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Making Buildings Safer

How voluntary occurrence reporting helps us learn and improve

At the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), our mission is simple but vital: to make buildings safer for everyone. A key part of achieving this is learning from safety concerns before they lead to harm – and that’s where Voluntary Occurrence Reporting (VOR) plays a crucial role.

A man looking up, and a digital tablet in his hands

Since its launch in April 2023, the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting system has given people across the built environment a safe, confidential way to raise concerns about structural or fire safety issues. It helps the industry learn from mistakes, near misses, and successes – without fear of blame.

We’re pleased to confirm that CROSS-UK (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) will continue running the VOR system until at least 2028. Helping us all build a safer future together.

Why it matters

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was a national tragedy – the worst residential fire in the UK since the Second World War. It showed us that building safety isn’t just about rules. It’s about behaviour, values, and a shared responsibility to protect people.

Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review called for a complete culture change across the construction and housing sectors.

In response, the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced sweeping reforms – including a legal requirement for an independent system that operates independently of both the regulator and government. That system is VOR.

What Is VOR?

VOR is a confidential, independent reporting system where can raise concerns about structural or fire safety – life cycle, from design to occupation and even end of life.

Unlike whistleblowing schemes, VOR is not about assigning blame. It is designed to foster a no-blame culture that encourages openness and shared learning.

Reports are reviewed by expert panels made up of respected professionals from across the built environment. These panels identify key lessons and publish anonymised findings so the whole sector can learn and improve.

Importantly, VOR is completely separate from enforcement processes, and all reports are anonymised. That means people can speak up without fear, knowing that the goal is learning – not punishment.

Once finalised reports are published anonymously on the CROSS website so others in the industry can learn and improve.

VOR and MOR: What’s the difference?

The Voluntary Occurrence Reporting (VOR) system complements the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) duties that apply under the law.

  • MOR is a legal requirement for certain duty holders to report specific safety issues – especially during the design and construction of higher-risk buildings (HRBs), or once they are occupied.
  • VOR is voluntary and open to anyone. It encourages broader reporting across all building types, helping us capture valuable insights from every part of the industry.
  • VOR is separate and distinct to the mandatory reporting of building safety risks under the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) scheme which is operated by HSE.

Together, VOR and MOR give us a clearer picture of risks, trends, and improvements. And they help support lasting change.

How the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting system works

The next phase of the VOR system launched on 1 July 2025, will continue to be available across England, Wales, and Scotland. Key features include:

  • Independence: CROSS-UK operates the system, independent of BSR and government.
  • Confidentiality: Reports are anonymised. No personal data is shared, and no enforcement action will be taken as a result.
  • Simple access: Reports can be submitted through a dedicated online portal.
  • Guided support: If a report falls outside VOR’s scope, the system will help direct the person to the right organisation.

Reports can cover a wide range of issues – from major structural risks to smaller but insightful incidents.

You can also report learning points from things that went well, such as successful fixes or safety interventions.

A safer built environment starts with shared learning

Voluntary Occurrence Reporting is a key part of building a more open, accountable, and safety-conscious industry. It encourages a mindset where people feel supported to speak up, share lessons, and work together to make things better.

Thanks to the continued leadership of CROSS-UK, VOR gives professionals a trusted way to contribute to safer buildings. And contribute to a safer built environment.

We encourage everyone working in the built environment to use this system, learn from it. And help us create the lasting change that Dame Judith Hackitt called for in the wake of Grenfell. Together, we can build a culture that prevents harm before it happens – and make buildings safer for all.

For more information, details on how to submit a report, or to view published reports visit: Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK)