It’s no secret that the building control industry is facing significant challenges following the introduction of the Building Safety Act (BSA) in 2022 and the subsequent launch of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Whether it’s the lack of talent being attracted to the industry or the bottleneck that the BSR is experiencing in terms of project applications, things need to change.

If the building control industry wants to strive for a more effective and efficient future, it’s now time to adopt a more proactive approach, rather than burying its head in the sand.

What are the challenges?

The building control industry was already grappling with a shortage of inspectors, both in local authorities and in the private sector. The introduction of the BSA and BSR, has already added layers of complexity and responsibility, prompting many inspectors to reconsider their careers.

And the number of inspectors isn’t the only challenge the industry is facing. Just last month, it was reported that the BSR has rejected 42% of the higher-risk buildings (HRBs) applications that it has received. A BSR spokesperson recently stated that they are experiencing high numbers of applications which are “incomplete” or are “unclear, making them unsuitable for approval.”

The pressures of a shrinking workforce and expanding role expectations, alongside a high number of projects being delayed or not even being allowed to start, is creating a perfect storm for the industry.

Embracing collaborative solutions

To navigate this somewhat turbulent period, the industry must promote more collaboration between local authorities and private firms. Traditionally, these entities have been in competition, but a shift in mindset is necessary to ensure that projects are delivered on time and meet required standards, particularly in these challenging times. By working alongside one another, local authorities and private firms they can pool resources, share expertise, and streamline processes, ultimately benefitting architects, contractors, developers and homeowners alike.

One potential model for collaboration is by forming Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs), led by the BSR. These teams bring together experts such as building inspectors, structural engineers, and fire safety professionals to provide regulatory advice, conduct inspections and ensure compliance with building regulations for higher-risk buildings. MDTs can help to guide the structure of building inspection schedules and review completion certificate applications to ensure that compliance has been met under the new regulations, before issuing the final approval.

Additionally, industry forums can become another valuable tool. Organising forums and roundtable discussions with key stakeholders, including architects, contractors and developers can provide a platform for sharing experiences and best practices. These forums can also serve as an opportunity for feedback, giving better insight to registered building control approvers to continuously improve the application process.

Attracting new talent to the industry

A critical aspect of addressing the industry’s challenges is attracting new talent. The role of a Registered Building Inspector (RBI) needs to be promoted as a viable and rewarding career within the broader construction industry. Highlighting career opportunities, professional development and the variety of specialisms available can make the profession more appealing. There could also be more done in promoting clear progression pathways, such as apprenticeships and degree programmes, which could help to inspire those leaving school, college or university to join the industry.

Often, with recruitment, a lot of focus is put on the younger generation and apprenticeships. Both offer huge amounts of untapped potential and help young people coming out of college or university into the world of work with a defined career path. Whilst this is, of course, a valid route into the industry, an apprenticeship can also be an appropriate solution to a person looking to retrain into a totally different career path. This is particularly relevant for people leaving the armed forces, or retired members of the police and fire fighters. There should be more of a focus on attracting this kind of talent as similarities can be drawn from their previous experience that can work equally well in the field of building control. A focus on adhering to rules and regulations allows for a smoother transition into the sector.

Time for action

The building control industry is at a crossroads, facing significant challenges, but these can be viewed as opportunities for growth and improvement. By embracing collaboration, promoting the profession and providing clear career pathways, the industry can navigate this turbulent period and emerge stronger than before.