BSA Briefings Feedback

Take a look at some of the unprompted, genuine feedback from our recent BSA Briefings.

Morgan Sindall – DfE Pear Tree Academy

Principal Designer Support

Iron Line, Cumbria

Principal Designer

Kier – Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds

Principal Designer Support

CJCT The Forum, Birmingham

Principal Designer Support

Morgan Sindall – DfE Dixons Academy Manchester

Principal Designer Support

Black Cat, Manchester residential tower reclad

Principal Designer Support

Laing O’Rourke, Oxford North Phase

Principal Designer Support

Laing O’Rourke, Pinewood Studios

Vision Tower, Manchester

Principal Designer and CDM Advisor Support

Moda Milton St, Sheffield

CDM Advisor and Building Safety Act Support

Hive Homes

Principal Designer and CDM Advisor Support

Muse Developments

Strategic and Building Safety Act Support

Scaffold Management

Retained

Layer Studios

Retained

AEW

Retained

JD Engineering

Retained

Sustainable Building Services

Retained

Roof Management

Retained

Contract Services

Retained

Red systems

Retained

Industry Must Act Now to Comply with Building Safety Laws

The Building Safety Act 2022 received Royal Assent in April, and its myriad legislative changes are due to come into force over the next 12 months with implications for developers, contractors, landowners, and others, writes Alan Robson, managing director of Project Four Safety.

Collectively, the team at Project Four Safety has been reading hundreds, if not thousands, of consultation documents, press releases, and associated documents on the incoming new laws. So, without giving you War and Peace (first published in 1867 with 1,225 pages), this series of three articles will aim to provide a brief but effective update on the way the act is impacting the property industry.

The Building Safety Act 2022 is the government’s main response to the Grenfell tragedy of 2017 and came about from recommendations made in the high-profile Hackett Report led by Dame Judith Hackett, a past chair of the Health and Safety Executive.

The act, which received Royal Assent in April, will run alongside the Fire Safety Act (FSA), which received Royal Assent in 2021. Both pieces of legislation are aimed at bringing about fundamental change to the building safety system in England, and the duty holders mirror those under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations of 2015 – namely, designers, principal designers, principal contractors, and their clients.

Listen to Project Four Safety and Place North West‘s podcast on the Building Safety Bill 

The biggest myth-buster of this article – and to address a key source of confusion among industry professionals – is that the Building Safety Act 2022 will impact all stages of construction and those parties involved. Yes, the short-term priority is high-rise, high-risk residential buildings given the dangers highlighted by the Grenfell fire. But, post-2024, the act looks to tackle the wider construction sectors through subordinate legislation.

The key changes and focal points for the industry to start considering are:

• that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will coordinate and enforce the act, with a specific objective of ensuring the safety of people in and around buildings and to improve building standards
• the Health and Safety Executive becomes a statutory consultee for planning applications
• the BSR will become the building control authority for high-rise buildings
• that early engagement with the BSR is encouraged

Practical changes this brings about are broken down in the act in the form of three gateways introducing requirements at key stages in design and construction – planning; before building work starts, and after construction has completed. The key requirements to note are:

• a fire statement is to be submitted as part of the planning process – this is a new requirement as of August 2021 when that and other Gateway 1 requirements took effect
• at pre-construction stage, a clear focus is now placed on design change control, competence, and compliance with building regulations
• prior to occupation of the completed building, a suite of information is now required to receive construction sign-off and handover

We’re aiming to work with clients to proactively demonstrate compliance for each gateway, with the intention of avoiding queries from the BSR later.

What is more, the Building Safety Act’s subordinate legislation will land throughout 2023 and 2024, relating to the fields of competence, procurement and the ‘golden thread’ (what and how information about a building is kept, to enable parties to understand a building and keep it safe).

All of this makes for a busy couple of years ahead and I’ll be exploring this further in the next two articles to be published. How project teams can prepare now is to ensure that they are satisfying their obligations under the 2015 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations – especially, SKET, DRM strategy, HSF information, and capturing and evidencing significant design changes – and by making sure robust processes are in place to keep track of these obligations.

Two important tools that will help to drive further changes are the Building Safer Future Charter and the Code for Construction Products, both of which are worth reading.

Although the industry has a period of transition ahead – and we’re all busy! I can’t stress enough the need to take action to start the journey of becoming fully compliant with the new laws.

Building Safety Act: What You Need to Know About the Coming Changes

With so much change happening across the industry, here is how we are helping clients and the wider industry focus on key priorities without getting overwhelmed, writes Max Meadows of Project Four Safety.

Last year was filled with consultations, new legislation, and guidance changes – and 2023 is shaping up to be just as busy.

As tempting as it may be, there’s no need to bury your head in the sand. At Project Four Safety, we’ve spent months analysing the act and all the changing guidance. We’re ready to distil that vital information to you.

We’ll start with a summary of the key dates for this year that you need to have marked on your calendar. Then, we’ll discuss what you need to be doing right now to prepare for this next stage in the building safety reform process.

Dates you need to know

April

• Registration for existing occupied high-rise residential buildings opens.

October

• Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 are introduced. Gateway 2 is the construction control plan and fire and emergency file. Gateway 3 is the mandated completion certificate.
• Registration deadline arrives for existing occupied buildings – all new buildings will have to be registered before being occupied from here on out.
• The building inspector and building control approver registers open.
• The Building Safety Regulator becomes the new building control authority for high-rise residential buildings.
• Developers must apply to BSR for building control approval before beginning work on any high-rise residential building. Note that this new rule is effective starting on 1 October.

What you should be doing now

A great starting point for the road to change is ensuring that you are compliant with Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015. CDM 2015 maps out how to improve health and safety within the built environment.

Every duty holder for a project – whether you’re a client, designer, principal designer, or principal contractor – needs to be satisfying the duties called for under CDM 2015.

