Grenfell Tower Inquiry Update - (Phase 2)
Introduction
The government has accepted all 58 recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report and commits to delivering them — 49 in full now, with the remaining 9 accepted “in principle” pending consultation. The response sets out a long‑term reform programme to rebuild trust in building and fire‑safety systems, putting residents at the centre of decisions and driving culture change across industry and government.
The Key Themes of The Update:
Construction Products — Whole‑System Reform
A consultation on the construction‑products regime proposes tighter testing, certification and market surveillance; clearer accountability for manufacturers and distributors; stronger sanctions for misleading claims; and far greater transparency so test evidence is accessible and reliable.
Clearer Standards & Scope
Government, working with the Building Safety Regulator, will keep the definition of higher‑risk buildings under review so the scope remains appropriate. Approved Document B will move to a continuous, evidence‑led update cycle to improve clarity, usability and alignment with lessons learned.
Competence & Professionalisation
Competence will be independently verified for safety‑critical roles. Fire risk assessors will be required to hold recognised, independently certified competence, with broader work under way to uplift expectations for building control, principal designers/contractors and fire engineers.
Fire & Rescue Capability and Transparency
Plans include a national fire and rescue college to modernise advanced training and professional development. The government also supports a statutory duty of candour for public authorities to ensure transparency during major incidents.
Accountability & Enforcement
To reduce fragmentation and secure a system‑wide view of risk, the government is exploring a single construction regulator. Debarment powers may be used where organisations compromise safety, limiting access to public contracts.
Residents, Delivery Plan, and What To Do Now:
Residents at the Centre
Government will strengthen residents’ rights, voice and redress. For disabled and vulnerable residents, Person‑Centred Fire Risk Assessments (PCFRAs) and Personal Emergency Evacuation Statements (PEES) will improve the quality and consistency of evacuation planning.
Reporting, Timelines & Legislation
Progress will be tracked through quarterly public reports and annual statements to Parliament. Further primary legislation is planned to: reform the construction‑products regime; stand up the single regulator; establish the College of Fire & Rescue; and uplift competency standards. The higher‑risk definition and ADB will remain under continuous review.
What This Means for Dutyholders
• Tighten product specification and supply‑chain due diligence; expect stronger surveillance and sanctions.
• Adopt ‘continuous update’ for design and asset strategies as guidance is refreshed.
• Put independently verified competence frameworks in place—especially for fire risk assessors and HRB roles.
• Strengthen resident engagement and evidence adjustments for vulnerable residents (PCFRAs/PEES).
• Prepare for integrated oversight under a single regulator; clarify internal assurance and escalation routes.
• Track quarterly/annual updates and consultation windows to stay aligned.
Bottom Line
The response signals a generational reset: tougher product rules, clearer standards, verified competence, unified oversight, and resident‑centred outcomes—backed by public reporting and phased legislation. Shift from compliance‑by‑event to continuous assurance to stay ahead.
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.
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