The appointment is strategically positioned as part of the wider scientific advisor network across Government, duly recognising the important role of both the construction and scientific sectors when it comes to building safety reform.

This development responds to one of the recommendations in the Public Inquiry report being implemented by Government following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in June 2017 when the fire that occurred took the lives of 72 people and exposed profound failings in the building safety regime.  

The Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor will provide independent construction, engineering and scientific advice on the safety, quality and resilience of buildings, as well as on productivity right across the built environment sector.

Vital role

Baroness Blake, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience, commented: “Delivering safer buildings and protecting residents from costs remains our priority as we drive forward our building safety reforms. The Building Safety Levy is a key part of that mission.”

Further, Baroness Blake stated: “I’m thrilled to confirm the appointment of the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. Sergio will play a vital role in shaping our reforms to ensure that safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.”

The Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor will also support the delivery of the remaining Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry recommendations and regulatory reform, acting as a bridge between Government, regulators, industry, professional and trade bodies, academia and residents.

Cavalaro will take on the role on a full-time basis, working closely with the interim Chief Construction Advisor, namely Thouria Istephan, across the next month to ensure a thorough handover period.

Improving safety and resilience

Speaking about his new role, Sergio Cavalaro explained: “I’m delighted to join the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in the role of Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. I’m wholly committed to working with the Building Safety Regulator and across the wider sector to improve the safety, quality, resilience and productivity of the built environment.”  

In conclusion, Cavalaro noted: “I look forward to providing independent advice and constructive challenge, while also contributing to cross-Government priorities through the network of Chief Scientific Advisors.”

The aforementioned Building Safety Levy – itself a tax on new eligible residential developments over ten units – came into force on 1st October.  

The funds raised through the Building Safety Levy will support important building safety works, forming a key part of the Government’s approach to ensure the industry contributes towards fixing building safety defects, while at the same time protecting leaseholders and taxpayers.

The Building Safety Levy is expected to raise circa £3.4 billion over the next ten years, thereby providing vital funding for the removal of dangerous cladding and keeping residents safe.

These confirmed updates form a key part of the Government’s mission to improve the building safety system and enable everyone to feel confident in the safety of their own home.

Cross-Government network  

Professor Angela McLean, the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, said: “Congratulations to Professor Sergio Cavalaro on being appointed as the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor at the MHCLG. He has led scientific research on several key areas related to the built environment. I look forward to working with him as part of the cross-Government network of chief scientists, where his expertise will be of great value.”

Building Safety Regulator chair Lord Roe stated: “At the Building Safety Regulator, we welcome the appointment of Sergio to this critical role. I look forward to engaging him on the work that we’re conducting so that we can benefit from his extensive experience in the built environment.”

Watson’s appointment “ensures continuity of leadership” and “reinforces the FIA’s commitment” to supporting its members, advancing fire safety standards and representing the interests of the fire sector across the UK.

With extensive experience in terms of leadership, governance and stakeholder engagement, Watson has played a significant role in guiding the FIA as chair. In his new capacity as interim CEO, Watson will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Trade Association, while also working closely with the Board, members, partners and colleagues in order to deliver the FIA’s strategic objectives.

Speaking about his appointment, Watson observed: “The Fire Industry Association plays a critical role in promoting fire safety, supporting professional standards and providing a strong voice for the industry. I’m honoured to take on the additional responsibility of interim CEO and look forward to working with our members, staff and stakeholders to continue building on the excellent work that’s already underway.”

Watson added: “My focus will be on ensuring stability, maintaining momentum and delivering value for our members, while in parallel continuing to champion the highest standards across the fire sector.”

The FIA Board has expressed its full confidence in Watson’s ability to provide leadership and continuity during this period. This appointment “reflects the Association’s commitment to maintaining strong governance” and, what’s more, ensuring that members continue to receive the support, representation and services they expect.

The FIA is the UK’s largest fire protection-focused Trade Association, representing over 1,300 members. As a not-for-profit, the organisation realises essential fire safety training, technical support and industry guidance, all the while working to shape legislation and professional standards and ensure the continual advancement of fire protection methods and practices.

*Further information is available online at www.fia.uk.com

Led by Nottingham Trent University and supported by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), this latest research forms part of a three-year study investigating how well-being, organisational culture and career experiences interact and change over time across this vital element of the Emergency Services.

The two surveys look at different, but absolutely connected parts of working life. The Annual Well-Being Survey focuses on the person behind the role, while the Cultural Climate Survey is designed to explore how members of staff in the Fire and Rescue Service experience leadership and, indeed, the wider workplace environment. Together, they provide a fuller picture of experiences across the sector.

The surveys are open to all current Fire and Rescue Service personnel in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, across all roles, duty systems and career stages (including wholetime and on-call firefighters, Control Room staff, corporate and support employees, specialist teams and senior leaders).

