Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence

Recommendation 9 of the Grenell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report:

• Where possible, membership of bodies advising on changes to the statutory guidance should include representatives of the academic community as well as those with practical experience of the industry (including fire engineers) chosen for their experience and skill and extend beyond those who served in the past.

The recommendation is that review of provisions under regulation be discussed and developed by a wide range of experienced individuals who understand the theory and practice of delivering safe buildings. In addition, that engagement and involvement of new parties over time will assist in developing discussions around changes in practice and innovation.

Working groups are convened by officials with advice from colleagues and key industry representatives based upon a description of the intended review (Terms of Reference). This includes representation from the academic and fire engineering communities.

We consider that we already adhere to the principle it sets out when considering the composition of working groups and review of building regulations.

Examples of potential areas for improvement may be: 

• we will continue to analyse current membership and identify any further opportunities to broaden the range of experience and skills group members bring to the process
• we will also consider how the review process itself can be communicated more effectively