This is not just our opinion at Project Four – getting on board with CDM 2015 is also the suggestion of Dame Judith Hackett, who led the government’s Building Safety Future Report.

So what does this mean in practical terms?

• Appoint duty holders as early as possible – provided you are able to do due diligence to ensure those you recruit can reflect what the legislation calls for. Often we see appointments that have a mishmash of various duty holders – such as having duties of the principal designer (that’s regulation 11) and the client (that’s regulation four).
• Ensure those appointed are able to do their task safely and competently. CDM 2015 focused on skills, knowledge, experience, and training. The Building Safety Act 2022 shifts that focus to skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviour.
• Start your design risk management and health and safety file from the first day. Agree the format for this early on. In those files, be sure you are capturing key discussions, solutions, and challenges. Include the outputs from your project directors. If you capture information from each stage of the development process, you can pass this along when the project is handed over. If your building is higher risk, than the operator will need to share this information to the BSR so it is key that there are no gaps.
• Educate and upskill your project teams about building safety changes. It is hugely concerning that not enough duty holders and organisations are planning or preparing for the next phase of this legislation. There is a lot to do!
• Engage with the building control body appointed to ensure that the agreed design, construction method, and any design changes comply with building regulations. This has always been key under CDM 2015 – but its importance was emphasised with the Hackett Report and BSA.
• Engage with the building operator and their accountable person as soon as possible. Discuss regularly with the operator about how to safely manage residual risks, including fire safety. Customise your handover information – as an industry we really need to move away from just handing over a generic hardcopy handover pack without a briefing.

We get it. There’s a lot of information to digest. We’re hosting a series of open sessions to help brief the industry on these changes and we’ll be publishing more stories here on Place North West to keep you updated. You can expect a future edition that delves into the details around Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 – as well as competence requirements.

There is No Time to Waste on Building Safety Act Compliance

The time for talking is over, now is the time to act to get your business in compliance with the new regulations, writes Alan Robson, managing director of Project Four Safety.

The Building Safety Act is here, it has Royal Assent, and enforcement is on the horizon. This month sees the official launch of the Building Safety Regulator and the requirement to register occupied high-risk buildings.

At the same time, we are hurtling at pace towards the introduction of Gateway 2 and Gateway 3, which will be crucial steps that must be done in order to achieve compliance for your project. They follow the introduction of Gateway 1 in August 2021.

As you can see, there really is not any time to waste.

That was the sentiment echoed by Dame Judith Hackitt, author of the independent review of building regulations for the government, when we saw her at the second Culture Change in Construction conference in March.

Her keynote speech posed an important question for the industry: are you with the leaders or the laggers? In essence, will you be at the forefront of making the industry safer or will you resist change as long as possible knowing that you will have to embrace it eventually?

And we all will have to embrace it. Excuses around waiting for subordinate legislation will not act as any defence for why you chose not to move forward with the newest building safety regulations.

We are concerned – and so is Hackitt – that the penny has not yet dropped within the industry. Too often people ask if us BSA is ever going to happen (yes, it will) and tell us that it does not impact them because they do not do high-rise residential (yes, it does).

It seems to me that many industry stakeholders have failed to truly consider the Building Safer Future report produced by Hackett in May 2018. Obvious delays in enacting the report’s findings (we’re looking at you Covid-19, general election, and Brexit), plus the legislation’s complex nature have led many to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to the fact that come October the Building Safety Regulator will be enforcing these new rules.

At this rate, many individuals and organisation alike will be in breach of significant chunks of legislation.

Project Four has been planning for the release of this legislation for more than two years. We have been growing our team strategically so that it now includes a host of specialist construction professionals who know the new rules inside/out. This includes architects, surveyors, fire specialists, and executive-level safety professionals.

We want to ensure that no matter your field, you understand what BSA means for you and what you need to do to be compliant.

One of the focal points (and a good take away from your efforts for reading this blog) is competence. But this will not be compliance as we know (or think we know) based on the industry response to CDM 2015.

I often use the term in our briefing sessions: “Think of the BSA like CDM, but on steroids”.

That means achieving competence is going to need serious thought. Competence will need to better planned, structured, considered, and maintained.

• LISTEN: Project Four Safety summarize the key points of the Building Safety Act 

Competence is an ongoing process that should not, like many things in safety, be viewed as a box ticking exercise. Legislation is helping drive this point home, mandating that there be evidence of continuing professional development.

Developing a building’s safety case should also be on your company’s to-do list. The safety case is significant as it brings greater and clearer responsibility on individuals to ensure that a building is safe and continues to be so.

A safety case reminds us all that people are at the heart of building safety. Unsure of what this looks like? Don’t worry, we’ll have more on that in another column later this year.

In the meantime, it is clear that there is a lot of work to be done. Change is happening. We, as an industry, need to embrace it and start now on preparing what will be required. It is clear that the government is not slowing down in its efforts to ensure Grenfell never happens again. We need to do the same.

Meet the Authorities: Public-Private-Partnerships

Very short + to the point update. This will be my last blog pre-summer break, and a great way to go into the summer recess (though there are events throughout). Another cracking in-person event, this week in Manchester at the fabulous The Lowry Hotel - in (yes, really) the Manchester sunshine! These face to faces are great, not just for business but our mental health - to socialise, meet new people, see friends, eat bacon butties. Apologies for focusing on the Wirral/Birkenhead parts - I am unashamedly, utterly and completely pro-Birkenhead (that's where I live) - so particularly interested in Alan Evans updates.