Challenging environments

Abbi Exon, PhD researcher at Nottingham Trent University, explained: “Fire and Rescue Service personnel work in demanding and often challenging environments, but important gaps remain in the evidence. Much of what we know provides a snapshot at a single point in time, which cannot tell us how well-being and workplace experiences change as people move through their careers or as the Fire and Rescue Service itself changes. This research is designed to add that longer-term picture.”

Exon continued: “Ultimately, the research aims to build a stronger evidence base that can help the sector to better understand the experiences of its workforce. Whatever someone’s experience of working in the Fire and Rescue Service, whether positive, difficult or somewhere between the two, it’s important that this is reflected in the evidence.”

Further, Exon noted: “The more people who take part, the clearer the picture we can build of working life across the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services.”

Mapping work

The new research builds on the previous national well-being mapping work led by Nottingham Trent University and which identified important well-being pressures within the sector, highlighting gaps in understanding around career progression, organisational culture and long-term well-being.

The new surveys are open until 15 November

*Click to complete the Annual Well-Being Survey 
*Click to complete the Cultural Climate Survey

Responses are anonymous and individual data will not be shared with employers, the NFCC or any external organisations.

*Further information concerning the research is available to view on Nottingham Trent University’s project website

Highlights to 5 October 2026 (12-week rolling period)

Overall decisions

Over the last 12 weeks, the BSR made 378 Building Control decisions across all higher-risk building (HRB) categories, with an overall national approval rate of 87% (330 cases approved in total). These equate to 20,471 residential units.

New HRBs and conversions

For new HRBs and conversions, the approval rate (not including invalidations and withdrawals) has risen to 96% (55 approvals out of 57 decisions) with a median approval time of 23 weeks for 11,822 units. In London, approvals stood at 97% with a 22-week median approval time for 6,855 units.

Existing building remediation

Existing building remediation approvals stood at 87%, significantly exceeding the BSR’s annual target of 65% and equating to 8,649 units. In London, approvals stood at 96% (ie 52 approvals and 4,643 units).

National Health Service (NHS) applications

Approvals for NHS applications reached 81% nationally with 21 approvals from 26 decisions

National picture

Recent housing supply indicators from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) show significant quarterly starts in Q4 2025, as well as Q1 and Q2 of 2026, largely driven by the BSR’s operational reforms.

Increased applications received

The BSR activated contingency plans in order to deal with an expected surge of applications in advance of the introduction of the Building Safety Levy, which came into force on 1 October. These contingency plans introduce additional levels of scrutiny prior to rejection alongside a triage mechanism that will ensure applications are progressed appropriately.

New-build, conversion and complex projects

The BSR’s Innovation Unit has accelerated the assessment of applications for new high-rise residential buildings and major conversions. Over the latest 12-week period, the BSR made 57 decisions on new-build projects, approving 96% of applications (ie 55). These approved schemes represent 11,822 new residential units.

For comparison, in August 2025, the median approval time was 43 weeks and the approval rate stood at 39%.

Most new-build activity continues to take place in London, which accounted for 37 of the 57 national decisions made. The BSR approved 36 of these 37 projects in London, representing an approval rate of 97% in the capital and unlocking a total of 6,855 residential units. The median determination time in the capital was 22 weeks for non-complex cases.

While the BSR continues to drive internal improvements, the regulator is also actively engaged with the wider sector in order to improve consistency and the quality of applications.

London currently represents 60% of all in-progress new-build applications and 55% of the total residential units under active assessment (111 live applications representing 22,204 units). Nationally, the BSR is managing 186 live new-build and conversion applications representing 40,644 individual units.

In order to manage resources efficiently, the BSR tracks highly complex designs separately. Nationally, there are 30 live complex cases under active management with a median determination time of 34 weeks. London is managing 19 of these complex proposals with a median determination time of 35 weeks.

Regional Gateway 2 distribution

While London remains the primary hub for higher-risk building activity, managing 1,040 total live Gateway 2 applications, the rest of England accounts for 560 active Gateway 2 applications.

Outside of the capital, regional workloads are mainly concentrated in major urban development corridors across England including the South West (114 live Gateway 2 applications), the North West (109), the South East (84) and the East of England (63).

Recent statistics concentrating on Housing Supply: Indicators of New Supply (England): April to June 2026 from the MHCLG showed that the higher number of starts in 2025 Q4, 2026 Q1 and 2026 Q2 is, at least in part, due to the BSR reporting 7,089 total starts in 2025 Q4, 6,276 total starts in 2026 Q1 and 5,758 total starts in 2026 Q2.

Previously, the maximum number of starts the BSR had reported in a single quarter was 1,206 in 2025 Q3. For context, the MHCLG added that this followed reforms at the BSR to accelerate housebuilding that were announced back in June 2025.

