FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Competence and Compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022

Why was the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced, and what does it mean for the
construction industry?

The Building Safety Act was introduced in response to safety concerns following the Grenfell
Tower tragedy in 2017. It sets new standards for designing, constructing, and managing
higher-risk buildings, but its reach goes beyond just high-rise buildings. The Act places
greater responsibility on contractors to ensure that safety is prioritized in all types of
buildings—ensuring compliance with both technical and behavioural standards to protect
both people and property.

What is the Building Safety Act 2022, and how does it relate to workforce competence?

The Building Safety Act 2022, along with the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended),
specifically Part 2A Regulation 11F, requires contractors to demonstrate that individuals
carrying out building work have the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours
to comply with safety and regulatory standards. This is to ensure the safety of buildings and
those who work in or use them.

What is the "Golden Thread" of information, and how does it relate to contractor
competency?

The Golden Thread refers to the continuous, traceable documentation of a building’s design,
construction, and maintenance. Contractors must ensure that evidence of both individual
competence (workers on-site) and organizational capability (competency tracking systems) is
digitally maintained and accessible. This ensures compliance with regulatory requirements,
which must be demonstrated during the Gateway 3 review process.

What is the Gateway Approach, and how does it impact competency?

The Gateway Approach introduces three checkpoints at critical stages of a project to ensure
safety and compliance, specifically for High-Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB). These
include:

Gateway 1: Before design begins.
Gateway 2: Before construction starts.
Gateway 3: Before project completion, where the Building Safety Regulator assesses
whether the work aligns with the building regulations, including evidence of
competency for contractors involved.

Note: Gateway checks do not apply to non-high-risk buildings.

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How does my Business ensure that its workforce is competent under the Building Safety
Act?

Adopt a comprehensive approach to meet legal obligations by:

Regularly assessing competence in terms of skills, knowledge, experience, and
behaviours.
Maintaining and reviewing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) records for
ongoing learning.
Implementing role-specific competence frameworks across all relevant functions.
Storing evidence of recent training, certifications, and qualifications.
Conducting periodic audits to validate the currency of competence data.
Implementing feedback mechanisms to identify and address gaps.

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What is a "Competence Framework" and why is it important?

A Competence Framework is a structured approach that defines the skills, knowledge,
experience, and behaviours required for each role. Frameworks are aligned with PAS
8672:2022 and BS 8670 standards, ensuring it meets industry benchmarks for building safety.
This framework helps assess whether individuals are qualified to perform their roles safely
and effectively.

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How do we assess and validate an individual’s competence?

Recommendation to use an online Competence Platform to support assessment and
validation. The process will include:

Self-Assessment: Individuals assess their own competence against role-specific
criteria.
Manager Validation: After completing the self-assessment, managers validate the
individual’s competence, identifying any training or action plans needed.
Development Planning: Agreed-upon actions are documented in the individual’s
action plan to support continuous professional development.

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How does a Competence Platform work?

A Competence Platform is a centralized tool to track and manage workforce competence.
Key features will include:

Role-Based Pathways: Structured development paths aligned with industry
standards.
SKEB Model Integration: A holistic approach that covers Skills, Knowledge,
Experience, and Behaviours.
Self-Assessment & Validation: Enables individuals to assess their competencies,
which are then reviewed and validated by managers.
Evidence Management: Secure storage of training records and certifications.
Action Planning: Creates actionable development plans and tracks progress.
LMS Integration: Links to relevant learning materials based on identified skills gaps.
Competence Gap Analysis: Provides insight into individual development needs.

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