Hear from Rehanna Chaudhri of Homes England, Jim Parkinson of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Chris Peters of IPM on their thoughts on the Envoy Roundtable Event.
Featuring representation from Homes England, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Health and Safety Executive, the conversation was insightful, touching on the balance between pace and value for money, transparency in public spending, and the hurdles faced by the industry. Click here to read our blog with key takeaways from the event.
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September Roundtable Event: What does pace and value for money mean in cladding remediation?
Key Takeaways from Our Recent Envoy Roundtable Event
Last week’s Envoy Roundtable discussion at The Gherkin brought together industry professionals and government representatives to explore the pressing challenges of cladding remediation. The conversation was insightful, touching on the balance between pace and value for money, transparency in public spending, and the hurdles faced by the industry. Below are some key highlights from the event:
Balancing Pace and Value for Money
There was consensus around the need to improve the speed of cladding remediation efforts, particularly in response to criticism that progress has been too slow. However, it was emphasized that while identifying gaps and streamlining processes is important, the pace cannot always be controlled directly. The real goal should be ensuring value for money—not simply choosing the cheapest option, but delivering the right quality at the right price. Cutting corners to save costs risks compromising safety and long-term durability.
Transparency and Accountability
Public money is at the core of cladding remediation, and transparency and accountability to residents are essential. The process should be focused on ensuring funds are used appropriately, not just to meet budgetary goals but to genuinely enhance building safety. Reducing delays in decision-making and minimizing variation in processes is critical to ensuring timely progress.
Case workers, divided between handling backlogs and new cases, are supported by operations teams who step in when complications arise. For projects facing financial strain, there’s a hardship fund available through the Cladding Safety Scheme, with further review by the DLA as needed.
Challenges with PAS/FRAEW and Inconsistencies in Approach
Concerns were raised over the perceived subjectivity of the PAS/FRAEW process. This lack of clarity has led some experts to avoid the government’s route entirely, opting instead for alternative methods to achieve compliance.
Another challenge identified was inconsistency in the way building control applications are handled. With a significant portion rejected for non-compliance, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) encourages the industry to submit clear, detailed evidence of compliance. The BSR doesn’t actively seek information but expects submissions to meet the necessary standards. A functional approach is necessary, though the BSR acknowledges that a checklist alone won’t suffice due to the complexity of different buildings.
Resources and Support
The BSR is providing useful guidance through various channels, including a YouTube series on building control, safety cases, and compliance expectations. These resources are designed to help clarify what meets the necessary standards, and case studies are available to showcase both successful and subpar examples. Although the BSR doesn’t offer direct building control advice, they can assist with navigating the regulatory process.
As cladding remediation efforts continue to face scrutiny, it’s clear that collaboration, transparency, and a focus on quality over cost-cutting are key to driving progress. Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming video, which will be available on our website and LinkedIn page very soon!
You are invited!
We are gearing up to host our forth Roundtable Event at the Gherkin on the 24th of September.
Featuring representation from Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), this event provides a comprehensive platform for industry professionals to connect and collaborate on the latest developments and challenges in cladding remediation.
We have limited spots available. If you’re interested, register for our upcoming event here or drop a note to contact@envoyprojects.com if you have any questions about the event.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Insights from the BSR Conference 2024
We are thrilled to share that our team attended the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Conference 2024, organized by the Health and Safety Executive at the NEC Birmingham today.
The conference was a great opportunity for us to engage directly with industry experts and the Building Safety Regulator, gaining valuable insights into the changes brought by the Building Safety Act. Our team benefited greatly from the discussions, which will help us continue to drive the essential culture change needed across the built environment.
Click here to find out more about our approach.
Charting the Project Pathway with BSR Expertise: Insights from the April Roundtable Event
It was great to host another Roundtable event last Tuesday, and have the opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded persons across the remediation industry. We explored ways to better support Freeholders, Managing Agents and Project Administrators in delivering safe and secure living environments for residents, with a focus around Charting the Project Pathway with BSR Expertise.
Here are some key takeaways from the event:
- Clarification on Building Regulations: Emphasized that there are no alterations to the regulations themselves; rather, a procedural adjustment is in place.
- Client-Side Support’s Role: Highlighted the invaluable contribution of client-side support representatives in resolving challenges related to BSF applications. Having representatives from various disciplines within the remediation process provided a comprehensive overview of existing procedures and market opportunities.
