To help industry professionals stay ahead, Hertfordshire Building Control (HBC), part of the Broste Rivers Group, recently hosted a CPD webinar featuring insights from Jayne Hall BSc(Hons) C Build E FCABE PPLABC PPCABE alongside industry veteran Trevor Clements MRICS AIFireE.
Their discussion explored the evolving roles and responsibilities under the BSA and the ripple effects across the sector.
For those who missed it, you can watch the full webinar by clicking here.
But if you need some compelling reasons to tune in, here are a few key insights to pique your interest.
One of the changes under the BSA is the reinstatement of the term “building inspectors” making a full circle return. This career is now a regulated profession, requiring inspectors to pass competency exams before practising.
But as Jayne Hall points out, this change is just the tip of the iceberg. Building inspectors now have to carefully balance their roles, offering guidance without crossing into the designer’s territory, a shift that has changed the dynamic between regulators and construction professionals.
Key takeaway: If your building inspector seems less conversational than before,
it’s not personal – it’s compliance!
The webinar highlighted a fundamental shift in accountability. Under the new regulations, compliance is about proving competency.
Jayne explained that the industry is moving towards a model where all stakeholders, from architects to contractors, must demonstrate their qualifications and experience, based on the SKEB principles (Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours).
Why it matters: If you think a friendly local builder can still work it out as they go, think again. Competency is now a legal requirement, not just a professional courtesy.
One of the biggest discussion points was the role and responsibilities of principal designers (PDs) and principal contractors (PCs).
Many designers, accustomed to handing over projects post-planning approval, are now being asked to stay engaged throughout the construction process. But what happens if a PD steps away? Who picks up the responsibility? The answer is the client must appoint a replacement and serve a change of appointment notice.
In the PD role, they are signing to suggest that the design details they have provided are compliant with regulations and approved guidance (to a point where approval is granted). If any subsequent site changes are made, it is expected that the PD be informed and satisfied with the changes. In some cases, this may warrant an amended drawing, but for minor changes it will not. The general assumption is that they will not have a site presence during construction.
It is the PC’s role to sign to confirm that what they have constructed on site is compliant, and that if they have deviated from the approved design, they have sought approval from the PD.
Industry impact: If you’re a designer, expect to remain involved for longer than before – or risk leaving clients in a legal grey area.
Amendments to Sections 35 and 36 of the Building Act 1984 mark a significant enhancement to existing enforcement powers, granting regulators increased authority to address non-compliance effectively.
“One of the changes under the BSA is the reinstatement of the term “building inspectors” making a full circle return. This career is now a regulated profession, requiring inspectors to pass competency exams before practising.“
The BSA grants building control regulators stronger enforcement powers, including compliance notices and stop notices. These changes enable local authority building control bodies to take stronger and swifter action against breaches of Building Regulations, underscoring the commitment to quality standards within the construction industry.
The big question: Will local authorities have the resources and appetite to enforce these rules effectively? Watch this space.
While much of the BSA’s focus has been on large-scale projects, even Mrs Bloggs’ single-storey rear extension isn’t exempt. Domestic clients, often unaware of their legal responsibilities, now face more stringent requirements when appointing designers and contractors. As one attendee noted, many homeowners assume building control will handle it – a misconception that needs urgent correction.
Pro tip: If you’re a contractor working on domestic projects, be prepared to guide clients through their newfound responsibilities.
With many elements of the BSA still rolling out, one certainty remains: the industry must adapt. Whether its architects or more specifically designers and design consultants proving their designs are compliant before submission or small builders reassessing their competency credentials, these changes demand a proactive approach.
As Jayne puts it: “We all thought we were competent before – now we have to prove it.”
If you’re in building control, construction or design, the changes under the BSA will affect you. The good news? There’s still time to get up to speed.
For a deeper dive into all these topics (and more lively discussion), watch the full webinar here.
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.
The post Navigating the new era of Building Control: Key takeaways from our CPD webinar appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
Click here to continue reading
Surveyors UK is an inclusive membership platform connecting the UK’s surveying community.
Want us to let you know when we’re ready for our full launch.
Enter your details below, and we’ll email you when we’re ready.