the reassurance they need, and to make sure we take the steps needed to get this right. People must be safe in their own homes – and they must feel safe too.
“You all have a really important part to play in ensuring that we can set up this new regime successfully and that HSE can continue, through the BSR, to protect people and places.”
Chief Inspector of Buildings, Peter Baker, added: “The regulatory reforms that will start from April will ensure that you all lead the behaviour change that is needed and do what is required to protect residents.
“They also introduce a new regulator ‘with teeth’ to hold to account those who chose not to learn the lessons and improve.”
As the first opportunity for representatives from across the industry to engage with those leading the regime, the conference featured a programme of information, learning and interactive Q&A sessions with senior BSR policy leads, and key industry representatives.
Sessions included presentations on the HRB planning, design and construction gateways and the drive to increase competency across the industry.
Dame Judith Hackitt spoke about the Industry Safety Steering Group’s third report, discussing culture change in the built environment industry.
Conference sessions will be available to view online in the next few weeks and it is due to become an annual event.
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