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Building safety has always been a part of my role as a Project Manager but it moved higher up the agenda as Building Safety Act regulations evolved. Over the last 12 months, I’ve been supporting our engineering and specialist teams by providing project management guidance to deliver Building Safety Reports. Following these reports, if clients are required to undertake any works to bring their building(s) in line with BSA regulations, I provide project management support to minimise disruption and help them move towards compliance. Ìý

As the Regional Director for our Project and Cost Management team in London, I lead a team that is strategically placed to assist clients with their programme of works that will inevitably come from the building safety report. As you would expect, being based in London, a lot of our clients are impacted by the changes to regulations.

Securing Building Safety Act compliance is a complex process, with a lot of moving parts to consider. With over 30 years’ experience in project and building /asset management, I can offer clients strategic advice to ensure efficient, compliant, and high-quality outcomes while minimising risks and maximising value.

If a Building Safety Case Report has flagged any issues that need to be addressed for compliance, we will project manage the works that follow. A report can flag various issues that will need to be rectified ranging from fire safety deficiencies to structural integrity concerns to cladding and external wall issues to electrical safety issues to missing documentation and poor record keeping. The list can go on…

Our process begins with developing a comprehensive programme of works, which we further break down into specific scopes of work (SoW). Throughout the project lifecycle, we meticulously manage budget allocations, oversee procurement processes, conduct contract negotiations, and coordinate physical construction activities until project completion and beyond, including the defects liability period.

From a project and cost management perspective, the biggest challenge is often balancing the imperative of meeting stringent safety regulations with the constraints of project budgets and timelines. Ensuring that safety measures are implemented effectively while also managing costs and schedules requires careful coordination and decision-making.

Additionally, navigating complex regulatory frameworks and evolving standards can pose significant challenges. Staying abreast of changes in building codes, safety regulations, and industry best practices is essential to ensure that our solutions remain compliant and effective.

Furthermore, coordinating multiple stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, regulatory agencies, and clients, can be challenging. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial to aligning diverse interests and priorities while maintaining focus on delivering safe and successful outcomes.

Overall, addressing these challenges requires a proactive and strategic approach, along with strong project management skills, technical expertise, and a commitment to prioritising safety at every stage of the project lifecycle.

Overall, the implementation of the BSA and the activities of the BSR are likely to reshape the landscape of project cost management in the construction industry, with a heightened emphasis on safety compliance, resource allocation, and stakeholder collaboration. Organisations will need to proactively adapt to these changes to ensure the successful delivery of projects in alignment with the regulatory requirements.

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The BSA introduces a complex regulatory framework with stringent safety requirements and obligations for building owners, developers, designers, and contractors. Navigating this framework and ensuring full compliance with its provisions poses a significant challenge for industry stakeholders.

Overall, the evolution of building safety in the future will be characterised by a proactive and collaborative approach, leveraging technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and stakeholder engagement to create safer, more resilient built environments for current and future generations.

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At °ÄÃÅÐþ»úͼ, building safety compliance is approached through a robust framework of multi-disciplinary collaboration, leveraging the expertise of professionals across various divisions to ensure comprehensive and effective solutions.

Overall, our approach to building safety compliance, coupled with its technical excellence, client-centric ethos, and proven track record, positions the company as a trusted partner for addressing the challenges of building safety in today's dynamic and evolving built environment.

Being a part of °ÄÃÅÐþ»úͼ's Building Safety team offers the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, where you can grow both personally and professionally while making a positive impact on the world around you.