- Expectations of Information Quality: Discussed the importance of meeting the expectations of both BSR and client-side support teams regarding the level and quality of information submitted for BSF and BSR applications for a seamless progression and avoiding any delays.
- Key Requirements for BSR: Identified essential requirements for BSR, particularly emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive construction control plan and building control report. The inclusion of a narrative to justify decision-making processes was highlighted as crucial for reassuring the BSR.
- Clarification on Emergency Works Procedures: Discussed the two primary criteria used to assess emergency works, which are:
- Emergency Nature: This criterion evaluates whether the situation constitutes an emergency, such as a burst pipe or gas leak, where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm or damage.
- Practicality of Waiting: Explored whether waiting for standard procedures is practical in the given emergency scenario. For instance, a burst pipe is typically deemed impractical to wait for due to the potential for extensive damage if not addressed promptly.
- Dispelling Myths: There hasn’t been a change to the building regulations! Stressing the procedural changes for approval and the importance of thorough applications over rushing on-site.
- BSA PD Role: Highlighted the importance of authority figures taking on the PD role and the recommendation for Building Control experience in applications.
- BSR Review Costs: Discussed the fee structure covering BSR and team time, as well as the inability to accurately forecast review time due to insufficient benchmark data.
In conclusion, the Envoy Roundtable Event provided a valuable space for industry professionals to collaboratively address challenges, share insights, and pave the way for safer and more efficient building processes. Make sure you don’t miss out on our upcoming roundtable events by subscribing to our newsletter.
Building Safer Futures: Insights from the November Roundtable Event
In a collaborative effort to enhance the efficiency of building remediation processes and contribute to overall safety, we recently held a Roundtable event to discuss how we can unite industry expertise to foster a holistic approach for residential fire remediation. This open forum brought together minds from Client-Side Support, Managing Agents, Freeholders, Project Quantity Surveyors, Client Administrators, and Fire Engineering.
The event served as an exceptional platform for participants to openly discuss challenges and share experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to explore common hurdles and gain insights into successful navigation and resolution of similar obstacles. The collaborative atmosphere emphasized the shared commitment to making buildings safer and more secure. Here, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from the Envoy Roundtable event and explore the insights shared by industry experts.
1. Streamlining BSR Responses and Pre-site Assessments
Participants emphasized the potential challenges associated with obtaining timely responses from the BSR on building safety cases. There was a collective recognition of the importance of assessing buildings before they reach the site to enhance remediation efficiency.
2. Funding, Insurance, and Life Safety Perspectives
The discussion highlighted the multifaceted considerations in building safety, with an emphasis on funding not being the sole concern. Insights were shared on the crucial role of insurance and the necessity of adopting a life safety perspective, as often perceived by insurers from an asset-oriented standpoint.
3. Defining Ideal Safety Cases and Collaborative Standards
David Baker discussed the challenge of defining an ideal safety case and the collaborative efforts to establish standards. As well as acknowledging the uncertainty in the industry.
The discussion extended to the realization that the safety case is not the end of the journey, with concerns raised about varying interpretations of PAS reports. This highlighted the need for clarity and consistency in understanding and implementing safety measures.
A participant expressed concerns about lending issues for leaseholders, underscoring the importance of safety cases in the context of building lending. This perspective emphasized the broader financial implications tied to safety considerations.
4. Challenges for Managing Agents and Addressing Risk Aversion
Abigail Blumzon shared insights on the challenges posed to managing agents by legislation changes and the establishment of a BSR. She mentioned that they have set up a working group with varied in-house experts from across their multi-disciplinary teams, working to review legislation, guidance and information, and to act as an advisory group to help mitigate risks and keep projects running smoothly.
5.Thorough Building Investigations and Design Trade-offs
A prominent concern echoed by many at the roundtable was the the need for thorough building investigations to avoid issues. Discussed the potential safety trade-offs between introducing design at the second stage and traditional approaches. Is the introduction of the BSR process moving the market to a 2 stage PCSA tender process?
6.Improving Communication with DLUHC
The need for enhanced communication between DLUHC and the industry was explored, with suggestions including industry calls, regular updates, and the establishment of a market expert panel. This emphasized the importance of cohesive and transparent communication channels within the industry.
Attendee Takeaways:
Martyn Francis acknowledged the uniqueness of each project and the need for bespoke solutions, particularly regarding the wide-reaching implications of the BSR.
Danny Carty encouraged perseverance in the ever-changing building industry environment.
