Post-Hackitt:
Building a Safer Future

Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, the government set out to rethink how fire safety in high-rise residential buildings is regulated. With the establishment of a new building safety regime, what should property professionals be doing to ensure the safety of residents? How will local housing authorities ensure that the reform brings about the intended impact? How can we all contribute to a safer future?

‘Fire’ is a fundamental hazard that local housing authorities consider when undertaking HHSRS assessments of multi-occupied buildings, flats and their common areas. The government are progressing with the implementation of the proposals set out in ‘Building a safer future: Proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory system’; and the establishment of a national regulator for building safety.

In this webinar, a panel of expert speakers discussed the enforcement provisions using HHSRS assessment in multi-occupied residential buildings, the interaction between the HHSRS and Fire Safety Order regulatory regimes and the proposed reform of building safety regulation. We also looked at local authority powers and responsibilities in planning, building control, environmental health, landlord stock maintenance and new build delivery, including the relationships between councils, arms-length companies and registered providers. 

Disclaimer: All content presented in this webinar is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice or official guidance.

Mark Baigent, Director, Mark Baigent Consulting

Mark has been working as a consultant and interim senior manager for the last five years, following 30 years leading housing, regeneration and homelessness services. Recent roles include Director posts in Haringey and Tower Hamlets, driving forward ambitious council house-building and estate renewal programmes. His book "How to set up a local housing company" is available as a free download online. 

Alan Davies, Head of Consulting, RHE Global

Alan is Head of Consulting, housing expert and trainer at RHE Global. He was a key member of the project team that engaged and delivered on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Scoping Review for the MHCLG. The scoping study determined the scale of review required for the HHSRS. He was also a member of the project team that developed, tested and piloted the HHSRS Fire Addendum to the HHSRS Operating Guidance, for the assessment of high-rise residential buildings with cladding systems. In 2010 he gained an Environmental Health Law Masters with merit (LLM) at Surrey University specialising in housing conditions and standards.