Outgoing interim Chief Construction Adviser Thouria Istephan has warned that parts of the construction industry still need to go further on building safety, as she calls for continued reform of construction products, higher standards of competence and greater accountability throughout the supply chain.
In her final report as interim Chief Construction Adviser (CCA), issued on 10 September, Istephan acknowledged the progress made since the Grenfell Tower tragedy but stressed that significant work remains.
Reflecting on the loss of 72 lives at Grenfell, she warned that “too many people live in unsafe buildings” and urged everyone involved in the built environment to remain vigilant, raise concerns where safety risks are identified and take action. She also noted that parts of the industry still need to go further, a position reflected in the Industry Safety Steering Group’s fifth report.
Istephan’s work as CCA has focused on four priorities: reforming construction product regulation; improving standards for buildings and construction professionals; strengthening how evidence is gathered and lessons learned from near misses; and helping develop the permanent Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) role.
Construction product reform
Of particular significance to manufacturers and the wider supply chain is the continuing reform of the construction products regime.
Referring to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s findings of “systematic dishonesty” among those who made and sold rainscreen cladding panels and insulation products, Istephan said there was an urgent need for reform and clear support for change across the sector.
Having advised officials on the Construction Products White Paper, she highlighted testing and certification, product information and stronger standards among the key areas requiring improvement.
Further changes are also on the horizon. During Istephan’s tenure, Government announced a call for evidence on a strategy for built environment professions, trades and occupations and published a prospectus for the single construction regulator. Other measures include reforms to the Building Assessment Certificates regime and changes to Building Regulations.
Competence and culture
However, Istephan stressed that regulation and standards alone will not deliver lasting change.
Behaviour and culture will be essential, with everyone working within the built environment expected to take responsibility for improving their performance and ensuring they are competent to carry out their duties.
Importantly for the entire project supply chain, she said this responsibility starts with clients and funders, who can set the tone for a project, before extending to everyone involved in its delivery.
Istephan also highlighted the importance of gathering evidence and learning from near misses. She encouraged construction professionals to report fire and structural safety concerns through CROSS-UK, the confidential reporting system, to help emerging risks be identified and addressed.
When assessing building safety, she added that the industry must look beyond building height alone, taking into account factors including sleeping accommodation and the presence of vulnerable residents.
The permanent CCSA role will continue to provide ministers with independent technical advice on building safety and regulatory reform. Istephan said it was important that the Secretary of State and Building Safety Minister have access to someone with a good working knowledge and practical experience of construction.
Ultimately, her message to the industry is that commercial pressures cannot be allowed to override building safety.
“In delivering new buildings, cost and programme are of course important, but so is safety,” Istephan said.
“This cannot be compromised and we must all hold ourselves accountable. Accountability means that we all accept our duty to make buildings safe and take action to do this.”
View the full final report here.