The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published a comprehensive response to the findings of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, highlighting critical recommendations for improving building safety.

Key RIBA Building Safety Recommendations

Regulatory Changes

• Establishment of a single statutory body, similar to the Engineering Council, to oversee a comprehensive competence system for construction professionals.
• Expansion of the definition of higher-risk buildings to include assembly buildings and temporary leisure establishments.
• An urgent, holistic review of Approved Document B, a longstanding RIBA call to action.
• Requirement for both staircases in new residential buildings over 18 metres to function as fire-fighting staircases.
• Refurbishment of single-staircase residential buildings over 18 metres with appropriate safety measures as ‘consequential improvements’ during material alterations.
• Wider adoption of sprinklers in new and converted buildings housing vulnerable occupants.

Structural Changes

• Transfer of fire safety responsibilities to a single Secretary of State for better coordination and accountability.
• Appointment of a suitably qualified Chief Construction Advisor, such as a chartered professional.
• Creation of an organizational-level licensing scheme for principal contractors.

Operational Improvements

• Independent research and development in construction product testing standards to enhance reliability and public trust.
• A review of contracts and procurement processes to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in construction projects.
• Free availability of any safety-critical guidance.
• Development of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for individuals with specific needs in residential buildings 11 metres or taller.

"Driving Meaningful Reform at All Levels"

Jack Pringle, Chair of the RIBA Board, emphasized the importance of comprehensive reform:

“The full findings of the Inquiry’s report make a clear case for further regulatory, structural and operational change, alongside a fundamental shift in culture and behaviours – and we remain fully committed to playing our part.

“As the professional body for architects, we have taken significant steps since June 2017 to enhance training and education, including but not limited to our mandatory Health and Safety test and our Principal Designer Register. As recommended, we are reviewing these measures, ensuring our members maintain the highest standards of professional competence.

“To help deliver a comprehensive competence system for professionals across the construction industry, we suggest exploring a model similar to that of the current Engineering Council. This could take the form of a single statutory body for all construction professional bodies which should set processes that all professional bodies certifying the competence of individuals, including architects, must meet.

“We fully support the Inquiry’s recommendation to bring responsibility for the functions relating to fire safety under a single Secretary of State, supported by a suitably qualified Chief Construction Advisor, to aid co-ordination and accountability.

“Aside from structural and regulatory change, we support the Inquiry’s call for independent research and development to restore faith in product testing standards. We also believe that the role of contracts and procurement processes in defining the obligations and agency of the different members of the client, design, and construction teams should be reviewed.

“The long-term efficacy of the construction sector hinges on making these evidence-based changes. It remains our duty to drive meaningful reform at all levels to deliver a built environment in which the public has complete confidence.”

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