Building a Safer Future (BSF), an initiative launched against the backdrop of the Grenfell tragedy to raise standards and promote culture change in the built environment, has named Vinci Building as a building safety ‘champion’.
Roofing and waterproofing contractor Langley UK and not-for-profit housing association Abri Group have also been awarded the status.
The winners are the third tranche of companies to have successfully completed BSF’s stage one of its building safety assessment scheme. They have all been awarded a Certificate of Commitment and Progress – Building Safety Stage One: Leadership and Culture.
Originally, 12 companies agreed to take part in the champions scheme. The others that have been awarded the champion status are Barratt Developments, Galliford Try, Hill Holdings, Martin Arnold, MHS Homes, Morgan Sindall, Orion Fire Engineering, Persimmon Homes and Salix Homes.
Culture change required
Dame Judith Hackitt and the Industry Safety Steering Group highlighted the BSF Charter as a key mechanism for leading the culture change required for industry in their August 2020 report.
BSF launched a pilot in 2021, the ‘champion assessment process’, giving companies information and advice on building safety culture, equipping them with the necessary resources to review and upgrade processes and regain public trust. Once completed, companies are awarded ‘champion’ status.
Non-executive chair of BSF, Steve Elliot, said: “We are delighted that Vinci Building, Langley and Abri have achieved the Stage 1 certificate and are reaping the rewards of BSF’s in-depth evaluation of their building safety leadership and culture.
“This independent assessment gives organisations invaluable insight into their policies and processes, enabling them to embark on a journey of continuous improvement. We would urge more companies to follow their excellent example and sign up for the Champions process.”
Companies that go on to successfully complete the second module, called Corroborating Elements, will be awarded the complete ‘Building a Safer Future Champion’ status.