The first speaker set the scene well for the morning's debate, discussion + other panel speakers. Emma Birkett, heritage director, Rochdale Development Agency. Conservation + regeneration themed, heritage led regeneration (great to see this isn't an issue specific to only Liverpool). Blessed with historic buildings, Oldham has successfully repurposed its town centre with heritage led regeneration. When demolition is simply not an option. Mixed results, it has worked but need to use data and learn (and share). Heritage assets often seen as a barrier to development, other highlights raised: demand review of planning laws, earlier engagement with experts + those with the right knowledge + experience. Example used of projects that simply wouldn't be do-able (or of interest) to private sector developers in isolation, needs a PPP partnership. Funding is key, along with the business case - weakest area of regeneration and conservation (especially for PPP). Bespoke social value strategy, not national generic approach.

Panel ONE, with Emma Birkett: Phil Mayall, board director, Muse Developments. Kevin Riley, director, WSP. Barry Roberts, managing director – North West, Morgan Sindall Construction. Roger Frith, head of strategic regeneration & development, Oldham Council.

Phil Mayall: Conservation can add value its not a case of either or. Time, policy, desire needed - history adds value and must be acknowledged, considered + embraced. Community pride is also an important factor. Need brave LA's. Town centres: Specific purpose and relevance to area - look inwards first before looking out. Not simply saying we want the same as Rochdale or the same as Manchester. This will lead to failure, as is evident with town centres right now. Focus on self/specific area not others. PPP is incredibly complex to achieve, so many factors why: technical, cost, social, uses, multiple sectors, multiple stakeholders to satisfy.

It was great to hear Barry Roberts discuss projects across the region, and even better that they were projects Project Four are involved with - Knowledge Quarter (Liverpool) and Hammerstone Road (Manchester).

Mark McNamee Cityheart: a new arrival to regeneration business. Successful developer for Wigan's, The Galleries (CGI below). Public sector authorities look at companies not people (we echo and support that). Mark highlighted the obscure requirements/criteria, often sought after by public sector bodies - that mean the LA's don't always end up with the best fit / right developer. What is needed: an intelligent timeline, a Borough wide skills strategy, linked up thinking, not just centre. The Galleries - asset seen as a barrier to growth, diverse requirements, REPURPOSING (term used many times through the session today). Get people back into Wigan (opening up the place). Towns are the new cities? Leisure will drive this scheme. Lots of F+B a mix of local and national partners. Contributing factors for a successful PPP: Council champion, council drivers, political buy in, team ethos, understanding public sector.

Panel TWO, with Mark McNamee: Richard Laming, senior director, Turley. Darren Jones, development director, Nikal. Alan Evans, director of regeneration & place, Wirral Council.

Alan Evans: Experience is critical. Ingredients for PPP: framework, give developers confidence, design code, strategic plan, will drive quality. Two significant developments (1) Wirral Growth /Town Centre (and several other sites on Wirral) + (2) Peel, both very different. Birkenhead Town Centre has been in decline for 20-30 years, footprint too big, weak planning framework, infrastructure needed / council works needed to achieve desired outcomes, procurement is painful for both sides. Peel's Wirral Waters - the LA has less control but been in making for a long time - co-produced council + Peel with other partners, such as LJMU, Mersey Maritime to create educational and skills drive, but a very different model to town centre. Time and expensive procurement as highlighted by other sneakers. See more: https://wirralgrowthcompany.co.uk

Competitive dialogue / procurement process (Mark) could spend 500k to 1million and not be successful. Room for improvement, procurement. Scoring. Pagabo framework (https://www.pagabo.co.uk/) is being looked more favourably because of this, we would say speak to our friends at Procure North West, Robbie Blackhurst.

Refreshing to hear Alan acknowledge the failure of Wirral in recent years to act as an extension to Liverpool, something that has always aggrieved me.

Based on the recent events attended by me personally and my co-Director Max Meadows - we have concluded, and this won't come as a surprise, that Planning and Procurement are the biggest restrictors to development right now, shortly followed by the 'supply + demand' for materials.

Enjoy the Summer and England's Euro Campaign.

Cheshire Development Update (Place North West)

So, my second face-to-face event of the week. And despite the dreary weather when arriving into the fine City of Chester at 7.30AM, the vibe in the room was ace. I even enjoyed the 'event-coffee' which was as awful as it ever was, please don't be offended (I've missed it).

Understandably, there was some people I spoke to whose offices hadn't even reopened (don't start me on that) and were slightly apprehensive - which despite my 'let's get back to it' attitude, we do need to have empathy. However, hats-off to Place North West on the pre-attendance briefings/advice, investment in staff training, event space layout and setup, this would reassure the most anxious of people...very well done.

After the welcome from Place North West Principal Paul Unger, we had a really informative presentation from Peter Carstensen (Chair, Chester Growth Partnership). Peter highlighted three key projects as part of the ten year 'One City Plan' (1) Northgate (2) City Gateway and (3) City Place.

The 'One City Plan' was set about ten years ago as a 'framework' to encourage how space/place is utilised with multiple private land owners, to make better use of space (as oppose to a quick win for private owners) and promote collaborative working. He used Chester Racecourse as a great example of PPP. Peter was crystal clear on setting the record straight (on several occasions) that the Chester Northgate 'IS NOT ANOTHER SHOPPING CENTRE'.

I really liked hearing from Max Walker-Williams (Founder, Walker & Williams): residential operator (but not as we know it), paired with hotel services (5 star) - luxury offering. Apart-Hotel focused operator/developer with second site in for planning, including cottages with hot tub. Planning is the biggest barrier. Definitely an option for the Robson family staycation.

Fascinating fact (that I didn't appreciate beforehand) from Katrina Kerr (Chair, Chester BID): 8 Michelin Star entries (!), very buoyant F&B with unique offering, success on smaller units within retail, led by entrepreneurs + SME's. Universities driving students into the city through a change in teaching locations + style of delivery, obviously applauded by Chester BID. Arts Centre (Storyhouse www.storyhouse.com/) best outside London, who knew?