David Baker recognized obstacles in the industry-wide remediation of High-Rise Buildings (HRBs) and the need to resolve funding process issues.
Chris Peters emphasized the strong skill set within the sector and acknowledged the industry-wide obstacles.
Darren Wilkes-Brough highlighted the collaborative nature of the sector and proposed a review of the delivery method, suggesting a Risk/Contingency allocation for all projects.
In conclusion, the Envoy Roundtable Event provided a valuable space for industry professionals to collaboratively address challenges, share insights, and pave the way for safer and more efficient building processes. The key takeaways underscored the need for ongoing collaboration, adaptability, and proactive solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of building safety.
Make sure you don’t miss out on our upcoming roundtable events by subscribing to our newsletter.
Navigating Construction Challenges: Insights from the Envoy Roundtable Event
In a dynamic and ever-changing construction industry, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. Recently, at the Envoy Roundtable Event, industry leaders came together to discuss the topic and question around the pressing concerns and challenges they face daily and how we can unite industry expertise to foster a holistic approach for residential fire remediation. This event creates a platform for collaboration, learning, and networking to better support freeholders and developers in delivering safe and secure living environments for residents. From labour shortages to compliance issues and the need for standardized information, the event shed light on the complex landscape of construction and remediation. Here, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from the Envoy Roundtable event and explore the insights shared by industry experts.
Labour Shortage and Its Impact
A prominent concern echoed by many at the roundtable was the shortage of skilled labour in the construction sector. Following Brexit and COVID, a significant number of workers returned to Europe and the Baltic States, adding additional pressure, as a good number of the skilled workforce originally came from these regions. The scarcity of skilled workers poses challenges in meeting project deadlines and budgets.
David Baker highlighted the struggles of obtaining good contractors within a reasonable timeframe. He emphasized the sluggish bureaucratic processes involved in government applications, taking up to two years to secure funding approval. The backlog of processing and registering buildings further exacerbates the issue.
The Challenge of Compliance and Environmental Credibility
Contractors and developers face a growing need for compliance with environmental regulations. This includes ensuring the competence and credibility of contractors and maintaining environmental standards.
One of the participants underscored importance of selecting contractors based on capacity, compliance, competence, and lead times rather than solely focusing on cost. He also highlighted the trend of individuals breaking away from subcontractors to establish their own companies, further straining the labour pool.
Procurement Routes
The conversation around preferred contractors vs. competitive tenders was raised by attendees. It’s clear that the industry is inclined to move towards a new approach.
Standardized Information and Building Knowledge
One common frustration among industry experts was the lack of readily available building information. Property managers often lacked critical knowledge about the buildings they oversee. The absence of ‘as-built’ information can lead to complications and delays when issues arise.
To address this issue, participants stressed the importance of the new standardised “golden thread” of information for each building. This would provide essential data for contractors and property managers, reducing uncertainty and risks associated with remediation and construction projects.
Fire Engineers and Façade Understanding
The role of fire engineers in the remediation process was another significant topic of discussion. It is a challenge for fire engineers to work through the process of reporting on a building with very little ‘as-built’ information, and the reports can only be based on select areas of opening up. This limits the ability of fire engineers to deliver a detailed guaranteed report of the complete wall build-up, making the reports somewhat subjective.
Material Innovation and Skill Development
The need for investing in training and facilities was emphasised to address the skill shortage in the industry. Pay increases may be necessary to attract and retain skilled workers, especially when safety is at stake.
The Debate Over PAS and Peer Review
One of the participants expressed reservations about the current PAS (Publicly Available Specification) route and advocated for a more holistic approach to external wall assessments. He stressed the importance of building upon existing frameworks to ensure stability in the industry.
In conclusion, the Envoy Roundtable event brought to light several critical challenges facing the construction and remediation industry. From labour shortages to compliance issues, standardized information, and the role of fire engineers, the discussions underscored the need for collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to training and safety. By addressing these challenges collectively, the industry can navigate its way towards more efficient and sustainable construction practices.
“It was a very beneficial morning sharing experiences, solutions, and ideas on how to navigate through an ever-changing regime of Building Safety. I look forward to attending future events. Envoy, thank you for the invite and for being great hosts.” – Robert McMillan
Due to the high demand and requests from the industry to hold another one as soon as possible, we are planning another Roundtable event in November. Make sure you don’t miss out on our upcoming roundtable event in November by subscribing to our newsletter.