CROSS-UK named official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System for building safety

As part of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June 2017, the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced strengthened legislation covering building safety and construction products. This includes a requirement for an official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS). While that system is a critical part of the Health and Safety Executive’s mission to improve building safety, it must be operated independently of both the regulator and the Government.

CROSS-UK has been operating the system on an interim basis since April 2023 and is seen as a success story by the industry: a practical way of recognising risks, promoting culture change and improving public safety. Following on from a competitive tender process, CROSS-UK has now been appointed to run the service until at least 2028.

Although appointed by the regulator, CROSS-UK remains entirely independent, providing a trusted and confidential way for professionals in the construction industry – and those responsible for managing buildings – to voluntarily report safety concerns.

What is CROSS-UK?

As stated, CROSS-UK provides a confidential platform for professionals to report safety concerns, near misses and insights from across the built environment. Reports are anonymised, reviewed by experts and shared with the industry to promote learning and improve standards.

Established in 2005 by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), CROSS-UK has been supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) since 2021.

Philip White (director of building safety at the Health and Safety Executive) said: “Everyone deserves a safe and accountable built environment. As the official operator of the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System, CROSS-UK will play a key role in making that happen. This public interest appointment promotes openness, learning and culture change. Exactly what’s needed to raise standards, improve building safety and prevent future tragedies.”

Yasmin Becker, CEO at the IStructE, noted: “CROSS-UK is an important and trusted function of the building safety regime and now confirmed as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System until 2028. The Health and Safety Executive’s decision means there will be much needed continuity for the voluntary reporting of building and fire safety issues. The Institution of Structural Engineers is pleased to continue supporting CROSS-UK as part of our commitment to structural safety.”

Dr Janet Young, director general at the ICE, explained: “One of the fundamental principles of the Institution of Civil Engineers is to provide the knowledge and services civil and infrastructure engineers need to build, operate and maintain infrastructure that’s safe and fit for purpose. Supporting CROSS-UK is an important part of this work. Having CROSS-UK selected as the official voluntary occurrence reporting system by the Health and Safety Executive is a testament to the essential role the service plays in public safety.”

Positive next step

Steve Hamm, CEO at the IFE, commented: “The Institution of Fire Engineers was honoured to support the expansion of CROSS to include fire safety reporting in 2021. The sector had never previously harboured such a facility, but the benefits for the consumers of the information as well as the contributors were easy to comprehend. This latest news is a positive next step as we collectively strive towards continuous improvements in building safety.”

Paul Livesey, head of operations at CROSS-UK, said: “CROSS-UK is honoured to be appointed as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety under the Building Safety Act until 2028. CROSS-UK has always championed the power of sharing knowledge to prevent future failures and this appointment reinforces the critical role of confidential reporting in driving a safer built environment. We actively encourage all construction professionals to contribute by reporting any concerns and near misses. Each report really can make a difference.”

*Learn how to submit a report to CROSS-UK online