Top speaker for me was James Nicholson (MD, Harlex Property): planning is a problem everywhere not an issue bespoke to Chester. Interesting point made on investing in the planning system! Time is money!

Coffee break is always welcome...I bumped into two industry contacts whom I've known for many years, trusted contacts. One mentioned an opportunity that we/Project Four could get involved with (Ace - smiley face) and the other highlighted some really useful information about the Fire Safety Bill (which I will take away and share with the team) - which you would NOT get from Teams or Zoom.

Heather Standidge (Associate, Development + Strategic Advisory, Cushman & Wakefield): lots happening across Cheshire Towns, pandemic has worked well for changing patterns in favour of towns. Vitality plans for smaller town centres - more funding than ever for town centres.

Sandy Livingston (Executive Director of Property, Onward Homes) spoke passionately about their business (Being a Jock in the room he wasn't keen on talking football) with a positive outlook for Onward moving forward. He touched on the challenges of merging five housing associations and the local agenda. Other key highlights: funding planning offices better, resources desperately needed. The Pandemic has seen increased in opportunities for Onward, this could be down to how Onward operate, deliver and not as market sensitive as others. Connectivity critical to sites and success.

Rethinking where we work + live...interesting angle and the points made by Simon Kennish (Property Director, Bolesworth Estate): Echoed Heather's comments- surge in rural interest for resi and commercial (on smaller scales 1,2,3 desks), larger offices being offloaded. Changing events to reflect restrictions, noting the Balloon festival in August! Power supply and internet is a huge restriction, and Bolesworth are investing in this to ensure infrastructure in place (issues across all rural areas). If the commute doesn't tip employers out of cities, it will shift employee patterns - staff will dictate a shift. Convinced - if it's made harder to get into the cities, rural areas will benefit and employers will struggle, causing recruitment issues - hybrid offer needed. Look out for the Place North West Tour of the Bolesworth Estate.

Last but by no means least Ben Thornley (Chartered Town Planner, Cassidy & Ashton): Landlords looking to enhance their existing portfolio, decline in retail, larger units being broken up and/or turning into residential. Manufacturing and industrial requirements for clients is off the scale. Changes in working and living patterns - need for wider education for councils on this shift. Viability issues surrounding the building of homes to a zero carbon / carbon reduction spec - aim for above minimum but simply not feasible in most cases. Desirable YES, feasible NO.

Bit longer than usual, but there was so much to take in and capture - next event in Manchester 1st July 'Meet the Authorities'.

Have a boss weekend!

Back in the Room With the Liverpool Property Club

Today saw the return of the Liverpool Property Club and not on bloody Zoom. Face to face felt good, a sunshine-filled morning in Liverpool (and a big boat as a back drop). Great to see so many familiar faces and some new ones too, and to hear from Tony Reeves, Stephen Cowperthwaite + Colin Sinclair. This is my very brief summary on the key points discussed.

Colin Sinclair kicked off proceedings at the Liverpool Malmaison + discussed the change in office dynamics, productivity levels, mentioning that he feels (and I agree) that the timescales for people returning to offices/cities highlighted in the Centre of City Report will be greatly improved; we are already seeing the Liverpool City Region bucking the trend, and getting back to it. Colin also touched on the issues surrounding career development + opportunities being greatly improved with offices returning. Colin was also keen to highlight the need for quality workspaces, that offer more than a desk, providing better experiences for staff.

Colin's final point of interest, was that we/the Liverpool City Region (like others regions) have a real shortage of labs, and the need for quality developments/place making to connect these workspaces with the public - using the recently completed Spine and forthcoming Hemisphere as perfect examples.

Next up was Tony Reeves of Liverpool City Council, the man tasked with leading Liverpool back to credibility and trust, something I am confident he will do. There is going to be 'some hard yards' as LLC must get it right now. Liverpool has stuck its/their head above the parapet, a dynamic + pioneering approach has meant we are the most progressive city in the western world - this helped with securing the mass pilot testing. Liverpool is fighting back.

Tony sympathised with the room of property + development professionals, and understands the frustrations - but transactions will be slower for now, no room for failure if we are to push forward. Commissioner's involvement not great, but so much better than a full take over. He highlighted that the Liverpool City Region appeal to funders, investors + developers is evident, and bigger hitters like L&G are interested.

UNESCO World Heritage bureaucratic nonsense can 'do one'. UNESCO wanted all planning decisions for the whole City Region stopped/paused.

Last up, but by no means least, Stephen Cowperthwaite of Avison Young + who heads up the MIPIM Partnership for Liverpool. Avison Young commissioned report proves that the so called 'death of cities' is bull. The MIPIM offering has evolved and is not just about five days in Cannes (that's just the good bit), but about a year round programme of events + support for the private + public sector partnership. As part of this evolution, the MIPIM Partnership will be rebranded 'Liverpool Place Partnership'. Stephen used the three P's to describe how Liverpool strategically tackle the fight back + at MIPIM...PROMOTION, PLACE, PARTNERSHIP.

The one re-occurring message mentioned by all speakers, was the need for QUALITY developments and a real focus on placemaking, connectivity + sustainability.

So - a tough couple of months ahead for LCC, but doing things right and ensuring trust + credibility is restored. Much to be positive about and shout out about, onward + upwards! Look out for the next Liverpool Property Club social event in July - date TBC shortly by Downtown.

Oh Manchester…! New home for Project Four

It was on, then it was off...a bit like the last 12 months, in all parts of society. But now is the time to make the move, and we are delighted after viewing many spaces to announce our new home in Manchester - will be Blackfriars House, just off Deansgate.

Although this feels like a big step and a new era beckons, as a business Project Four have had a presence in Manchester from day one of setting up (01/03/2017), and for many years before that. Working with clients strategically on a retained basis and on some key projects, quietly delivering away under the radar.

