Building control professionals in England and Wales must register with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to perform any building control work. Recent registration data shows a steady increase in the number of registered inspectors, underscoring the industry’s dedication to maintaining high standards.
A temporary 13-week extension for experienced building inspectors in England to complete their competency assessments ended on July 6, 2024. This extension provided sector professionals ample time to meet the new requirements without compromising their essential services.
As of July 30, 2024, 4,049 building professionals were registered as building inspectors in England and Wales. All Registered Building Inspectors adhere to a Code of Conduct, ensuring accountability and high standards in their work.
Registration by Classes:
- Class 1 (Trainee): 1,971
- Class 2 (Registered Building Inspector): 1,614
- Class 3 (Specialist Building Inspector): 464
- Class 4 (Building Inspector – Technical Manager): 516
Positive Feedback from BSR
Ged Cooper, BSR Head of Building Control Professional Standards, expressed satisfaction with the increasing registration numbers. He noted the consistent success in Class 2 and Class 3 registrations and was pleased to see a significant number of Class 4 technical managers. This positive trend is expected to continue.
“We are encouraged by this steady increase in numbers,” said Cooper. “Granting an extension for building inspectors to complete their competency assessments shows our commitment to a supportive regulatory environment. Building Control Bodies must take regulatory advice from Class 2 or Class 3 Registered Building Inspectors to perform their functions effectively.”
Supporting the Sector Through Challenges
Throughout the transition period, BSR listened to the sector’s challenges. They allowed professionals who completed the competency assessment process by the July 6 deadline but were awaiting results to continue undertaking restricted activities.
Future of the Profession
Looking ahead, Cooper emphasized BSR’s role in facilitating compliance and supporting building control professionals through clear regulatory pathways. “Building control is crucial in the construction process, and we value the role of building inspectors,” he stated.
The profession is entering a transformative era with unified standards, making it an attractive career choice. Enhanced professional standards will lead to stronger compliance with building regulations. This improvement will set high standards as the norm, not the exception.
Increased Transparency and Accountability
BSR believes that greater transparency and accountability in the building control sector will boost public confidence. The improved status of building inspectors will help attract new professionals and retain existing talent, strengthening the building control landscape.
Find a registered building inspector in England – GOV.UK
Find a registered building inspector in Wales – GOV.UK
Notes to Editors
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced plans for regulating the Building Control profession. BSR has worked closely with professional bodies to prepare for the new requirements. The Building Inspector Competence Framework (BICoF) underwent public consultation and was published in April 2023. Registered Building Inspectors must demonstrate competence through an independent assessment scheme. The complexity and risk of the building work determine the required registration class. All inspectors sign up to the Code of Conduct, which holds them accountable to the Regulator and ensures they do not act beyond their competence.
BSR will focus regulatory activity on building control bodies and inspectors, ensuring high standards and accountability in the profession.
