In a recent conversation with Maxine Clarke, a seasoned architect deeply engaged in the ongoing discourse surrounding competence within the construction industry, it became evident just how crucial the year 2024 is poised to be in defining the future of building safety standards. The conclusions drawn from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have reverberated throughout the architectural and construction sectors, underscoring an urgent need for more precise competence standards. As Maxine astutely observed, “Competence isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of ensuring safety and trust in our industry.”
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Our dialogue navigated through the initiatives of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which is actively working to enhance competence by directly involving industry voices via the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG). Originally established as a response to the Grenfell tragedy, the ICSG has now evolved into a formal working group under the statutory Industry Competence Committee (ICC). Maxine elaborated on this transformation, stating, “This restructuring signifies a more unified approach, blending industry expertise with regulatory oversight to develop robust competence frameworks.”
Architects, in particular, have a unique role to play within this shifting landscape. Maxine articulated this potential, noting, “Architects have an opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping these standards.” The ICSG’s Sector Led Group for Consultant Designers provides a critical platform for architects to inject their insights and expertise. With involvement from over 60 professional bodies and 1,500 individuals, this initiative is rapidly gaining traction. “It’s about creating frameworks that reflect the realities of our day-to-day work while ensuring safety and competence,” she added.
On the horizon is the introduction of new British Standards slated for 2025, which represents one of the most significant developments in the industry. Maxine shared her perspectives on these impending changes: “The industry has already seen the publication of BS 8670-1:2024, which sets core criteria for building safety. Now, we’re working towards BS 8670-2, focusing on the competence required for specifying construction products.” This new standard is designed to establish the levels of competence required at pivotal decision points, a critical lesson learned from the Grenfell inquiry. Maxine emphasised, “It’s about recognising limitations and knowing when to consult specialists.”
The ICSG’s partnership with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) symbolises a concerted effort to ensure alignment across industry initiatives. Maxine expressed optimism about these collaborations, noting, “This collaboration is crucial for developing coherent and comprehensive standards. It ensures that all efforts are pulling in the same direction towards improving building safety.”
Maxine also reflected on the broader implications of these initiatives for architects. “Engaging with the ICSG and contributing to these standards isn’t just a professional duty; it’s a chance to influence the very regulations that will shape our practice for years to come.” She urged her fellow architects to connect with the relevant sector group leads and become active participants in shaping the future of competence frameworks.
As our discussion drew to a close, Maxine shared her aspirations for the future. “I believe that through collaboration and a shared commitment to competence, we can build a safer, more resilient built environment. The changes underway are significant, but they offer us a path forward to prevent tragedies like Grenfell from ever happening again.”
Reflecting on our conversation, I gained a profound appreciation for the evolving emphasis on competence within the architectural and construction industries. As the BSR intensifies its collaboration with industry stakeholders, the opportunity for architects to influence and shape the regulatory landscape presents both a challenge and a privilege. It serves as a call to action for all professionals to engage proactively in this transformative journey, ensuring that competence remains a foundational principle in every aspect of their work.
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