Professionally, both Directors have worked in Manchester for many years working on some great projects, such as Manchester Airport Group with Laing O'Rourke, Major Redevelopment of City Tower with Bruntwood, No.2 St. Peters Square with Mosley Street Ventures and Proton Beam Therapy Unit with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

More recently we are working on projects with One Heritage, Glenbrook, Sheppard Robson, Robertson, Fletcher Rae Architects, Cert Properties, JDA Architects, Commercial Estates Group (CEG), Wates Construction, Buttress Architects, Shedkm Architecture, Studio Egret West, U+I, Ultimate, and Peel Land + Property to name a few.

To compliment our head quarters on Liverpool Waterfront, at Avenue HQ (AHQ) Mann Island we have seen first hand the benefits of co-working and working with our landlord to support the growth of the business over the last four years. Initially, taking 'hot desk space' at AHQ evolving through fixed desks, small office and three moves later (within the same building) we have 12 person office (and looking at the next move later this year). There are many positives that come with this setup - social events, breakout spaces (couches, arm chairs), meeting rooms, boardroom, parking, city centre vibes to name a few.

Project Four also have office and meeting space at East Parade in Leeds City Centre to support our Yorkshire client base. Taking this strategy to Birmingham and London later this year, following clients and projects. Ultimately we don't need huge office space, but a space to meet the team, socialise and open up to clients for 1-2-1 meetings, hosting design team meetings and (when restrictions lift) hosting networking and CPD/training events for clients and the construction industry.

To support our arrival at Blackfriars we have also been busy on the recruitment front + are very excited to make those announcements very soon also.

Heather Gray of Bruntwood Works "We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Project Four Safety to Blackfriars House, and that they've chosen our Pioneer site for their Manchester HQ. They have shown incredible growth aspirations over the past year, and we think they'll fit right into our community of inspirational, community led organisations." Heather was extremely helpful and instrumental during the viewing/selection process for our new Manchester based.

We really are excited about this new phase of our business and look forward to being able to invite our nearest and dearest to a face-to-face office launch, when we are able. As always...onward + upwards.

Eleven Tips for Project CDM in 2021

During our final team meeting of 2020 we decided to pull together our 11 top tips, and put into simple terms - so here they are:

1. DEVELOP THE CLIENT BRIEFING. 

Very rarely done effectively (from a CDM perspective) + is a missed opportunity to set the tone of the project, in relation to CDM compliance + engagement.

2. EARLY APPOINTMENT (OR AT LEAST ENGAGEMENT/CONULTATION). 

The appointment of CDM advisors or PD/PD support at the earliest opportunity – we can add greater value + be better positions amongst the team. We can always undertake an initial desktop appraisal to offer initial consultation for the project – offering at least minimum compliance from the onset

3. GET APPOINTMENTS NAILED DOWN PROPERLY.

It is important that appointments + scopes are correct and agreed. To often we see a mish mash of client + principal designer duties. We promote + encourage the APS Form of Appointment, the industry benchmark.

4. ENSURE DUTYHOLDERS UNDERSTAND/APPRECIATE THEIR OBLIGATIONS. 

At P4 upon appointment we ensure that we deliver a strategic project briefing to ensure that all key stakeholders are fully briefed, understand their obligations + what the client expects.

5. REGARDLESS OF ROLE – AGREE THE DESIGN RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FROM DAY ONE. 

• One global hazard + risk register (set a tab up for each discipline) – reduce paper work.
• Notes / symbols on drawings
• ACM Strategy
• Report on compliance

6. DON’T IGNORE THOSE MUNDANE – PAIN IN THE BACKSIDE STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS. 

• SKET Assessments (formerly referred to as competence assessments) – have you done these? We can provide templates if needed.
• Pre-construction information – eliminate + reduce generic guff – project specific information, don’t duplicate + ensure shared amongst the team for feedback (gap analysis).

7. FOR GODS SAKE – ENSURE CDM + PD IS ON THE MEETINGS AGENDA. 

Too often do we attend meetings – and CDM isn’t on the meeting or is stuck right at the bottom.

8. DON’T KEEP DOING THE SAME THING + EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS. 

• The changes to CDM IN 2015 were a significant shift + fundamental change to the structure of the regulations – don’t keep applying the same approach as 1994 + 2007. Embrace the change.
• We hear / see many different attitudes towards CDM obligation (statutory obligations – not an optional extra) – change within the industry is needed.

9. REDUCE UNNECESSARY MEETINGS. 

We accept meetings are an essential part of project delivery, particularly at pre-construction for creating collaborative working, design development...but meetings alone do not dictate CDM compliance.

At P4 we will discuss + agree (set expectations) meetings attendance from day one – requesting a slot within the meeting once initial setup satisfied.

10. BE READY - SHIFT IN HSE FOCUS + ENFORCEMENT/INTERVENTION. 

We are seeing a real shift in the focus of the Health + Safety Executive in that we are now seeing other duty holders, other than the PC being targeted. This is a positive for the industry but compliance levels need to improve across PD’s and clients.

11. ENGAGE + VALUE PROJECT APPOINTMENTS. 

CDM is not just box ticking + paperwork, though our profession has a bad reputation – CDM applied properly can offer real project value from pre-construction through until + beyond operation/occupation.

Return of The Property Club

Last week saw the return of Liverpool Property Club, but not as we know it. So, I'd best start at the beginning, which was circa 2009. Myself, at the time MD of Innov8 Safety Solutions, Oliver Crook (now Delucia-Crook, Curtin's Consulting) then of Todd + Ledson, Susan Patterson (Morgan Sindall) then of Sutcliffe + Paul Buttery (Carefoot) then of Nobles Construction had talked (a lot) about pulling an informal but selective property focused social event together for Liverpool, and the City Region. An event that was less about sales + more about building existing + new relationships. The four of us were out attending various networking, CPD + other professional/business events + meeting other businesses right across the UK on a daily/weekly basis, and we felt Liverpool lagged behind other cities when it came to construction specific events - as many of us were fed up of networking with web designers + cake makers (no offence to either professions/sector, by the way - I like cake).

