Industry bodies put forward views on Government’s post-Grenfell plans

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) chair Mark Hardingham said: “At the forefront of our minds as we heard the Deputy Prime Minister’s statement were the 72 people who lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire. For their families, survivors and the Grenfell community, it’s another day living without the people they love and living with the memory of the events of 14 June 2017.”

Hardingham went on to state: “We strongly welcome the Government’s acceptance of the Phase 2 recommendations in full, its commitment to introducing tough reforms to fix building safety, its promise to hold industry to account and its support for Fire and Rescue Service improvement and reform. We will study the Government’s proposed reforms in detail. We remain committed to working collaboratively with Government and other partners to support the implementation of the recommendations, while also providing constructive feedback where further progress is needed.”

The NFCC’s chair observed: “We remember the bravery and selflessness of the firefighters who responded to the fire. We also accept that there must be further learning from that night and that more improvements are required to support communities better in the future. Fire and Rescue Services have sought to learn the lessons of the Grenfell Tower fire over the last eight years. They are now better prepared to respond to fires in high-rise residential buildings, but there is further and significant work underway to ensure we address the systemic failures that led to the loss of 72 lives.”

Hardingham said: “In the months that have followed the publication of the Phase 2 report, we have worked closely with Fire and Rescue Services, collecting information about their progress against these recommendations to inform the further work required. The NFCC will be publishing delivery plans against the Phase 2 recommendations specific to Fire and Rescue Services very soon, ensuring that we drive meaningful progress with commitment and pace.”

Also, Hardingham affirmed: “We steadfastly share the Government’s commitment to ensuring there is a legacy of justice for the victims, the bereaved and the survivors.”

Engaging with Government

Andy Roe KFSM (Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade) has said: “I welcome the Government’s response regarding the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report and the positive approach taken to address the recommendations. We look forward to engaging with the Government to better understand the detail and the investment which underpins this.”

He continued: “It’s particularly important that the right funding is in place to deliver a safer and well-regulated built environment. We welcome the Government’s commitment to put residents at the heart of the system, and that must start with those people most impacted by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts, as always, remain with the 72 people who lost their lives, the survivors, their families and the wider Grenfell community.”

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable tragedy. As the Public Inquiry concluded, it was made possible by an agenda of deregulation and decades of political failure.”

Wright added: “The Fire Brigades Union welcomes the fact that the Government has accepted these findings, as well as its promise to act on the building safety crisis. We will digest the Government’s response more fully in the coming period.”

Further, Wright stated: “First and foremost, our thoughts and solidarity are with the bereaved, survivors and residents who continue to campaign for justice and change in memory of the 72 lives lost and to prevent a repeat of this tragedy.”

According to Wright: “Government at all levels must listen to the voices of residents. The deregulation of recent years must be reversed to prevent profiteers from putting lives at risk. Organisations responsible for building safety must be brought under public ownership and adequately resourced.”

In addition, Wright noted: “The Fire Brigades Union looks forward to working with ministers to develop critical fire safety policies and to ensure that the Government delivers on building and fire safety.”

Clarity and guidance

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has also reacted to the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report.

Caroline Gumble, CEO at the CIOB, said: “We very much welcome the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, which will provide the construction industry with much-needed clarity and guidance on the actions that must be taken to reduce the risk of such a tragedy ever happening again.”

Gumble stated: “The response is clear on the key areas of focus and the expected timeline for implementing several of the changes. We will work with Government, the new construction regulator and chief construction advisor once in place, as well as our sister professional bodies, Trade Associations and wider industry stakeholders to ensure those working in our industry are competent and quality-driven to create a built environment that’s safe for all of its users.”

Also, Gumble explained: “We recognise there is a significant amount of work to do and the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, while a positive step, was only the beginning. We are ready to play our part in improving the culture in the sector and ensuring construction professionals are appropriately competent to conduct their roles, not only in the case of high-risk buildings, but also throughout the wider built environment, in turn ensuring public trust in what we build and maintain.”

Since the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report was published in September last year, the CIOB has introduced mandatory Continuing Professional Development on building safety for its members to ensure they remain up-to-date and relevant with developments in building safety and evolving regulation and legislation, including Best Practice.

“Additionally,” mentioned Gumble, “we have launched the Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme to provide principal contractors with a route to proving their competency as required by the Building Safety Regulator. Our intention is also to develop a similar scheme for principal designers, which is set to be made available later on this year. We are also providing building safety training via our CIOB Academy.”

