Built environment organisations have unanimously welcomed the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), RICS and the Construction Leadership Council all praised the government response while cautioning that there is considerable work ahead.
Caroline Gumble, CEO of the CIOB
“We very much welcome the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, which will provide the construction industry with much-needed clarity and guidance on the actions that must be taken to reduce the risk of such a tragedy happening again.
“We recognise there is a significant amount of work to do and the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, while a positive step, was only the beginning. We are ready to play our part in improving the culture in the sector and ensuring construction professionals are appropriately competent to conduct their roles, not only in the case of high-risk buildings but throughout the wider built environment, ensuring public trust in what we build and maintain.
“Since the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report was published in September 2024, we have introduced mandatory continued professional development (CPD) on building safety for our members to ensure they remain up to date and relevant with developments in building safety and evolving regulation and legislation, including best practice.
“Additionally, we have launched the Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme (PCCCS) to provide Principal Contractors with a route to proving their competency as required by the Building Safety Regulator. Our intention is also to develop a similar scheme for Principal Designers, which is set to be available later this year. We are also providing building safety training via our Academy.”
Mark Reynolds, co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council and executive chair of Mace
“We welcome the publication today of the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s Phase 2 Report. The Inquiry’s report stated that the tragedy was a result of years of failings from the state and industry, of deregulation, and of poor practice in the construction sector.
“In our view, the implementation of the recommendations, as set out by the deputy prime minister, will result in safer homes and buildings for those who live and work in them and improve the quality of both the work done by the construction industry, as well as the competence of those working in it.
“The Inquiry also highlighted widespread failures by manufacturers, the construction products sector and the institutions that should have been responsible for ensuring high standards and assurance of the system. It is incumbent on us all to fully engage with and respond to the proposals for reform set out in the Construction Products Reform Green Paper published alongside the government’s response.”
Gary Strong, RICS head of professional practice (building)
“RICS welcomes the UK Government’s statement on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, and we look forward to continuing to support these crucial reforms going forward.
“A new, dedicated construction sector regulator and chief construction adviser is welcome, and RICS will continue to offer its expertise to the government to support plans for the new regulator as it takes shape.
“New rules on product safety should further raise manufacturing standards, whilst new laws empowering tenants in the social housing sector will help protect some of the most vulnerable. It is reassuring that the government plans to provide updates every quarter and RICS will support the implementation of these reforms every step of the way.”