Now here's the big news, the LPC event wasn't anything ground breaking...a venue, organisers/sponsors (to pay for drinks + advertise the event), guest list + agree a date. And if I am being honest the event format was taken from our chums up the M62 in Manchester, who use to have a similar event called COPS (and I cant actually remember what it stood for, if anyone cares to enlighten us?).

LPC soon gathered positive momentum, with the sponsors hosting circa 3-4 events per year + the feedback was really positive, the attendees from all walks of construction: public, private, clients, developers, designers, construction professionals, contractors. The events continued to grow + even attracted many of our Manchester, Leeds + London colleagues. With the majority of events averaging 100+ invite only guests, running until about 2016/17 the sponsors/contributors proved there was an appetite + desire for this style of event. One of the sponsors changed, and this lead to the introduction of our friends at Ellis Williams Architects joining the LPC sponsors.

If I was to criticise the LPC or more so, learn from the experience (and improve/change), was that events became far too big + the success of an event was judged by how many attended, we relaxed the guest list/invites resulting in the attendees being diluted into other sectors. I am happy to plead guilty to that, after plastering the events over social media, again, another learning curve. As we look to develop LPC + recreate the early successes, the primary objective is to ensure the events are strategically planned, invite only, informal + with fewer invites being sent out, we'd rather have a room of 15-20 people whom we can help + work with, over a room with up to 150 with no real structure or prospect of having any meaningful discussions. LPC is aimed at strategically focused events, anyone giving up their valuable time to attend - will see great value, build relationships over many years, share intelligence + enjoy the time taken to network in a nice informal environment - quite the opposite of those loons who attend BNI.

The event moved around various different bars, restaurant's + hotels, most notably The Racquets Club on White Chapel and Bean Coffee + Cocktails on St. Pauls Square both looked after LPC for several years, both venues still operating (or will be next week).

After joining forces with Downtown in 2019 + seeing that LPC had not been organised or promoted for several years, and now in position as Managing Director of Project Four, we thought it was time to have another go with Downtown in Business. Regardless of who sponsors (it really isn't that important) the event is very much focused on the points above. We are also exploring some other formats for 2021 breakfasts, lunches, round tables.

After face to face events being cancelled in March (which had keynote speaker Sir Howard agreed to join the relaunch of LPC) + again cancelled this month, so last week we took things online with organisers Downtown hosting a roundtable (virtual of course) discussion with circa 30 construction + property professionals, from all walks of the sector.

We had some of Liverpool's finest construction sector folk on the call + you can listen to the discussions here: https://downtowninbusiness.com/downtown-den-124-liverpool-property-club/

You can also watch/listen to the event we did May: https://downtowninbusiness.com/downtown-den-076-liverpool-property-club/

The diverse mix of construction professionals further highlights the purpose behind LPC - to share intelligence, ideas + promote a positive construction outlook (even during these darkest of days).

After a very difficult year for all, The Property Club used the platform to promote all that is positive, focus towards a brighter + (hopefully) a NORMAL 2021. Anyway, thank you for reading my ramblings about The Property Club, we are excited for developing our work with Downtown in 2021. If you are interested in talking to the team at Downtown, contact clare.odoherty@downtowninbusiness.com

Alan Robson alan@projectfoursafety.com or 07786447777

Is it Ageism or Just a Lack of Confidence in Our Young Professionals?

Most research on age discrimination covers bias against older people in the workforce. Ageism isn’t all one way…! Age discrimination at any age reduces our wellbeing and commitment to our work.

I was motivated to write this blog following an ‘incident’ (nothing major at face value, but a deep routed problem within our industry) that occurred recently with one of our junior safety advisors. As the managing director of a business that has a relatively young team, myself only 39 and my co-Director being 29 – I ask the question ‘do we have an ageism issue towards younger professionals within construction, that restricts potential opportunities for development?’ And what can we do to ensure young professionals are nurtured in an environment that allows them to develop, build confidence and gain experience. We often talk of a skills gap and the need to attract new talent to our industry, yet are we really able to embrace, promote + engage with new / younger professionals. This coupled with a longer term strategy for addressing any kind of age discrimination (no matter how minor it appears).

The incident…something of nothing?

So the incident, which actually wasn’t knowingly meant as blatant or disrespectful, but I felt could have been handled better and more so highlights a lack of awareness (much more tact required). As a business that promotes enterprise and sees real value in apprenticeship style recruitment and providing unique career opportunities for the right candidate, we must promote our junior members of the team, so that they have confidence to grow and develop. The incident itself was in relation to an email sent to me, but also copying in our junior member stating ‘that they/he/their business would prefer a call with me, due to greater experience and knowledge’. Am I over reacting? (possibly), but I do feel this could have been dealt with in a much more positive way – a way that would give junior professionals greater confidence. I was very quick to point out to our trusted client, that my colleague in question (despite his age, 20 years young) does have experience and the skills to deal with the issue/query in question. And I completely understand the concerns our client had, but this was based purely on his age.

Age… is it an issue?

I started my working life out at Cammell Lairds Shipbuilders + Repairers, as an electrical apprentice 1997-2001 – where the average age of the workforce was 65-70. The skills gap and lack of apprenticeships the result of Thatcher’s Conservative Government cuts, with unemployment at a peak level and apprenticeships axed. And I do feel this process enabled me to learn the basics (like making tea, getting up in the morning) over a four year period – during which time we built confidence, credibility and independence. Though ageism (border line bullying) was the order of the day back then, and being young meant plenty of verbal abuse, the bad jobs and running round after the tradesmen.

