During my recent conversation with Sarah Mitchell, a seasoned building control inspector based in Cardiff, it was clear that her enthusiasm for the latest developments in the building control sector was infectious. As a journalist, I have chronicled numerous stories on regulatory changes and industry trends, yet Sarah’s insights provided a refreshing, first-hand perspective on the positive surge in registered building control professionals in England and Wales, as reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
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Sarah, who has dedicated over 15 years to the building control profession, initially expressed her apprehensions regarding the new regulatory mandates introduced by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). “When the new system was first announced, there was a lot of anxiety within the community,” she confessed. “Many of us were concerned about potential disruptions to our daily operations and whether we could meet the new competency standards in the given timeframe.”
These fears were somewhat allayed when the BSR announced a temporary 13-week extension, allowing experienced building inspectors in England to complete their competency assessments by 6 July 2024. “The extension was a game-changer,” Sarah observed. “It provided us with the necessary breathing room to prepare adequately without compromising our ongoing projects.”
The latest data, revealing that 4,049 inspectors had registered under the new system by 30 July 2024, underscored the sector’s steadfast commitment to maintaining high standards. “Seeing those numbers was incredibly encouraging,” Sarah remarked. “It demonstrated that, despite the initial challenges, the building control community was ready to embrace the new requirements.”
Sarah elaborated on the registration figures—1,971 in Class 1 (Trainee), 1,614 in Class 2 (Registered Building Inspector), 464 in Class 3 (Specialist Building Inspector), and 516 in Class 4 (Building Inspector – Technical Manager)—highlighting the sector’s progress. “It’s particularly heartening to see a consistent level of success in Class 2 and Class 3,” she noted. “And the significant number of Class 4 technical managers points to the depth of expertise within our field.”
Ged Cooper, Head of Building Control Professional Standards at BSR, mirrored this sentiment, expressing optimism about the rise in registered professionals. “We are encouraged by the steady increase in numbers and are pleased to see a consistent level of success,” he stated. “The profession is entering a transformative era, with unified, consistent standards making it a positive career choice.”
For Sarah and her peers, the support from the BSR during the transition period proved invaluable. “The BSR’s approach was both fair and pragmatic,” she explained. “By granting an extension for us to complete our competency assessments, they showed a genuine commitment to a supportive regulatory environment and a level playing field in building control.”
In addition to extending the deadline, the BSR has initiated investigations and inspections of Building Control Bodies to ensure they are adequately resourced and capable of fulfilling their regulatory duties. “This increased oversight is crucial,” Sarah asserted. “It ensures that all Building Control Bodies are held to the same high standards, which in turn enhances public trust in our work.”
Looking ahead, Sarah is optimistic about the future of the building control profession. “The improved regulatory framework is already making a difference,” she said. “Greater transparency and accountability are not only attracting new talent but also helping to retain experienced professionals. It’s creating a more robust and trustworthy sector.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Sarah reflected on the transformative changes taking place in the building control profession. “We are at the beginning of a new era,” she concluded. “The increased number of registered inspectors is just the start. With enhanced professional standards and a supportive regulatory environment, I believe we are on the path to stronger compliance with building regulations and a more secure future for everyone involved.”
Departing from my interview with Sarah, I was left with a renewed sense of admiration for the building control professionals dedicated to upholding safety and quality standards. The recent rise in registered inspectors, as reported by the HSE, is indeed a positive reflection of the industry’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
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