The UK's Building Safety Act 2022 marks a seismic shift in the construction and property management industries, introducing a new era of accountability and transparency. Born out of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, this legislation aims to ensure the safety of higher-risk buildings (HRBs) while promoting a proactive safety culture across all construction projects.
You may have heard terms like "golden thread" and "higher-risk buildings" but aren’t entirely sure how these changes impact your day-to-day responsibilities. This blog will guide you through the evolving legal landscape and outline how the Act enhances design and construction compliance.
The golden thread and why it matters
One of the key principles of the Building Safety Act is the concept of the "golden thread." Simply put, the golden thread is a structured, secure and accessible digital record of a building's design, construction and eventual management.
Anthony Taylor, Chair of the Building Safety Alliance, explains this as "the collation of evidence in the design and construction phase, documenting compliance with regulations from Gateway 2 (design approval) through to Gateway 3 (completion)." He stressed that this detailed documentation ensures that all duty holders—from architects to contractors to building managers—can demonstrate accountability at every stage.
The golden thread doesn’t just benefit new buildings, either. Existing structures, particularly HRBs (residential buildings above 18 meters or with at least seven stories), must also develop this record over time to comply with the law.
Key changes to design responsibilities
The role of the principal designer is undergoing significant transformation under the Act. John Staves, Managing Director at Michael Aubrey Partnership, highlights the necessity of stepping up documentation practices to remain compliant. “Every design change, site instruction or decision must be documented, and drawings and specifications need to move from ‘emailed and forgotten’ to properly archived,” he explains.
For designers, this means:
- Ensuring all updates to plans are logged in the golden thread
- Collaborating closely with contractors during construction to guarantee that all build elements align with the legally compliant design
- Being ready at any moment to present evidence of compliance in audits or reviews
How construction responsibilities are impacted
The construction phase also sees reinforced guidelines. Contractors must ensure their work aligns with the designs approved at Gateway 2 and document evidence of compliance. Without this documentation, completion certificates won’t be issued, and the building cannot be occupied.
Staves noted that, for smaller projects, cultural change is just as critical as procedural updates. He remarked, “…builders must now actively ask themselves, ‘Are we competent to make design decisions during construction?’ If not, it’s essential to involve the original designers or industry experts.”
Future-proofing through compliance
One of the most significant updates in the Act is the unlimited liability for breaches of building regulations. For all projects, regardless of size, a lack of compliance documentation could lead to serious legal and financial consequences even decades later.
Taylor reiterated, "Even non-HRB projects should consider maintaining a 'digital record' of compliance for their own protection." He emphasised that insurers are increasingly requiring proof of these records to mitigate liability, aligning with the enforcement by building regulators.
Steps to moving forward effectively
For organisations across the industry, the Building Safety Act isn’t just about regulatory hurdles; it’s a chance to improve overall practices. Here’s how you can adapt:
1. Implement the golden thread: Develop a standardised method for collecting and maintaining compliance data across projects.
2. Train your teams: Educate everyone involved on their responsibilities under the act, from maintaining records to ensuring safe designs.
3. Leverage digital solutions: Ideagen Mail Manager enables effective email filing and documentation, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Audit and plan regularly: Routinely assess whether your design and construction practices align with the Act's requirements.
A cultural shift for safety
Taylor aptly summarises the Act’s purpose, stating, "The regulator designed this law to be disruptive—to uproot ingrained shortcuts in the industry and ensure safety is at the forefront." While the transition may seem daunting, this cultural shift benefits everyone, from design professionals and contractors to the residents relying on safe living spaces.
For those looking to elevate compliance and efficiency, tools tailored to information management, like those mentioned by Staves, can simplify complex processes. By implementing smart strategies today, you can pave the way for a safer future for your projects.
Stay compliant and informed. Download our e-book - 'If it's not filed, you're not covered: Why every project needs a golden thread' to discover more.