I do believe the issues also relates to ‘what am I paying for’ matter, were clients/project stakeholders assume being young relates to less knowledge, skills, experience… COMPETENCE even. We will work towards changing clients + industry stakeholders’ take/view on this, but I believe we can take immediate action to support our young professionals?

Last up, but by no means least, Stephen Cowperthwaite of Avison Young + who heads up the MIPIM Partnership for Liverpool. Avison Young commissioned report proves that the so called 'death of cities' is bull. The MIPIM offering has evolved and is not just about five days in Cannes (that's just the good bit), but about a year round programme of events + support for the private + public sector partnership. As part of this evolution, the MIPIM Partnership will be rebranded 'Liverpool Place Partnership'. Stephen used the three P's to describe how Liverpool strategically tackle the fight back + at MIPIM...PROMOTION, PLACE, PARTNERSHIP.

Call to action

I call upon our nearest and dearest, professionals (of all ages) to engaged with younger professionals, support them, trust in them and help build their confidence – this will attract talent to the construction industry. As a business we have and will ensure:

1. Director involvement in all projects offering guidance, support and confidence to both client and our young professionals
2. Primary and secondary contact (a kind of buddy system) – using the expertise of our senior team members to support
3. Briefing clients on our young professionals skill set – this allows the client question / challenge (if needed) and set out expectations
4. Implemented a client relationship management facility – meaning collectively we can share ideas and progress
5. Provide a total commitment to supporting, guiding and nurturing our young professionals – not simply providing training but invaluable 1-2-1 support

Please do feedback, comment...we welcome any contributions (agreeing or disagreeing)!

Evolution of the Workspace, Not the End (in My Eyes)!

Throughout the last few months I keep hearing ‘we won't need offices in the future' or similar bold statements! It's a topic of conversation that has been forced upon us all during the pandemic (I am refusing to use everyone’s favourite new phrase ‘unprecedented times’ in this piece). I've discussed it at home with family, colleagues, co-workers, clients + business/industry friends – with varying responses. It cropped up most recently on a virtual round table discussion with our pals at Downtown in Business joined also by a few other partners/members, which motivated me to throw a few words onto social media. I start this discussion piece as a tenant + business owner more so than being focused on what Project Four do for a living (day to day)…working on the refurbishment, new build + mixed use commercial office spaces as part of our core business, though the two predicaments/items may cross over.

Taking the positives - this horrendous virus has forced us to #WFH + restricted many from getting to their offices. I was fortunate enough to be able to get access to our office intermittently during the lock-down but the #WFH has raised some worthwhile questions over my work life balance and how #WFH would (in parts) improve the work life balance! I for one have embraced the opportunity to spend time with my young family + I am keen to maintain that time as we progress towards a return to our day to day lives, without lock-down restrictions. The positives aside, I am desperate (as are my colleagues) to get back to some face to face interaction. As good as Teams/Zoom have been during these times - it doesn't build/promote team work + build effective relationships!

I understand and fully appreciate the impact of the pandemic will give us all cause to question, reflect, assess our working spaces and I believe we will see the evolution of commercial space, and our overall approach to our work life balance. And based on the evidence we have observed from the construction sites we managed + supported throughout the lock-down, commercial office space will have to improve the standards on offer also, both in the short + longer term to give tenants the confidence to return. However, as we start to re-occupy our office (very slowly) with much reduced capacity I am positive that we will return as a team and use the office to bond, socialise, learn, share knowledge/experiences and play darts – to name a few of the positives. As a business we recruit and develop graduates/trainees – and despite tools such as Zoom + Teams you can’t get the same interaction + relationships with colleagues as you do when face to face. Face to face interaction is essential for everyone, and even if #WFH has been fantastic for you during the lock-down – we still need that face to face interaction. Bearing in mind we have started new staff remotely and undertaken appraisals virtually while #WFH, so we acknowledge it can play a part of our strategy moving forward.

To conclude this piece – I am confident we will soon be back playing darts (dont mention the Merseyside Derby match) + supporting our clients from our HQ at Mann Island on Liverpool Waterfront. But we now know that we can #WFH effectively and combine the two elements to further improve the work life balance. And look forward to finally announcing our plans for a new HQ in London with one of our favourite retained clients.

Thanks for reading my waffle + welcome the opportunity to further discuss on here (written on West Kirby beach – not the office ????).

TALK - What have you missed the most about the office time?

CHAT - Will you / your business change or relocate the office as a result of the pandemic?

DISCUSS - Did you #WFH before lock-down? Will that likely or unlikely increase in the future?

ASK - Could you operate without an office?

One Heritage Tower, Greengate

Project Four Safety is delighted to have been appointed CDM Advisor by One Heritage Tower, Greengate. We look forward to a bright future working together!

Seaking Electrical

We're delighted to announce that Project Four Safety has been appointed on a retained basis by Seaking Electrical to provide ongoing advice and support.

Sutherland House, London

Project Four Safety is delighted to have been appointed as CDM Client Advisor and Principal Designer Support by Sutherland House, London.

Fleetwood Hospital Energy Centre

We're delighted to announce that Project Four Safety has been appointed by Fleetwood Hospital Energy Centre to provide Principal Designer Support.

Glenbrook, Media City

We're delighted to announce that Project Four Safety has been appointed by Glenbrook Media City to provide Principal Designer Support. (edited)

Wirral Waters

Project Four Safety is delighted to have been appointed CDM Advisor by Wirral Waters (Legacy Foundation, Northbank, Tower Road South).

Wirral Waters

CDM Services

Studio Egret West

Retained

Ashvin Metals

Ashvin Metals has selected Project Four Safety to provide ongoing services on a retained basis. We look forward to a bright future working together!