Increased numbers of applications

In the period leading up to the introduction of the Building Safety Levy, the BSR experienced a notable increase in higher-risk building applications. September submissions rose to 64 in comparison to 34 in August, 17 in July and a total of 12 in June.

While application volumes can be influenced by a range of factors, the BSR anticipated the potential for increased demand ahead of the Building Safety Levy coming into force and put contingency arrangements in place to manage this. Those measures have now been deployed and build on the significant improvements made over the past 12 months to strengthen operational performance and reduce application processing times.

The BSR’s messaging in August and September highlighted to the sector that, in accordance with normal practice, the regulator would move to reject clearly sub-standard applications demonstrating significant gaps in compliance. While that remains the BSR’s position, the regulator is “acutely aware” of the impact that a rejection may have on the viability of a given project.

On that basis, the BSR has deployed additional scrutiny for this transitional period while the Building Safety Levy comes into force to ensure that any invalidation or rejection of an application is subject to second-line and third-line assurance checks before a final decision is communicated to the applicant. 

Applications that are rejected will be those where the BSR sees no realistic path to an approval within a reasonable time period.

While the BSR has bolstered resources to deal with the surge, an increase of 2-3 times the typical intake will mean that the regulator has to apply a triage and demand management process in order to avoid unduly impacting applications that are already in progress. The BSR will be in touch with applicants on an individual basis to discuss timelines for their projects.

New-build inspection regime

The BSR’s growing inspection programme has uncovered a small number of examples where building work has not conformed with agreed designs and required some remedial work. The BSR will monitor this closely and adopt a robust position where appropriate in order to help ensure that safe designs are translated into safe buildings.

Targeted operational measures under the BSR’s External Remediation Plan, introduced in April this year, have driven improvements in existing building remediation. The BSR determined 110 remediation applications over the 12-week rolling period, approving 96 projects (87% approval rate) representing 8,649 residential units.

In London, the regional remediation approval rate reached 96% (52 approved from 54 decisions), duly unlocking 4,643 units. Nationally, 2026 approval rates already exceed the BSR’s annual target of 65%.

The BSR has also reduced outstanding legacy applications in the system. The volume of remediation cases dating from 2024 has fallen from 42 at the start of the year to six in London and one outside of the capital. These older and more complex applications had an overall rolling 12-week median determination time of 32 weeks as teams worked to resolve historic design and safety issues.

In November 2025, approval rates stood at 32% with a decision time of 44 weeks. Approval rates currently stand at 87% with a median decision time of 32 weeks. However, newer applications submitted in 2026 are progressing in circa 22 weeks (with high approval rates), thereby showing significant improvements.

The BSR is currently managing 313 active remediation cases nationally, representing 26,259 residential units (and a total of 180 cases in London representing 14,298 units).

National Health Service applications

Building Control applications for NHS healthcare facilities (including hospital maintenance, expansions and structural upgrades) are tracked as a distinct regulatory category to reflect their national importance.

Over the rolling 12-week period, the BSR made 26 determinations on NHS applications, approving 21 for an 81% national approval rate and a median approval determination time of 20 weeks.

The BSR’s specialist healthcare teams work with NHS Trusts to resolve design complexities early on. For NHS applications submitted in 2026, the median determination time has fallen to 17 weeks, with some recent projects securing approval within the statutory eight-week timeline.

London accounted for a significant share of healthcare upgrades, achieving a 78% NHS approval rate with seven projects approved from nine determinations. The median determination time in the capital was 20 weeks, in turn reflecting the complexity of urban hospital sites. Nationally, the BSR is managing 32 active NHS Building Control cases (18 of them in London).

Refurbishments and early Gateway 3 indicators

Category A and B internal refurbishments accounted for 185 decisions over the last 12 weeks, representing 49% of all Gateway 2 decisions. These applications include all internal refurbishment works except for NHS projects.

The BSR achieved an 85% approval rate (158 approvals) with a median approval determination time of 31 weeks. For refurbishment applications submitted in 2026, the median determination time has dropped to 21 weeks.

New applications were received at an average rate of 38 per week over the 12 weeks, although weekly submissions in September and early October dropped back to the pre-August baseline of 33 per week.

The BSR is currently overseeing 1,109 active cases nationally for internal refurbishment works (749 in London). While no new-build projects have yet transitioned to final occupation certificate assessments, a significant volume of internal refurbishments has entered the final regulatory stage.

Of the 361 Gateway 3 applications received, 274 of them are internal refurbishments with most of the remainder being transitional cases (42) and NHS internal refurbishments (27).

Over the last 12 weeks, the BSR determined nine Gateway 3 applications, achieving a 100% approval rate with a median determination time of 20 weeks. The quickest approval was completed in 16 weeks. Active in-progress cases at Gateway 3 currently stand at 122 for internal works, 19 for NHS works and eight for external remediation (972 units).

