Over 1,000 delegates gathered at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Conference 2024 in Birmingham last week to explore the latest advancements in building safety, network with industry leaders, and gain practical insights for improving safety practices within their organisations.  

The conference focused on Part 3 of the Building Safety Act, which amends the Building Act 1984 as it applies to England and Wales without altering the technical requirements of the Building Regulations. Safer Sphere’s consultancy services are specifically aligned with Part 3 of the Act, making this the primary focus for our team during the event. 

Gateway Two 

A significant theme at the conference was the necessity for the industry to move away from traditional practices and adapt to the new regulatory regime. There remains a notable resistance within the industry to embrace these changes, underscoring the need for ongoing education and adjustment. Safer Sphere is actively engaged in various Gateway Two submissions and helping our clients to adapt to the new regulatory regime.  

High-Risk Buildings 

 A critical discussion point was the need for a more streamlined approach to approvals for minor works on HRBs. This includes minor refurbishment projects, where the current approval process can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Simplifying these processes would enhance efficiency and compliance. 

Golden Thread  

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) announced that it will issue further guidance notes in June regarding the Golden Thread. These notes are expected to provide more detailed instructions and clarity on how to implement and maintain the Golden Thread, ensuring that all necessary information about a building’s design, construction, and ongoing maintenance is accurately recorded and easily accessible throughout its lifecycle.

The BSR Conference 2024 highlighted the evolving landscape of building safety regulations and the imperative for the industry to adapt to these changes. The conference also reaffirmed that the processes currently undertaken by Safer Sphere are well-aligned with the requirements set forth by the BSR. For more information about our services click here.