Inglemere Metals

We're delighted to announce that Project Four Safety has been appointed on a retained basis by Inglemere Metals to provide ongoing advice and support.

Borcan Ltd.

We're delighted to announce that Borcan Ltd has selected Project Four Safety to provide ongoing advice and support on a retained basis.

Galliford Try

Retained

Have You Had Bad Advice…Is Someone Telling You Porkies…Take Action…Breach of CDM 2015

Are you in BREACH of Construction (Design +Management) Regulations 2015 + being exposed to unnecessary risk by the advisors who are supposed to be watching your back...?

Many former CDM Coordinators (CDM-C) / safety advisors + QS/PM practices panicked when the role of CDM-C was removed...so instead of offering the correct advice to clients, they just simply became Principal Designers (PD's), so as to hang onto their turnover! These rogue PD's have failed to acknowledge the significant change in CDM 2015. It's wrong + should be condemned, the regulations are clear.

Take action to avoid HSE Intervention, Improvement/Prohibition Notices, FFI (Fees For Intervention now £154 per hour) best case...worst case Criminal Prosecution (and associated negative press)! We are more than happy to offer advice + guidance if you are employing or working with a 'Blag/Rogue PD'.

Crossfield Retainer

Project Four Safety have been appointed on a retained basis by Crossfield Construction Ltd to provide strategic advice and support across several exciting projects.

Smith Young Architects Retainer

Project Four are delighted to have been engaged by Smith Young Architects on a retained basis. Smith Young are an award-winning practice based in Liverpool, established in 1980.

Krol Corlett Retainer

Retainer

Cert Properties

Project Four are excited to be providing both CDM Advisor Services and Principal Designer Support for Cert Properties projects in the Manchester area: Hilton House, Atherton House and Talbot Street.

NW Housing

Project Four are happy to be taking on a number of schemes for North West Housing, providing strategic advice and support throughout the duration of these schemes.

Momentum Build NW Ltd

Retained CDM Services

Brown and Bancroft

Lancashire based Contractor Brown and Bancroft have engaged Project Four to provide Principal Designer support for their Bartlett Insurance scheme in Leeds.

Kirkstall Forge

Project Four are happy to have been approached to provide CDM Client Advice to Pierre Angulaire Ltd for their scheme at Kirkstall Forge.

Zerum

Project Four are delighted to be providing CDM Client Advice and Principal Designer support to Zerum for their Salford City Football Club scheme.

Queensbury Real Estate

Project Four are delighted to be overseeing Queensbury Real Estate’s redevelopment of The Metquarter, Liverpool, providing CDM Analysis and Advice.

Studio RBA

Project Four are excited to be working with Liverpool based architect Studio RBA, across numerous schemes, providing Principal Designer Support.

Ultimate

Project Four have been engaged by Skipton based Contractor, Ultimate to provide retained Health and Safety support.

Durastic

Project Four are delighted to have been engaged on a retained basis by Liverpool-based contractor Durastic.

Buttress

Retained

Commercial Estates Group

Strategic Client Advice and Project-by-project Support

Sheppard Robson Architects

Project Four has been appointed by Sheppard Robson Architects as their advisor for CDM for the Glenbrook Developments scheme in Cornbrook, Manchester.

Bardsley Construction

Appointed by Bardsley Construction to advise them in their role as Principal Designer for Riverside House, Manchester.
 

City of Trees

Appointed by the City of Trees to provide construction safety and CDM advice. P4 donating full fee back to the CoT so as to promote the good work and ensure it continues.

Mersey Fire Authority

Project Four have been selected by MFA to provide CDM Client Advice Services for the new build Merseyside Fire Station at Saughall Massie.
 

Wates Construction

Appointed by Wates Construction to advise them in their role as the Principal Designer for the new Mersey Fire Station in Saughall Massie.
 

Fletcher Rae Architects

Project Four have been engaged by Fletcher Rae Architects on a retained basis to provide strategic business advice and project support from their Manchester Headquarters.

Boyes Rees Architects

Project Four have been engaged by BRA on a retained basis to provide strategic business advice and project support across their London and Cardiff offices.

JDA Architects

Retained

Baltic Creative

Project Four have been appointed as CDM Advisors to Baltic Creative and are also retained to support K2 Architects in their role as Principal Designer.
 

Queensbury Real Estate

Project Four has been appointed as CDM Client Advisor to Queensbury Real Estate on the redevelopment of the Met Quarter Shopping Centre, working again alongside K2 Architects.

YPG Developments

We are delighted to have been appointed as retained advisors to YPG Developments providing CDM Client Advisor, Principal Designer Support, Principal Contractor Support.

Durastic Ltd.

Project Four Safety is delighted to have been appointed on a Retained Support Contract for Durastic Flooring, industry leaders in flooring and decking systems.

SeaKing Electrical Group

Project Four Safety is delighted to have been appointed on a Retained Support Contract for SeaKing Electrical Group, specialists in marine electrical work for types of marine vessel.

StudioRBA

Project Four has been appointed as Principal Designer Support to StudioRBA for their North House Project, the design and construction of 43 apartments.

Quest Hotel Group

Project Four has been selected to provide CDM Client Advisor Services to Quest Apartments Hotel Group for the conversion and construction of an Aparthotel in Liverpool City Centre.

Futureserv

Retained

Shavington School

Project Four Safety is delighted to have been appointed as CDM Advisor for Shavington Primary School and PDS to K2 Architects. We look forward to working in close partnership.

New World Trading Co.

CDM/PDS framework

Shed KM

Retained

FI Real Estate

Retained

K2 Architects

Project Four has been awarded a retained contract by K2 Architects, a leading architectural practice that specialises in contemporary residential and sustainable design.

IDP Group

Project Four has been appointed as Principal Designer Support Advisors to IDP Group and Vinci for the redevelopment of Wigan Bus Station with TfGM.