Live major change requests

In order to manage design modifications safely during construction, the BSR is processing 208 live major change requests made up of new HRBs and conversions (85), external remediation (25), HRB internal works (71), NHS applications (24) and transitional cases (3). These reviews ensure that post-approval modifications undergo thorough safety assessments. Over the last 12 weeks, the BSR has closed 142 major change requests.

For new-build developments, the median time to close a major change request is seven weeks (ie one week over the statutory target of six weeks).

In order to support the sheer volume of building safety-centred decisions, the BSR has expanded its workforce. The current regulatory resource profile comprises 181 internal BSR core staff members (103 regulatory leads, 18 principal regulatory leads, 56 case officers, three case officer managers and one administrative officer) and 491 external technical specialists (239 registered building inspectors, 102 Fire and Rescue Service professionals, 116 structural engineers and 34 specialists).

Of the 491 individuals sourced or seconded from external organisations, 62 are integrated into the BSR’s Innovation Unit or external remediation teams (34 registered building inspectors, six Fire and Rescue Service professionals and 22 structural engineers) in a bid to accelerate decision times.

Strong regulatory momentum

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the Building Safety Regulator, explained: “Our latest performance figures demonstrate strong regulatory momentum, with overall Gateway 2 approvals reaching 87% and clearing more than 20,000 residential units alongside significant numbers of vital NHS healthcare facility improvements.”

Pugsley continued: “Approval rates for safe designs are high, while determination times continue to reduce significantly across both new-builds and remediation projects, in turn reflecting the positive impact of our streamlined operational pathways. However, we’re not complacent and continue to engage with the sector to improve performance and ensure safe outcomes.”

Further, Pugsley noted: “To manage application volumes, including additional applications received ahead of the introduction of the Building Safety Levy, we continue to expand our internal capacity and integrated specialist technical workforce. This increased resourcing is enabling us to process applications more efficiently, while always being mindful of maintaining necessarily rigorous and essential safety assessments.”

Pugsley concluded: “As buildings progress through the in-build phase to Gateway 3, we will continue to enhance and refine systems and processes to ensure that safe designs are translated into safe buildings. As always, our core focus remains the same. The safety of residents and our communities remains at the very heart of everything that we do.”

*Building Control Approval Application Cata - Making Buildings Safer

**Transparency Data – Building Safety Regulator Building Control Approval Application Data: July 2026-September 2026

Now in its ninth year, the 2026 event witnessed 16 candidates take part in three days of practical training at Capita’s Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, supported by representatives from Securitas UK and the London Fire Brigade.

The Firefighting Weekend afforded participants the opportunity to put their existing training into practice through a range of challenging scenarios designed to develop their practical skills, teamwork and confidence.

Across the programme, participants took part in a varied series of practical exercises, including hose and ladder drills and breathing apparatus training.

They were also faced with simulated emergency scenarios, including a road traffic accident and a Fish and Chip Shop fire, requiring them to draw on their training and work together in more realistic and challenging situations.

The 2026 Firefighting Weekend concluded with an awards ceremony recognising the achievements and hard work of the participating Fire Cadets.

Supporting the next generation

The annual Firefighting Weekend forms part of Securitas UK’s long-standing relationship with the London Fire Brigade and provides Fire Cadets with an opportunity to experience realistic firefighting scenarios in a controlled training environment.

Paul Rankin, director of fire and aviation at Securitas UK, explained: “It has been incredibly inspiring to see what these young Fire Cadets have achieved over the course of the Firefighting Weekend. The confidence, teamwork and determination they’ve demonstrated should make them all incredibly proud.”

Rankin continued: “At Securitas, we’re fully committed to creating positive impacts in the communities we serve. That’s why our partnership with the London Fire Brigade and its Firefighting Weekend for Fire Cadets is so important. This year marks nine years of the business supporting this fantastic programme and helping young people to develop valuable skills, build confidence and explore future opportunities.”

Further, Rankin observed: “Experiences like this can be truly life-changing. Whether these Fire Cadets go on to begin careers in the Emergency Services or choose a different path, the skills and experiences they’ve gained here will stay with them for years to come. Congratulations to every Fire Cadet who has taken part and grateful thanks to everyone who has helped to make the 2026 Firefighting Weekend such a tremendous success.”

Mark Lester, operations director at Capita’s Fire Service College, observed: “At Capita’s Fire Service College, we’re proud to work alongside Securitas UK and the London Fire Brigade in supporting Fire Cadets and the vital role they play in the future of our sector. Through realistic training environments, expert instruction and immersive experiences, we support young people by providing a genuine insight into the Fire and Rescue Service, inspiring the next generation of Emergency Services professionals and community leaders.”

Fire Cadets Programme

London Fire Brigade’s Fire Cadets Programme is open to youngsters aged from 13 to 17, affording them the opportunity to learn firefighting and life skills, while in parallel developing their confidence, leadership and teamwork.

