2024: A transformative year for building safety

Philip White, HSE Chief Inspector of Buildings

2024 has been a transformative year for building safety in England. It marked the shift from groundwork to meaningful action. Together, we’ve demonstrated just what’s possible when we unite behind a shared goal. But this is just the beginning – we’re on a long-term journey to build and manage a safer, more accountable built environment for everyone.

For BSR, the Building Safety Act (BSA2022) has been about turning plans into action. Think of it like moving into a new home – exploring the space, tackling immediate priorities, and laying the groundwork for improvements. The Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry’s Phase 2 report remains a stark reminder of why our 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.

Let’s take a closer look at what made this year so defining for building safety.

BSR in action

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.

Facing challenges head-on

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.

At the same time, we remained focused on delivering our responsibilities while staying true to our core principles: transparency, proportionality, and accountability.

Supporting industry through change

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.

Shifting the culture of safety

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?

Regulations are the starting point, but real change comes when we take shared accountability for raising standards and driving safer outcomes.

Empowering Residents

Building safety isn’t just about technical standards – it’s about people and their homes. 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.

This year, our ‘Your Home, Your Safety’ campaign helped high-rise residents in England understand their new rights under the BSA2022. We focused on ensuring they know:

• How safety risks in their building are being managed.
• Where to find clear, accessible safety information.
• How to raise concerns and access straightforward guidance.

Our residents’ panel continues to provide invaluable insight, ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of those living in high-rise buildings shape our work and decisions.

Lessons learned

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.

Looking ahead to 2025

In 2025, we’ll continue strengthening the regulatory framework, improving competence across the sector, and amplifying residents’ voices. Our 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. Collaboration will be key to driving this critical work forward.

Another priority will be modernising the building regulations guidance framework and we will undertake a fundamental review of the guidance. We have already committed to keeping Approved Document B, which covers fire safety, under continuous review.

Building momentum together

The progress we’ve made this year 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.

BSR is committed to carrying the lessons of 2024 into the future. Together, we can turn this transformation into a lasting legacy of safety, trust, and accountability.

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