Building safety remains one of the most important priorities for the built environment, with ongoing regulatory changes placing greater emphasis on competence, accountability and the role of professionals in ensuring buildings are safe and perform as intended.
As the leading global body for building engineering professionals, CIBSE continues to support members by providing the knowledge, guidance, training and frameworks needed to navigate the evolving building safety landscape and meet new responsibilities under the Building Safety Act.
Strengthening competence across the built environment
Competence is at the heart of building safety reform, and CIBSE has been working with industry partners to support professionals in demonstrating the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for their roles.
Through its competence frameworks, CIBSE provides a clear pathway for professionals to understand the expectations associated with key roles and responsibilities, helping individuals and organisations demonstrate their capability and support safer outcomes.
These frameworks complement the wider work of the built environment sector to improve professional competence, accountability and confidence in the delivery and management of buildings.
Supporting professionals working on Higher-Risk Buildings
The introduction of the Building Safety Act has created new requirements for those working on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), including greater scrutiny of competence and accountability.
CIBSE continues to support members involved in HRB work by providing professional recognition, guidance and learning opportunities to help them meet these responsibilities. As one of only five Professional Engineering Institutions licensed to award HRB Registration in the UK, CIBSE is proud to support this vital route to demonstrating competence in the built environment. CIBSE is approved to assess candidates against the UK-SPEC HRB generalist requirements, as well as the Building Services and Façade Engineering discipline annexes.
CIBSE members can also demonstrate their commitment to competence and professional standards through relevant registration pathways and by maintaining their professional development.
Building safety training and professional development
To help members understand the implications of building safety legislation and their responsibilities, CIBSE offers a range of training courses covering key aspects of the Building Safety Act and regulatory change.
Current courses include:
- Introduction to the Building Safety Act – providing an overview of the legislation, its impact on the built environment and the responsibilities of those involved.
- Introduction to the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor Roles – exploring the roles of the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor under the Building Safety Act, including competence requirements and key duties.
CIBSE continues to develop learning opportunities to support professionals as the regulatory environment evolves, ensuring members have access to up-to-date knowledge and practical guidance.
Guidance and resources for members
Alongside training and competence frameworks, CIBSE provides technical guidance and resources to support professionals working across building safety, including fire safety, building performance, compliance and the delivery of safe, efficient buildings.
Through its expert panels, technical committees and engagement with Government and industry stakeholders, CIBSE continues to represent the voice of building engineering professionals in discussions around building safety reform.
Helping shape the future of building safety
Building safety reform depends on collaboration, shared learning and evidence from across the sector. CIBSE supports this through its dedicated Building Safety and Fire Safety Working Groups, which bring together members and experts to share knowledge, consider emerging issues and contribute to the ongoing development of building safety practice. CIBSE also sits on the Engineering Council’s Building Safety Advisory Panel, as well as the Steering Committee for the HRB register. More broadly, CIBSE is a member of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), which provides a wider cross-industry forum for collaboration on building safety matters.
Continuing to support a safer built environment
CIBSE will continue working with members, industry partners and policymakers to support the delivery of safer, higher-performing buildings.
Through competence frameworks, professional development, technical expertise and industry engagement, CIBSE remains committed to helping building professionals meet their responsibilities and contribute to a stronger culture of building safety.
Help shape the future of building safety
CIBSE is always keen to hear from members who would like to share their knowledge, experience and expertise in building safety, whether through contributing to knowledge development, supporting training and learning, or helping shape practical guidance and other resources. Your expertise can help CIBSE strengthen the support it provides to the wider profession as building safety practice continues to evolve. To get in touch directly with CIBSE’s Technical Team, please email Technical@cibse.org