More than 3,500 young people have completed the Fire Cadets Programme since it began back in 2013, with upwards of 150 former Fire Cadets going on to secure employment with the London Fire Brigade.

Securitas UK works alongside the London Fire Brigade to give Fire Cadets the opportunity to build on their training and experience some of the challenges faced by operational firefighters.

The audit programme has been developed in consultation with TSA members, expert fire safety auditors, insurance brokers and independent audit provider WorkNest. It aims not only to further improve fire prevention in commercial laundries, but also address what continues to be one of the industry’s biggest challenges: access to insurance.

Commercial laundries generally maintain strong safety standards, but the combination of heat, textiles, chemicals and continuous operation means that the fire risk must be carefully managed at all times. When fires do occur, the impact can be severe. That has contributed to a more cautious insurance market, with some operators facing restricted cover and rising premiums.

The TSA’s new audit programme is intended to tackle that issue head on. Building on the Trade Association’s Fire Safety Code of Practice, it will provide an independent means of evidencing compliance with an industry-specific standard for fire risk management, while in parallel helping to show insurers that the sector is taking practical and measurable steps to reduce risk.

Consistent standard

“We were advised that an independently audited and industry-wide approach is the most effective way in which to demonstrate a consistent standard of fire risk management,” explained Emma Kiviniemi Wilson, managing director of the TSA. “We hope that the audit programme will build greater confidence among insurers, encourage more providers into the market and, over time, help to improve the availability and affordability of insurance for our industry.”

From January next year, the audit programme will be introduced for all TSA laundry members. Operators with one or two sites will receive audits across all of their locations in the first year, while larger multi-site businesses will be audited on a phased basis. All sites are scheduled to be covered within a three-year inspection cycle.

Members will normally receive at least six weeks’ prior notice of an audit visit, with full guidance provided in advance on the criteria, process and what to expect on the day.

WorkNest will deliver the independent audits on a site-by-site basis. “The audit is not about catching members out or assuming that every improvement requires significant capital investment,” affirmed Jeff Watkins, head of fire safety at WorkNest. “It’s about recognising good practice, identifying meaningful opportunities to reduce risk and giving members a clear route towards demonstrating compliance with the Code of Practice.”

Independent evidence

For insurance specialists involved in shaping the audit programme, that independent evidence is a key part of the value. “Insurers need clear evidence that effective fire risk-focused controls are not only documented, but also consistently implemented,” stated Andy Taylor, client director at insurance broker Marsh. “Independent audits provide credible assurance and, over time, should support better informed conversations between textile service businesses, brokers and insurers about risk, resilience and insurability.”

Lisa Fry, director of laundry broking and risk management at Milsom Insurance Brokers, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how fires can have a devastating impact on laundries, their customers and hard-working members of staff. By establishing a clear and industry-specific standard for managing property and business risk, the Fire Safety Code of Practice represents an important step towards reducing both the likelihood and potential severity of these incidents.”

The audit programme has also been welcomed by operators with direct experience of the consequences of fire. Mark Middleton, managing director of Belmont Laundry and a TSA member involved in the audit’s development, explained: “Experiencing a serious fire brings home just how quickly a business, its employees, customers and years of hard work can be placed at risk. If these audits help more businesses to identify and address a vulnerability before a fire occurs, they will be seriously worthwhile.”

Andrew Glassford, the TSA’s project director, has overseen the audit’s development, duly working with contributors including WorkNest, Marsh and TSA members. “It’s great to see the Fire Code of Practice audit programme launch after so much collaboration between TSA members, insurers and fire safety specialists,” noted Glassford. “This takes us from agreeing good practice to being able to demonstrate it consistently across the industry, in turn helping members to strengthen their resilience and protect their businesses.”

Autumn Conference 2026

The new audit programme will be discussed in more detail at the TSA’s Autumn Conference 2026, where fire safety and risk management will form part of the wider conversation about strengthening the future of the industry. It will also be available to non-members at a higher rate, although participation will only be mandatory for TSA laundry members. The cost for members will be £600+VAT per site, charged at cost, with no profit retained by the TSA.

*The TSA represents commercial laundry and textile rental businesses. Membership ranges from family-run operations through to large multinational companies. Further information is available online at www.tsa-uk.org

Indeed, Bullock has developed extensive experience through a wide range of senior technical, product, commercial and leadership roles. During his career, he has played an important role in bringing innovative wireless fire detection products to market, helping to shape the associated standards and representing the UK as a principal expert within a European Working Group.

In his previous role with BAFE, Bullock worked closely alongside certification bodies, Trade Associations, UKAS and various Technical Committees to support and develop the BAFE Schemes and qualifications with the aim of improving competency across the industry.

Undoubtedly, this breadth of experience and knowledge will be a real asset to the FIA. Bullock understands the practical challenges facing manufacturers, system integrators, certification bodies, Training Centres and end users, while also harbouring the technical credibility and collaborative approach needed to bring different parts of the industry together.

