Essential e-Learning programme devised for high-rise building managers

Orchestrated to “demystify” the Building Safety Act 2022, the new Building Safety e-Learning initiative will afford upwards of 3,500 Right to Manage Companies, Resident Management Companies and Commonhold Associations the practical knowledge they need to fulfil their legal responsibilities around fire and structural risk in high-rise buildings.

The significant building safety regulatory reforms introduced after the Grenfell Tower tragedy place considerable legal duties on individuals managing buildings over 18 metres in height. For the first time, even when tasks are outsourced to managing agents or third parties, resident directors are now legally accountable as ‘Principal Accountable Persons’ or ‘Accountable Persons’.

Using clear and accessible language and practical examples, the training breaks the legal regime into manageable parts. Whether directors are carrying out duties themselves or delegating to others, the course helps them to understand their role and remain accountable.

It also equips directors to assess the quality of professional advice and services they receive, in turn empowering them to make informed decisions.

Above all, the training aims to build confidence in managing compliance and protecting buildings and communities.

Critical knowledge gap

Ella Norman, senior legal advisor at the Leasehold Advisory Service, commented: “The new Building Safety e-Learning programme fills a critical knowledge gap in building safety guidance. Many leaseholders that have volunteered, unpaid, to help manage their high-rise residential buildings often have limited formal training, yet now carry significantly more legal responsibility. This training will ensure that residents involved in managing high-rise residential buildings have access to the knowledge they need to carry out their legal duties confidently and competently.”

Norman added: “In collaboration with the Building Safety Regulator, we’ve created this free online course to empower and protect both residents and resident directors.”

The e-Learning is delivered in four interactive modules, each of them around 30 minutes in length:

*Module 1: Being ready for the building safety regime (including the golden thread of information)

*Module 2: Managing building safety risks and the Safety Case Report

*Module 3: Resident engagement strategies, mandatory occurrence reporting and complaints

*Module 4: Building Assessment Certificate process

While the course targets resident directors of Right to Manage Companies and Resident Management Companies in buildings over 18 metres who are responsible under the Building Safety Act 2022, it’s also highly relevant for freeholders, managing agents, housing associations and local authorities, professional building safety managers and leaseholders who wish to better understand what they’re being charged for in their building.

Highest standards

Andy McGrory, policy lead for resident matters at the Building Safety Regulator, stated: “We’re delighted to have worked with the Leasehold Advisory Service to make this invaluable training openly available to the directors of thousands of Resident Management Companies. Their role is critical in upholding the highest standards of building safety for high-rise residents across England.”

McGrory continued: “This programme provides Resident Management Companies with the information they need to understand their responsibilities, work towards implementing robust building safety measures, be intelligent customers where they secure assistance from third party providers and ensure that residents feel safe – and are safe – in their own homes.”

*Resident directors, leaseholders and residents of high-rise buildings can access the free Building Safety e-Learning course (entitled ‘Introduction to the Building Safety Act 2022 for Resident Directors’) online