About this course
The Principles of Building Safety Competence course is a comprehensive one-day programme designed to provide construction and built environment professionals with a clear understanding of competency requirements within the UK's evolving building safety framework.
Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 and recommendations arising from the Hackitt Review, competence has become a fundamental requirement for everyone involved in the design, construction, inspection, management and maintenance of buildings. Organisations and individuals must now demonstrate that they possess the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to undertake their roles safely and effectively.
This course explains the principles of competence across the construction industry and examines how competency influences decision-making, regulatory compliance, quality management and building safety throughout a building's lifecycle.
Delegates will explore the legal framework supporting competence, including the Building Safety Act 2022, the Building Regulations, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) and the competency expectations established by the Building Safety Regulator. The programme also introduces recognised competency frameworks developed by industry bodies and explains how organisations can demonstrate and maintain competence through structured training, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), professional registration and quality assurance systems.
The course examines the responsibilities of clients, designers, principal designers, principal contractors, contractors, building control professionals, inspectors and accountable persons, highlighting how competence supports safer project delivery and improved outcomes for building owners and occupants.
Delegates will also explore the practical aspects of competence, including effective communication, ethical decision-making, leadership, supervision, record keeping, risk management and collaborative working. The importance of maintaining accurate information, supporting the Golden Thread of Information and embedding a culture of continuous improvement is discussed throughout the programme.
Practical case studies and industry examples are used to demonstrate how competency failures have contributed to major building safety incidents and how improved governance, training and quality management can reduce risk and improve project performance.
By the end of the course, delegates will have a clear understanding of what competence means within the construction industry, how it can be demonstrated and maintained, and why it is essential for delivering safe, compliant and high-quality buildings.