Finally, Gumble declared: “Both the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report and the Government’s full response provide an opportunity for the construction sector to reflect on its responsibility to building users and learn lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Our industry still has a long way to go to change its culture and ensure safety is at the heart of everything we do. The announcement from Westminster is clear that these issues must be fully addressed and delivered.”

Education and training

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has reacted to the Government’s full response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.

RIBA’s chair of the Board, Jack Pringle, said: “What happened at Grenfell Tower was a tragedy that should never have occurred and must never happen again. Therefore, we welcome the Government’s vision of creating a built environment that’s as safe as it can be.”

Pringle added: “Both the Inquiry Panel’s Phase 2 report and the Government acknowledge the work that we’ve already undertaken to improve the education and training of architects. As recommended, the RIBA has committed to reviewing these changes in light of the Inquiry Panel’s findings.”

Many actions outlined by the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner echo those which the RIBA has also called for, including the need to review the definition of higher-risk buildings, the regular updating of Approved Document B and the appointment of a chief construction advisor.

“Now the work continues,” said Pringle. “We are committed to engaging across the sector and with the Government to create buildings and homes that are safe for all.”

Gary Strong, head of professional practice (building) at the RICS, has observed: “The RICS welcomes the Government’s statement on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report and we look forward to continuing to support these crucial reforms going forward. A new and dedicated construction sector regulator and chief construction advisor are welcome. The RICS will continue to offer its expertise to the Government to support plans for the new regulator as it takes shape.”

According to Strong: “New rules on product safety should further raise manufacturing standards, while new laws empowering tenants in the social housing sector will help to protect some of the most vulnerable. It’s reassuring that the Government plans to provide updates every quarter. The RICS will support the implementation of these reforms every step of the way.”

Legal sector view

Andrew Parker, head of construction disputes and building safety practices at London law firm Forsters LLP, said: “The Government is right to accept the 37 recommendations directed towards it in the report and take its time to implement the changes.”

He added: “The industry is already coming to terms with relatively new legislation in the shape of the Building Safety Act 2022 and navigating the Building Safety Regulator. Too much radical change at this point would create further uncertainty and reduce productivity in the construction industry at a time when the Government is seeking to deliver on its growth ambitions.”

Parker also explained: “The creation of a single construction regulator and the appointment of a chief construction advisor is long overdue and should, if introduced properly and in consultation with the industry, be an effective way of reducing the complexity and fragmentation of the regulatory regime.”

He concluded: “Steps to professionalise fire engineers and fire risk assessors are welcome. The main challenge that remains is a severe lack of capacity in the sector, which is affecting the pace at which buildings can be remediated.”

Benjamin Ralph, head of building safety and fire at built environment consultancy Hollis, explained: “Mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors and the regulation of the fire engineering profession is a crucial step forward. With a skills shortage already challenging building safety, an abrupt shift could delay vital work. The Government must provide clear timelines and fund upskilling to ensure residents’ safety is prioritised.”

Ralph asserted: “Without a structured transition, we could see unnecessary disruption, like we did with the shift to Building Control being a registered profession. It’s good, though, to see the Government reaffirm its commitment to the Remediation Acceleration Plan, but progress must be faster.”

On that last point, Ralph added: “Residents should not have to wait another five years to feel safe in their homes. The Government needs to provide more funding and support for skills development to ensure the industry can deliver high-quality remediation without delay.”

Supply side

Nicola John, managing director of Fire Door Maintenance (which is part of UAP Ltd) said: “Grenfell was a national tragedy and one that should never have happened. The Public Inquiry is a step forward, but regulations alone don’t save lives: accountability does.”

As far as John is concerned, the recommendations made (including the creation of a single regulator and stricter licensing) are necessary, but the Government must remember that safety cannot be a box-ticking exercise.

“The industry must take full responsibility as cutting corners and passing the buck is why we’ve arrived at this point. I’m expecting more than politics or paperwork from the Government. Our work here is about making sure no family suffers like those at Grenfell suffered. The Government must go further, act faster and enforce real change.”

Lee Goodenough, director at Harmony Fire, said: “The Government’s statement marks an important milestone in both the quest for justice and the drive to make residents’ safety a non-negotiable across the UK. The wide-ranging recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which have now been adopted by Government, set a clear framework for the prioritisation of resident safety over all other considerations. We now move forward on an agreed pathway, with clear expectations on Government actions and deliverables. All of us here at Harmony Fire are committed to playing our role in making these critical changes happen.”