Hackitt implementation plan to be focus of forthcoming FPA seminar

Sweeping reforms of building regulations and standards announced by the government will be under the spotlight in a forthcoming seminar organised by the Fire Protection Association (FPA).

Published in December, the government’s implementation plan promised to fulfill all recommendations made in the post-Grenfell review of building regulations chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt.

Hackitt has decried a cost-driven “race to the bottom” in building standards and urged the government to create a “stronger and more effective regulatory framework” that “commits the government to a programme of reform over the coming years”.

The seminar will address the implications for industry, stakeholders and residents of tall buildings, and how different agencies can collaborate to improve and champion fire safety.

Taking place Wednesday 27 February, Building a safer future – named after the review itself – will be relevant to a wide range of professionals working in the construction supply chain.

“There are many grey areas that need un-picking so those implementing the recommendations actually understand the implications.” Jonathan O’Neill OBE, MD, FPA

“Whilst we welcome all the work on building regulations that has been achieved to date by Dame Judith Hackitt, since the government’s implementation plan it has become apparent that there are many grey areas that need un-picking, so that those implementing the recommendations actually understand the implications,” said FPA managing director Jonathan O’Neill OBE, who will chair the seminar.

O’Neill OBE has previously said that third-party certificated products should be mandated  and apply to product installers and risk assessors – a theme one of the speakers will talk about.

Speakers will include:

• Ian Moore, chief executive, Fire Industry Association – The importance of third party certification in effecting change
• Dr Jim Glockling – Technical Director, Fire Protection Association – Building information modelling (BIM) and resilient buildings
• Nick Coombe – Protection vice-chair, national Fire Chief’s Council – How will the enforcement regulation landscape evolve?
• Graham Watts – chief executive, Construction Industry Council – Creating the competency framework
• Kirti Ruikar – senior lecturer, Loughborough University – Building information modelling and its role in supporting Hackitt’s “Golden Thread of building information”

Subject matter

• Findings and recommendations of Building a Safer Future and delivery of Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations through the government’s implementation plan
• Understanding implications for current legislation, and guidance, and anticipating changes ahead
• The role of building information modelling (BIM) and improving visibility of building information
• Effectively evaluating and understanding what fire safety regulations are not fit for purpose
• How ‘early adopters’ are seeking to address the safety concerns of residents of high rise buildings and lessons learned to date
• An understanding of third-party certification, and its growing importance in ensuring building and occupant safety
• What the future is for compliance and enforcement activity – approach, resourcing and penalties
• How sectors can work collaboratively and with understanding to drive up standards and response to fire incidents
• The outcomes to date of the competency standards group workstreams activities and likely impacts on design, construction, fire and management personnel

The FPA says the following professionals will benefit from the seminar:

• Social housing providers
• Building owners, landlords and managing agents
• Insurers/brokers
• Facilities/building managers
• Health and safety managers
• Construction industry professionals and manufacturers
• Architects and designers
• Building control officers and approved inspectors
• Fire risk assessors
• Fire engineers
• Fire and rescue services enforcement officers

Seminar details

• Date: Wednesday 27 February 2019
• Venue: The Fire Service College, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RH
• Time: 10am-4pm

Find out more and book your ticket. Or call the Fire Protection Association’s training team on 01608 812 500.

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