Beyond Regulation: Unlocking Productivity with a Common Standard for Competence

The Building Safety Act (BSA) 2022 was a necessary legislative earthquake, forcing the construction industry to confront its systemic failures. The Act’s primary focus has rightly been on high-risk residential buildings, creating new legal duties and a stringent regulatory regime. However, to see this as merely a compliance issue for a specific building type is to miss the bigger picture. The true, lasting transformation our industry needs lies not just in adhering to new rules, but in fostering a universal culture of competence.

For clients, designers, and contractors across the entire built environment; from major infrastructure to private commercial projects, the opportunity is to look beyond the letter of the law. By adopting the foundational principles of competence on all projects, even those outside the BSA's direct scope, we can unlock significant gains in productivity, quality, and trust. The blueprint for this shift already exists: BS 8670.

BS 8670: A Universal Code for a Better Industry

It is crucial to understand that BS 8670, the code of practice for building safety competence, is not just another technical manual for high-risk buildings. It is a foundational document that sets out the core behavioural and ethical standards for everyone in the industry. Its principles, respect for life and law, accuracy and rigour, leadership, and collaboration are universal. They are as relevant to the design of a new motorway junction or water treatment plant as they are to a residential tower.

The BSA made competence a legal requirement for work under the Building Regulations. However, intelligent clients are beginning to realise the immense value of applying this same benchmark everywhere. When a client specifies that all their project partners, from designers to contractors, should align with the principles of BS 8670, they are doing more than just ticking a box; they are establishing a common language for quality and professional conduct.

The Benefits of a Common Competence Standard

In an industry grappling with a severe skills shortage, particularly in project management and design, finding reliable and competent partners is a major challenge for clients. Using BS 8670 as a baseline for competence provides a clear and consistent framework for procurement. It simplifies the pre-qualification process, allowing clients to assess potential partners against a single, industry-agreed standard of behaviour and ethics, rather than a vague or inconsistent set of criteria.

This consistency has a powerful ripple effect. When designers, contractors, and their supply chains all operate under a shared understanding of what 'good' looks like, it fundamentally improves how projects are delivered. It fosters a culture where safety and quality are prioritised over commercial pressures, where communication is clearer, and where collaboration is more effective.

This directly translates into wider productivity and quality benefits. A team aligned on the principles of rigour and accountability will make fewer errors, leading to less rework and fewer costly delays. A culture of open communication and teamwork, as championed by BS 8670, means that potential risks are identified and managed earlier and more effectively. This proactive approach is the bedrock of successful project delivery, saving time and money while producing a higher-quality asset.

From Obligation to Opportunity

The post-Grenfell era demands more than just legal compliance; it demands a demonstrable commitment to a better way of working. For clients, specifying a common competence standard like BS 8670 across all their projects is a powerful statement. It shows they are a responsible procurer of services, committed to quality and safety beyond their minimum legal duties. This builds trust with stakeholders, insurers, and the public, enhancing their reputation.

For designers and contractors, embracing these principles offers a clear competitive advantage. In a crowded market, being able to prove you operate to a nationally recognised standard of competence and ethical behaviour makes you a more attractive partner.

The Building Safety Act was the catalyst for change, but it should not be the boundary of our ambition. By embracing the spirit of BS 8670 on every project, we can move beyond fragmented standards and reactive compliance. We can create a unified industry culture based on a shared commitment to excellence, leading to improved productivity, higher quality, and a built environment that is safer for everyone.