Introduction 

The residential property management sector in the UK is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 and a broader shift toward greater accountability and transparency in building safety. At the heart of this transformation is the growing emphasis on both organisational capability and individual competence. Frameworks such as BSAS-01:2024, published by the Building Safety Alliance (BSA), and PAS 8673, developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), offer structured approaches to evidencing and ensuring competence across all roles involved in managing residential buildings.

Strengthening Building Safety Through Capability

The Building Safety Act 2022 established a more rigorous regulatory regime, especially for higher-risk residential buildings (HRRBs). Organisations are now expected to demonstrate that they possess the internal systems, processes, and safety culture required to manage building safety effectively. Likewise, individuals involved in the lifecycle of a building—from design and construction through to maintenance and management—must be demonstrably competent to perform their duties.

BSAS-01:2024 – Organisational Capability

BSAS-01:2024 provides a structured methodology for organisations to manage safety in a consistent and scalable way. It can be applied as a standalone standard or integrated with existing systems such as ISO frameworks or other British Standards (e.g., BS 8670 and PAS 8673).

Key features include:
- Leadership and Culture: Promotes leadership accountability and a safety-first mindset.
- Continuous Improvement: Encourages learning through feedback loops, incident reporting, and review.
- Scalability: Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Competence Assurance Systems: Supports structured approaches for ensuring and maintaining individual competence.

BS 8670-1:2024 – Defining Core Competence Criteria

BS 8670-1:2024 establishes the core competence criteria necessary for safe engagement with buildings of various types and complexities. It outlines essential skills, knowledge, behaviours, and experiences and underpins other sector-specific documents such as PAS 8673.

PAS 8673 – Individual Competence for Building Safety Management

While BSAS-01 addresses organisational capability, PAS 8673 focuses on the individual. It defines competence as a combination of:
- Skills: The ability to carry out tasks safely and effectively.
- Knowledge: Awareness of relevant legislation, systems, and safety practices.
- Experience: Proven ability to apply skills in practical contexts.
- Behaviours: Professional conduct that reinforces a safety culture.PAS 8673 introduces a tiered approach to competence, recognising that responsibilities vary by role.

Why Competence is Critical to Building Safety

Raising competence standards is not a procedural exercise; it is central to the delivery of safe, compliant buildings. Key reasons include:

- Reducing Risk: Insufficient competence has historically contributed to serious building safety issues. Ensuring all professionals are capable reduces risk.
- Enhancing Trust: Demonstrating capability fosters resident confidence and regulatory trust.
- Legal and Financial Protection: Non-compliance carries serious consequences.
- Professional Development: Competence frameworks support career development and upskilling.

Practical Steps for Implementation

Residential property managers can embed these standards by:
- Conducting gap analyses against PAS 8673 requirements.
- Providing continuous professional development and training.
- Utilising digital systems for tracking qualifications and assessments.
- Engaging with recognised accreditation bodies.

Looking Ahead and How We Can Help

The publication of frameworks such as BSAS-01 and PAS 8673 marks a turning point for the industry. By fostering competence at all levels, the property sector can better meet the challenges of modern building safety and fulfil its responsibility to residents, clients, and the broader public.

At RiskVigil, we can help you navigate these complex issues and build lasting confidence in your safety and compliance frameworks. Contact us today to learn how we can support your building safety journey.