For the Building Safety Regulator, the Building Safety Act (BSA2022) has been about turning plans into action.
The Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry’s Phase 2 report remains a stark reminder of why this work matters. It challenges the industry to learn from past mistakes and ensure residents’ safety and well-being are at the heart of every decision.
That is the message of Philip White, HSE Chief Inspector of Buildings, in a review of 2024. He says 2024 was a transformative year for building safety in England. It marked the shift from groundwork to meaningful action.
“Think of it like moving into a new home – exploring the space, tackling immediate priorities, and laying the groundwork for improvements, he said.
“Since our May conference, which marked a new era for building safety, BSR has become fully operational. This isn’t business as usual – it’s a generational shift in how the construction industry operates. BSA2022 introduced new frameworks and principles that require fresh thinking and collaboration.
“The post-conference survey reinforced this commitment: 71% of the 1,300 delegates reported a good or full understanding of their responsibilities, and nearly half (47%) said they intended to make significant changes to their practices this year.
“Throughout 2024, we’ve worked to embed these principles. By setting consistent building control standards and holding those managing higher-risk buildings accountable, we’ve laid strong foundations for lasting change.
“July brought one of our biggest challenges when an unexpected surge in applications, driven by external industry issues, caused delays in processing building control applications. We acted quickly to keep things on track, putting contingency measures in place, such as recruiting additional staff and securing industry support. These steps are already having a positive impact, helping us manage the increased demand.
“We’re committed to overseeing the safety and compliance of higher-risk buildings, while supporting industry to deliver safe and successful projects. The new gateway processes, introduced in response to the Grenfell tragedy, are central to raising safety standards.
“We know that adapting to a new system takes time. That’s why we’re working closely with industry leaders – listening to feedback, strengthening our advice, and providing clearer guidance to help applicants navigate this process with confidence.”
He said building safety is more than meeting regulations – it’s about transforming how we work and think. At the heart of this shift is competence. It’s not a box to tick but an ongoing responsibility. Professionals must ask themselves:
- Do my teams have the skills and attitudes needed to deliver safe outcomes?
- Am I staying within my expertise and improving my knowledge?
- What more can I do to embed safety into everything we do?
“Building safety isn’t just about technical standards – it’s about people and their homes,” he added. “At BSR, we’re committed to putting residents’ safety at the heart of everything we do. It’s not enough for people to be safe; they also need to feel safe. That means knowing their homes are secure, their concerns are heard, and their voices matter.
“Change isn’t easy, but it’s essential. This year’s challenges have only strengthened our resolve. One clear message has emerged: those who create risks must be held accountable for managing them.
“As Gateway 3 progresses, we’re focusing on verifying compliance during the final stages of construction. Managing design changes to maintain safety standards will be a critical priority.”
In 2025, the BSR will continue strengthening the regulatory framework, improving competence across the sector, and amplifying residents’ voices. The mission goes beyond compliance -it’s about rebuilding trust and creating a safer future.
“Next year, we’ll work with government, industry regulators, fire authorities, Mayors, and local leaders to accelerate remediation for higher-risk buildings still affected by unsafe cladding,” he said. “Collaboration will be key to driving this critical work forward.
“Another priority will be modernising the Approved Documents framework in particular consulting on a revised Approved Document B, which covers fire safety. By simplifying and clarifying these rules – especially for smaller builders – we aim to make compliance more accessible and straightforward. A public consultation is expected by early autumn.
“The progress we’ve made proves what can be achieved when we work together. But there’s still more to do. Professionals, policymakers, and residents all have a role to play in shaping a safer built environment.”