Bullock’s knowledge of standards, product innovation, assurance and market engagement will help the FIA continue to provide strong technical leadership and deliver practical value for its members and the wider fire safety community.

*Further information is available online at www.fia.uk.com

At Preston Crown Court (pictured) on 28 September, Jamie Carter and JC Land Investments Limited were sentenced following convictions for multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Carter pleaded guilty to 11 offences, while JC Land Investments Limited pleaded guilty to nine offences relating to fire safety failures at Belgrave Chapel in Darwen and Victoria Hall in Bacup.

Fire safety officers from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service inspected the Victoria Hall premises back in October 2021 and identified significant fire safety deficiencies. An Enforcement Notice was subsequently issued. Four weeks later, a Prohibition Notice was issued at Belgrave Chapel after further serious safety concerns were identified.

Both premises were occupied at the time of the inspections, with deficiencies noted that could have prevented residents from escaping quickly and safely in the event of a fire.

The offences included failures to:

*take adequate fire safety precautions to protect tenants

*carry out suitable and sufficient fire risk assessments

*provide and maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm systems

*ensure occupants could evacuate the premises safely

*maintain effective fire evacuation procedures

*comply with Enforcement and Prohibition Notices

*implement effective fire safety management arrangements

Examples of the deficiencies identified by fire safety officers included obstructed escape routes, damaged fire doors, missing fire-resisting glazing, inadequate fire detection measures and fire alarm systems that were either switched off or without power.

Guilty pleas entered

As a result of the investigation, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service prosecuted both Carter and JC Land Investments Limited for failing to comply with the Fire Safety Order and the associated enforcement action taken by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Carter entered guilty pleas in August last year and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also fined £8,652 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £156.

JC Land Investments Limited was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.

In addition, Carter and JC Land Investments Limited were ordered to pay a combined total of £37,293.70 in costs to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Legal obligation

Ian Armistead, Group manager for protection at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As the ‘Responsible Person’ for these premises and as the sole director of JC Land Investments Limited, Jamie Carter has a legal obligation to ensure that those using the premises are provided with a safe environment. We hope this prosecution reinforces the importance of maintaining properties in accordance with fire safety legislation and the standards required by law.”

Armistead continued: “As part of our ongoing commitment to making Lancashire safer, our fire safety enforcement teams continue to identify and address premises that present significant fire safety risks. We hope this case, which has resulted in a substantial sentence, sends a strong message that fire safety must remain a priority at all times. In this instance, inadequate fire safety measures and poor management had the potential to lead to serious injury or loss of life, leaving us with no alternative but to pursue enforcement action.”

Further, Armistead noted: “Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service remains committed to working with those who are willing to address fire safety concerns. Businesses can be confident that we will continue to provide support to help them meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Order.”

In conclusion, Armistead stated: “We would encourage ‘Responsible Persons’ with fire safety responsibilities to review the fire safety arrangements for their premises and ensure they comply with all relevant regulations.”

*Further information is available online at www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk

The FPA has been shortlisted for its research project focused on ‘Fire Sprinkler System Design for Buildings with Exposed Timber Surfaces’. This is welcome recognition for dedicated research that has undoubtedly helped to advance fire protection measures for mass timber construction.

Developed by Dr Dale Kinnersley, principal consultant for RISCAuthority (the FPA-administered insurance research scheme), the research project has been instrumental in delivering the first fire test-based design methodology for sprinkler protection in mass timber buildings with exposed Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) surfaces.

Mass timber is increasingly recognised as an important material in supporting low-carbon construction and the UK’s ‘Net Zero’ ambitions. However, exposed timber surfaces can present unique fire safety challenges that require specific fire protection solutions.

Running from September 2022 to December 2025, the research investigated how automatic fire sprinkler systems and associated M&E fixings can be adapted for use in mass timber buildings with exposed combustible surfaces. The work also demonstrated how sprinkler systems and fixing methods can be adapted to protect exposed CLT surfaces and maintain structural and service integrity during a fire episode.

Key objective

One key objective of the research project was to provide evidence that would support future updates to UK and European sprinkler standards, which have historically been developed around non-combustible construction and, as such, don’t adequately address the unique fire risks associated with mass timber buildings.

Crucially, the findings have identified an important gap in UK and European guidance relating to the suspension of M&E services (including fire sprinkler system pipework). Subsequent investigation into timber fixings has also highlighted a lack of existing standards in this area.

Importantly, this research has already informed new guidance within the LPC Sprinkler Rules, the UK’s leading sprinkler installation standard, and has been proposed for consideration within future revisions of EN 12845-1.

The work formed the basis of a PhD awarded to Dr Kinnersley in July this year. Dr Kinnersley is delighted to have been nominated for the award, which recognises the culmination of a PhD focused on improving fire safety in mass timber construction.

