Under the BSR’s guidelines, the responsibility for creating compliant designs now rests solely with the Principal Designer. Our role as a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) is to review and assess these designs to ensure they meet all necessary standards and regulations. While the RBCA title may suggest final approval authority, it’s important to clarify that both the Principal Designer and the Principal Contractor must sign a declaration confirming the design and construction’s compliance.

While the Building Control industry has traditionally refrained from offering design advice, the rules were often stretched in practice – we’ve always been committed to helping you navigate the complexities of compliance, but the new regime means that we must take a step back from offering any direct design advice.

How Can We Support You?
Even though we can no longer provide specific design advice, we are still here to help you in meaningful ways. Here’s how we plan to continue supporting you:

1. Clarifying Requirements: We can help you better understand the regulations and standards that your project needs to meet. If a design doesn’t align with these requirements, we’ll point you towards the relevant statutory requirements, ensuring you have the information needed to make informed decisions.Example: If a particular aspect of the design needs to comply with specific fire safety regulations, we’ll highlight the relevant section of the regulations, so you know exactly where to focus.

2. Asking the Right Questions: We’ll ask guiding questions to help you and your design team identify potential compliance issues. This approach encourages proactive problem-solving without us directly intervening in the design process.Example: We may ask, “How does this design element align with the latest accessibility standards in Approved Document M that you have told us is your design guide?” to prompt a closer look.

3. Providing General Feedback: When we spot areas of concern, we’ll provide general feedback to alert you to potential issues. We might suggest that your design team or a relevant specialist take a closer look at specific aspects of the project.Example: We might note that certain elements of the design do not demonstrate compliance and may require further review in line with a specific Approved Document that you have confirmed is your design guide.

4. Encouraging Collaboration: We’ll foster a collaborative environment where all parties – your team, the Principal Designer, and other specialists – work together to ensure your project’s success. This team approach ensures that all aspects of the design are thoroughly vetted for compliance.Example: We may suggest that certain members of your design team should hold joint discussions with relevant experts to address any complicated aspects of the design.

Our Commitment to Your Success
We understand that these changes may require some adjustment, but please know that our commitment to your success remains unwavering. We’re here to ensure that your projects are not only compliant and safe but also of the highest quality. By focusing on our role in compliance and safety, we aim to provide you with the support you need.

Can Clarke Banks help you beyond the role of a Registered Building Control Approver?
Since April 2024, all Building Control bodies, including ourselves, have been regulated by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) under the Health and Safety Executive. The BSR has introduced a new Code of Conduct that prohibits Building Control bodies from providing design advice to duty holders. While previously you might have received assessments and advice on compliance before and during a Building Control application, we are no longer able to offer this type of consultancy.

To bridge this gap, our independent sister company, Clarke Banks (Building Safety), specialises in Building Regulations Consultancy and can provide the necessary advisory services to help you achieve regulatory approval if this is something you require. Clarke Banks (Building Safety) hold separate PI insurance for this exact reason.

If you are looking for early engagement for Building Regs advice, it will be these Advisory Services that you will require – this normally spans RIBA Stages 2 – 4 and can help provide advice and solutions for any project specific Building Regulation matters.  The usual Registered Building Control Approval (RBCA) services would follow on from that – although there will inevitably be some overlap as the formal part of the RBCA role would normally commence late Stage 3/early Stage 4.

As we all adapt to the new Building Safety Regulator regime, we want to assure you that we’re still your partner in achieving project success, whether you use our Advisory Service, Registered Building Control service, or both.