Where Are We Now? Key Insights from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report Webinar

On Thursday, 10th October 2024, Tetra Consulting hosted a timely and informative webinar led by Dr Shaun Lundy, our Quality Assurance and Strategy Director. The well-attended session, Where Are We Now? Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report focused on developments since the report was published on 4th September 2024. In this information-rich webinar, Shaun unpacked the far-reaching recommendations of the inquiry and what they mean for building owners, property managers, and industry professionals alike.

It’s clear that the Grenfell tragedy continues to cast a long shadow over the property sector. As we approach a new era of building safety, this webinar highlighted the urgent need to address both regulatory compliance and the moral imperative of safeguarding residents’ lives.

In the words of Shaun: "The Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Report is more than just a document—it's a wake-up call for an industry that has been too complacent for too long." Below are the key takeaways from the session, which are essential for anyone involved in managing, constructing, or maintaining buildings.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

Fire Safety & Health and Safety Apply to All Building Types

One of the strongest messages Shaun emphasised was that fire safety isn’t just about high-rise residential buildings. He remarked: "We often focus on higher-risk buildings, but fire safety and health and safety regulations apply to all types of properties—whether you're managing a 10-storey block or a commercial office space, these responsibilities don’t disappear."

This is a crucial point because it broadens the conversation about building safety to include every part of the property landscape. No building is exempt from these expectations.

Higher-Risk Buildings Face Stricter Accountability

The Building Safety Act brings more stringent requirements for higher-risk buildings, defined as those over 18 metres or with seven or more storeys. Shaun explained: "Building owners and managers will now have stricter obligations in terms of compliance, transparency, and resident engagement. This is no longer just best practice—this is the law."

Importantly, the Act holds "Accountable Persons" and "Principal Accountable Persons" responsible for ensuring that buildings are safe, with duties such as preparing Safety Case reports, establishing Resident Engagement Strategies, and managing safety risks.

The Broader Impact of the Grenfell Inquiry

Although the Grenfell Inquiry has a specific focus on high-rise residential buildings, the implications are far broader. As Shaun noted, "The changes recommended in this report are already having a ripple effect across all sectors—commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings alike. We’re seeing this with the push for greater competence and the higher expectations being placed on everyone, from developers to building managers."

The inquiry has set a precedent, and we can expect building regulations to continue evolving across all sectors as a result.

Competence is the Next Big Focus

Competency—or rather, the lack of it—has emerged as one of the major concerns in the Phase 2 Report. According to Shaun: "Low levels of competence across the board, especially within fire risk assessment and building design, have contributed to the tragedies we’ve seen. Going forward, organisations will need to demonstrate competence not just at the individual level but organisationally as well."

The introduction of mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors and fire engineers is a step in the right direction. These changes will create a more level playing field and ensure that only qualified professionals are handling these critical responsibilities.

Building Safety Regulator Powers Will Be Enforced

Over the next few years, we can expect the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to begin using its powers to enforce the new requirements laid out in the Building Safety Act. "The BSR will be taking a more active role in overseeing building safety compliance," Shaun warned. "Notices, compliance actions, and penalties are going to become a lot more common for those who fail to meet these new standards."

The Regulator is already sending out queries after the submission of building assessment certificates, and this feedback loop will ensure accountability and corrective action where necessary.

Refurbishment Projects and the Part 3 Requirements

Another crucial aspect covered in the webinar was the impact of the Building Safety Act on refurbishment projects. Even if a building is already occupied, refurbishment work must comply with the regulations under Part 3 of the Act. Shaun advised: "Before you start any significant work, particularly on high-risk buildings, you need to ensure you’re compliant with Gateway 2—the design and pre-construction safety review."

This means that all building managers and owners should get advice before embarking on refurbishment projects to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.

Costs and Competence: The Financial Impact of Compliance

The financial implications of these new requirements are not insignificant. Preparing a building safety case report, engaging with residents, and implementing a mandatory occurrence reporting system can come at a high cost. Shaun shared some estimates: "Even at a rudimentary level, these costs can exceed £14,000, and that's before you factor in the ongoing support and compliance costs."

However, as Shaun stressed, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance is not just a legal requirement but a moral one. It’s crucial that organisations budget for these expenses and communicate transparently with residents about the steps being taken to ensure their safety.

The Long Road to Prosecutions

Finally, for those seeking justice for the Grenfell tragedy, Shaun offered some sobering words: "Don’t expect to see any prosecutions in the short term. While the CPS and Metropolitan Police are considering charges against individuals and organisations, it will likely be six months or more before we see any significant action—and even then, the process could take years."

Although it is taking time, Shaun assured attendees that the legal process is progressing, and eventually there will be accountability for the decisions and actions that led to the Grenfell disaster.

Watch the Webinar and Get Your Copy of the Slides

This webinar offered deep insights into the Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations and the steps we must all take to ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act. If you were unable to attend the live session, we highly encourage you to watch the full recording to benefit from Dr Shaun Lundy’s expert analysis.

👉 Click here to watch the webinar on demand

A Call to Action for the Industry

The Grenfell Inquiry has delivered a powerful message that none of us can afford to ignore. We must raise the bar for building safety, whether by ensuring competent professionals are in place, budgeting for the necessary safety measures, or staying up to date with the latest regulations.

By taking these steps, we will not only comply with the law but also honour the memory of those lost in the Grenfell tragedy. We owe it to them and to every resident of the buildings we manage to ensure that safety always comes first.

Let’s keep this conversation going. What challenges are you facing as you work to meet these new regulations?

Tetra Consulting’s Leadership in Building Safety Compliance

At Tetra Consulting, we have been engaged with the Building Safety Act (BSA) for over two years, working closely with the Regulator and submitting hundreds of Building Safety Cases. We lead the market in responding proportionately to Regulatory requirements, ensuring that the information and work involved are tailored to meet each client’s needs. Uniquely, our experienced team of directly employed, fully qualified Tetra employees delivers expert guidance, and we offer ongoing support through our annual maintenance service, which includes unlimited revisions to ensure continued compliance.

About Tetra

At Tetra, we make buildings safer for people. Uniquely in our industry, we directly employ all our consultants, ensuring consistent training, quality, and service. This in-house expertise positions us as leaders in health and safety, fire safety, asbestos control, and legionella management. Our innovative approach includes PRISM, our cutting-edge property risk management software. We also offer a monthly programme of events and webinars, sharing our extensive industry insights. Recently, our commitment to quality and excellence was recognised with The Property Institute’s Ace Award for Health and Safety Partner of the Year.