BCA Chairman’s Introduction

First of all Happy New Year, we at the BCA are looking forward to a very busy 2012.

Since my last update it has been a busy few months. I am keen to share some of the subjects of discussion, BCA progress and successes that have been achieved during this time.

• We continue to work with Building Control Performance Standards and Advisory Group (BCPSAG) to assist in the development of updated Performance Indicators. There is now significant agreement on proposals within this workstream which is now correspondingly nearing completion
• The BCA have secured contributory funds from the CIOB, RICS, ABE, ACAI and LABC member bodies to continue our business into next year.
• We are in the process of developing and undertaking a Building Control staff survey. This is intended to include both the public and private Building Control sectors and will provide data to gain a picture of staffing issues, contribute to the defence of our industry, influence training and illustrate opportunities and direction within the industry.
• The BCA continue to have close a relationship with the DCLG, assisting where possible with the;

• “Red Tape Challenge”
• The “Green Deal”
• Review of Building Regulation
• Impact & understanding of “localism”
• On-going consultations

In the pursuit of a proactive approach to professional Building Control, the BCA have attended various events and discussions concerning Building Regulatory and other matters including;

• Compliance,
• Building Control Apprenticeships,
• A proposed Structural Engineers Registration Scheme
• Specific Technical issues and materials
• Welsh Building Control devolution
• Building Control opportunities in Scotland
• Attendance and presentation at conferences & summits
• Involvement in various technical Working Groups & studies
• Preliminary consultation regarding the codification of risks to fire fighters based on building construction types.

There have additionally been further cases that have successfully utilised the BCA Mediation Scheme for dispute resolution.

The next BCA meeting is scheduled for 25th January 2012.

Kenton May MSC, BSc(Hons.) FCIOB, MRICS.

BCA Chairman’s Introduction

Time seems to have flown since taking over as Chairman of the BCA in April this year, it has been a busy few months. Accordingly I am keen to share some of the subjects of discussion, BCA progress and successes that have been achieved during this time.

• Firstly we have reviewed our current BCA Terms of Reference.
• The BCA have secured contributory funds from the CIOB, RICS, ABE, ACAI and LABC member bodies to continue our business into next year.
• Representatives of the BCA have continued to advise BCPSAG of the urgent need to overhaul the current key performance indicators. At BCPSAG meetings, the BCA have tabled several documents with positive suggestions, endorsed by BCA member bodies, to push the debate forward. We support the monitoring, updating and review approach mentioned in the June 2006 Performance Standards publication. The BCA as a body continue to engage in this on-going process.
• The BCA have continued close relationships with the DCLG, at our last meeting on 13th July 2011, the Alliance was addressed by Bob Ledsome (Head of Building Regulations and Standards Division) who outlined progress with respect to the current DCLG workstreams for Approved Document L, Approved Document M and consideration of building security & Building Regulation as well as more general government initiatives such as “localism” and the “Red Tape Challenge.”

The BCA have attended various other events and discussions concerning Building Regulatory matters including;

• Compliance,
• Building Control Apprenticeships,
• A proposed Structural Engineers Registration Scheme
• Specific Technical issues and materials
• Welsh Building Control devolution
• Building Control opportunities in Scotland
• There have additionally been two cases that have successfully utilised the BCA Mediation Scheme for dispute resolution.

The next BCA meeting is scheduled for 12th October 2011.

Kenton May MSC, BSc(Hons.) FCIOB, MRICS.