Dr Kinnersley stated: “This work, optimising sprinkler systems and fixing methods to better protect occupants and property, was made possible through the support of RISCAuthority and the FPA.”

Celebration of innovation

Each year as part of the London Build Expo, the London Construction Awards celebrate achievements, developments and innovation realised across the UK’s built environment sector.

In terms of the Fire Safety Solution of the Year category, the other nominated finalists include Advanced, Ajaz Systems, Golden Fred, British Gypsum and Firesense.

*Further information concerning the London Construction Awards 2026 can be accessed online at www.londonconstructionawards.com

Of course, proving fire safety compliance depends on clear evidence, co-ordinated decisions between trades and collaboration that runs from concept through to completion, not a single sign-off at the end.

As part of the Conference Programme at London Build 2026, specialist practitioners from contractors, manufacturers, consultants and design practices are going to address three of the questions built-environment teams are working through right now.

*Building Safety Act 2022 challenges

The session running under the headline ‘The Building Safety Act in Focus: Challenges, Solutions and Collaboration’ will see Steve Warriner (from Siniat), Damini Sharma of the OM Group; Alasdair Mealey (Laing O’Rourke), Krish Parmar (of Elevate Building Safety) and Alex Masheder from BDP discuss the challenges teams are facing under the Act of Parliament and outline where closer collaboration is easing project delivery.

*Navigating Gateways 2 and 3
‘From Design to Completion: Navigating Gateways 2 and 3’ includes contributions from Graeme Whitty TIFireE (Willmott Dixon) and Lane Line (Laing O’Rourke). They join session moderator Craig Wells from Quelfire in a bid to set out the requirements teams need to navigate through design, construction and completion.

*Demonstrating compliance

‘How Can Compliance for Non-Fire Tested Construction Details Be Demonstrated?’ is the subject of choice for presenters Dr Ian Bradley (PFP Specialists), Callum McLean (Wates Smartspace), Dr Andrew Taylor (Association for Specialist Fire Protection) and Alasdair Turnbull (of Aitken Turnbull Architects) who’ll seek to explore how teams can demonstrate compliance where construction details haven’t been fire tested.

*Further information on London Build Expo 20226 can be accessed at www.londonbuildexpo.com

The 20 files relate to 20 companies and organisations and 54 individuals. They ask the CPS to consider charges including corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, Health and Safety offences, fraud and fraud-related offences in addition to misconduct in public office.

The CPS has committed to making the charging decisions before the Tenth Anniversary of the fire.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth said: “This is a milestone moment in the police investigation into this devastating tragedy, which took the lives of 72 people. Our dedicated team of 220 investigators has worked incredibly hard to honour our commitment to the bereaved, the survivors, residents and all those affected by the fire to meet this timescale.”

Southworth continued: “We appreciate, of course, that it has taken nine years to arrive at this point. As we’ve previously mentioned, this is one of the most complex investigations ever undertaken by any UK law enforcement agency. The scale of it all is truly enormous.”

Further, Southworth noted: “While we know this process has exerted a significant impact on those waiting for answers, it has necessarily taken this long to ensure that our investigation is meticulous and presents the very best possible evidence to the CPS for charging decisions.”

Scale of the investigation

The police investigation has been immense. The role of more than 15,000 individuals and 700 organisations involved in Grenfell Tower has been examined. Careful gathering and analysis of the evidence has then led to 54 people and 20 organisations being identified as suspects for the criminal offences referred to the CPS.

In addition to the 20 files, the submission to the CPS also includes 14 overarching evidence files. The word count of the Met’s summary reports alone to the CPS exceeds four million over 12,600 pages, referencing more than 45,000 documents, images and exhibits.

The investigation team has been in close liaison with the CPS throughout the investigation to obtain guidance and advice in order to submit the best possible evidence to enable the CPS to reach charging decisions. This will continue.

The police response to the fire began with an operation to find, recover and identify all those who died. Every single flat and communal area was thoroughly and meticulously searched. This included a full forensic fingertip search, with police officers and forensic experts examining approximately 15 tonnes of debris on each floor.

Grenfell Tower was held by the police as a crime scene for 14 months. Over the course of the police investigation, 165 million electronic files have been gathered to meticulously search for evidence.

Obtaining all of the evidence

Investigators also examined in detail the work of the Public Inquiry Panel, including the 1,700 pages of the final report, in order to cross-reference against the police investigation and ensure that every possible piece of evidence had been obtained.

A total of 14,700 statements have been taken. More than 27,000 exhibits (including cladding, insulation, doors, windows and other parts of the building, all the way through to screws, nut and bolts) remain stored in a secure warehouse.

While in no way pre-empting the CPS’ decisions, the Metropolitan Police Service is working with criminal justice partners on the next stages to ensure the Grenfell families and survivors are supported as well as possible.

