The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has officially moved to a standalone organisation, paving the way for creation of a single construction regulator - a key recommendation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
The move from HSE to an arm’s-length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), represents a significant moment for the built environment.
Lord Roe, Chair of BSR, said: “While the creation of BSR in 2021 was a watershed moment, this is about looking forward to a single construction regulator that brings coherence to a once-fragmented system.
"We will know we are successful when residents acknowledge we have made the built environment safer. This move is about continuing to support homes being built safely while fulfilling our primary mission: ensuring we are all building better and living safer, together."
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BSR has released its first building control Gateway 2 update of the year.
The update demonstrates a continuing positive momentum against a backdrop of increasing applications for new high-rise residential building units.
January’s release shows that overall Gateway 2 decisions continue to rise, with 698 decisions across all application types in the 12 weeks to 24 January.
This follows 2025’s final quarter, which saw the highest number of decisions since BSR commenced operations, with 673 by 31 December – a 250%+ increase compared to earlier in the year.
Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer, said: “By driving these improvements, we can ensure we keep essential construction projects being built, while upholding the critical safety standards that protect residents in both new and existing homes.”
As part of the transition to a standalone organisation BSR has launched a new GOV UK page for updates, guidance and news.
The existing Making Buildings Safer campaign site will also continue to showcase useful resources for industry and dutyholders, as well as the ongoing Your Home, Your Safety residents’ campaign.
Over the coming months, BSR will also be launching its own new social channels. You can:
MHCLG is seeking views on proposals to refine the application process for some types of building work within the higher-risk building regime.
For building work to fibre optic infrastructure, this also includes the local authority and registered building control approvers routes for non-higher-risk buildings.
Proposals aim to address limitations of the current system and ensure regulatory processes remain proportionate, effective and focused on maintaining resident safety.
Industry input is needed by BSR to help support ideas for the review and development of Approved Documents.
They are seeking views from architects, building control, fire engineers, structural and other engineers, as well as contractors.
Participation is voluntary, with a monetary incentive offered as a thank you. All responses remain confidential.
Verian, who is carrying out research is independent from BSR.
People from across the built environment industry are being invited to take part in small BSR focus groups exploring industry culture and practice regarding building safety.
Along with the evaluation of BSRs activities, the sessions will allow participants to give their perspective on how the new regime is working in practice, barriers and enablers to compliance, as well as how safety culture interacts with this.
BSR is looking for those working as: clients, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, building owners and managers, education providers, accreditation bodies.
Those selected will be invited to a 90-minute online session facilitated by Verian, an independent research agency. A £120 incentive (or charity donation) will be offered for your time.
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