Have your say: HSE research projects supporting the evaluation of the building safety regime

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), has commissioned a series of independent research projects to better understand how the new building safety regime is operating in practice.

These projects form part of a wider evaluation programme designed to establish baseline measures, develop repeatable indicators of progress over time, and explore the lived experiences of those working across the built environment. The research will also consider qualitative insights, including any unintended consequences arising from the implementation of the new regulatory framework.

The studies are being conducted by independent research agencies BMG Research and Verian. HSE and BSR are encouraging professionals and organisations across the sector to participate and to share these opportunities within their networks.

Project 1: Industry Culture & Practice Focus Groups

Facilitated by Verian

Audience: Clients, architects, designers, engineers, consultants, contractors, building owners and managers, education providers, and accreditation bodies.

Participants from across the built environment are invited to take part in small online focus groups exploring culture and practice in relation to building safety. These sessions will contribute to the broader evaluation of BSR’s activities and provide an opportunity to share first-hand perspectives on:

• How the new regime is working in practice
• Barriers and enablers to compliance
• The influence of organisational and industry culture on safety

Selected participants will attend a 90-minute online session hosted by Verian. A £120 incentive (or equivalent charitable donation) is offered in recognition of participants’ time.

Interested individuals are invited to complete the short registration form to express their interest.

Project 2: Regulation of the Building Control Profession

Audience: Registered Building Inspectors, Local Authority Building Control (including decision-makers, managers and shared services), Registered Building Control Approvers, and stakeholders with an interest in regulation of the building control profession.

This project aims to examine how BSR’s regulation of the profession is progressing and to explore the relationship between individual and organisational practice factors that support, or hinder, improvements in competence and consistency of standards across building control services.

Professionals who wish to contribute are encouraged to complete the short registration form.

Project 3: Regulation of HRB Design & Construction (Gateways)

Audience: Clients, building control professionals, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, developers, building owners and managers, and accreditation bodies.

This research will explore how the new building control system (Gateways) is affecting Higher-Risk Building (HRB) design and construction. It will assess emerging impacts on industry practice, businesses, and building quality, while capturing early experiences of the new processes. The study will also follow longitudinal case studies through the Gateway application process.

Those interested in participating are invited to complete the relevant registration form.

Engagement from across the sector will play a vital role in ensuring that the BSR’s work reflects the practical realities of those operating within the built environment. By contributing to these independent research projects or sharing them within your networks, you can help shape a clearer understanding of how the new regime is performing and where further improvements may be needed.

Organisations and individuals interested in participating in any of the above projects are encouraged to register their interest via the relevant forms or contact the appointed research contractors directly.