*The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a Grenfell Tower investigation website to keep all those affected updated. Visit www.met.police.uk/grenfell-tower-investigation

Response from Government

Angela Rayner (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government) explained: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the bereaved families, survivors and members of the immediate Grenfell community. 72 innocent lives were lost in the Grenfell Tower tragedy of June 2017. Those people most affected have been waiting more than nine years for this next step towards justice. I pay tribute to the dignity, persistence and courage of the Grenfell community and their ongoing campaign for justice and answers.”

Rayner continued: “The Government failed in its fundamental duty to keep the residents of Grenfell Tower safe. Lives were lost as a consequence of profound failures within the building safety system. On behalf of the British state, I’m sorry for that.”

Further, Rayner said: “The Metropolitan Police Service has now handed case files to the Crown Prosecution Service. This marks an important step. Operation Northleigh has been conducted independently of Government and it’s absolutely right that the independent criminal justice process takes its course.”

In addition, Rayner observed: “Back in 2023, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) was notified by the Metropolitan Police Service that it was under investigation. The Ministry has co-operated fully with the investigation process throughout its duration. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, the MHCLG has not, until now, discussed publicly the detail of the investigation, including its own status as a subject of this process.”

The Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed that a file relating to MHCLG has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for the latter to conduct a full and independent review of the evidence and then determine whether the evidential requirements in relation to a potential breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 have been reached.

Rayner commented: “I recognise the significance and gravity of this latest development. We will respond with the appropriate and necessary diligence and care. The Crown Prosecution Service will lead on the next steps, while the Government continues to co-operate fully in the next stage of this process.”

According to Rayner: “The Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed profound failures in the building safety system. As Secretary of State, I recognise that confidence will only be rebuilt through sustained action and visible change. I will ensure that the lessons from the Public Inquiry drive real and lasting change in terms of how Government works and provide safe homes for people across the country. We must ensure that a tragedy like Grenfell can never happen again.”

Ms Abena Oppong-Asare MP, chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee in Parliament, has observed: “The bereaved, the families and survivors of the Grenfell tragedy have suffered an agonising and unacceptable nine-year wait for justice. I hope that the Crown Prosecution Service will now deliver the accountability, transparency and justice which the victims of Grenfell deserve. I urge the Government to do all it can to help avoid any further delays and, outside of any criminal proceedings, ensure that building safety is a top priority.”

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

In relation to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Metropolitan Police Service has also referred Kensington and Chelsea Council to the Crown Prosecution Service for alleged offences focused on corporate manslaughter, alleged offences in relation to Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and alleged offences contrary to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The Crown Prosecution Service will now independently review the evidence and decide whether or not to charge Kensington and Chelsea Council. The latter expects that decision to be made and communicated to it before June next year.

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, the leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: “This is a significant moment for all of the bereaved family members, survivors, residents and all those affected by Grenfell. First and foremost, our thoughts remain with them and the 72 individuals who lost their lives. We hope that the legal process gives people the answers they seek.”

Campbell added: “We’ve accepted Kensington and Chelsea Council’s failings, while our commitment to candour, openness and accountability hasn’t changed. We will continue with our focus on meeting the commitments we made following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.”

In conclusion, Campbell stated: “The Council has co-operated fully with the Metropolitan Police Service investigation, just as we fully co-operated throughout the separate Grenfell Tower Inquiry which concluded in 2024. We will continue to provide any information or assistance that’s asked of us.”

Statement from the London Fire Brigade

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith KFSM has been notified by the Metropolitan Police Service that, following the latter’s investigation into the events surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire, a file has now been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for its consideration in respect of the London Fire Brigade. The Crown Prosecution Service will independently review the evidence and make any prosecution decisions.

The London Fire Commissioner welcomes the progress realised in the investigation process and reaffirms his commitment to providing the Crown Prosecution Service with full co-operation, as indeed the London Fire Brigade has sought to do throughout Operation Northleigh.

Jonathan Smith KFSM observed: “We remember the 72 people who lost their lives. Our thoughts remain with the bereaved, the survivors and everyone whose lives were changed forever by that night.”

Smith went on to comment: “The London Fire Brigade accepted the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and has now implemented all of the recommendations from Phase 1 and Phase 2. We continue to work with our partners across Government and the Fire and Rescue sector in order to ensure the lessons of the Grenfell tragedy are learned. Indeed, this continues to shape everything that we do.”

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright stated: “After nearly a decade since the Grenfell atrocity, progress is finally being made towards prosecuting those culpable. Although we do welcome Crown Prosecution Service and police action, the Grenfell families along with our members who were part of the rescue effort that night have waited far too long for justice to take its course.”

Wright concluded: “The trauma and anguish suffered by the bereaved, survivors and relatives of Grenfell must not be in vain. The Fire Brigades Union will continue its relentless campaign alongside the victims’ families to see all those culpable prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”