A deep dive into the registered building inspector framework. Has it raised the bar for building control, and are there enough competent professionals to handle the workload?. Competency Check: Are Building Control Surveyors Ready for the BSR? The seismic shift in building safety legislation, catalysed by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, has placed an unprecedented spotlight on the competency of those entrusted with ensuring our built environment is safe. At the heart of this transformation lies the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) and its progeny, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which has ushered in a new era for building control. The transition from local authority and approved inspectors to the Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) and the individual Registered Building Inspector (RBI) framework was designed to elevate standards, foster a culture of accountability, and ultimately, enhance public safety. But as the dust settles on the initial registration deadlines, a critical question emerges: has this new regime truly raised the bar for building control, and are there enough competent professionals to handle the immense workload and scrutiny now demanded? Background For decades, the UK's building control system operated under a dual structure: local authority building control (LABC) and private sector approved inspectors. While both aimed to ensure compliance with building regulations, the system was often perceived as fragmented, with varying levels of oversight and, in some cases, a race to the bottom on fees and service, potentially compromising quality. The Hackitt Review, commissioned in the wake of Grenfell, unequivocally identified systemic failures, including a lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities, inadequate competency frameworks, and insufficient regulatory oversight. The BSA 2022 directly addresses these shortcomings. It establishes the BSR as the new overarching regulator for building safety, residing within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cornerstone of the Act is the professionalisation of building control. From 6 April 2024, all individuals carrying out building control work must be registered with the BSR as an RBI, and all organisations providing building control services must be registered as an RBCA. This mandate is not merely an administrative hurdle; it signifies a fundamental shift towards a competency based system, underpinned by rigorous assessment and ongoing professional development. The new framework categorises RBIs into four classes (Class 1 to Class 4), reflecting increasing levels of complexity and risk in the buildings they can oversee, particularly those designated as Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs). To achieve registration, individuals must demonstrate their competence against a detailed set of BSR specified standards, often through a combination of qualifications, experience, and professional interviews. This includes a deep understanding of the Building Regulations, Approved Documents (such as ADB for fire safety), and relevant British Standards like BS 9991 and BS 9999. Key Developments The journey to full implementation of the RBI and RBCA framework has been marked by significant milestones and, inevitably, some challenges. The initial registration window saw a flurry of activity, with thousands of building control professionals applying for RBI status. The BSR, in collaboration with professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Senior Association of Building Engineers (CABE), developed the competency assessment schemes. These schemes are designed to be robust, ensuring that only those who can demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience are granted registration. One of the most significant developments has been the emphasis on fire safety competency. Given the origins of the BSA 2022, a profound understanding of fire safety engineering principles, passive and active fire protection systems, and the application of guidance like PAS 9980 for external wall assessments, is now non negotiable for many RBI classes, particularly those dealing with HRBs. RBIs are expected to be able to critically review fire strategies, understand the complexities of compartmentation, means of escape, and the interaction of various fire safety measures. The BSR has also been proactive in issuing guidance and establishing a clear regulatory pathway. The Building Safety Gateway, particularly at Stages 2 and 3 (the planning and construction phases for HRBs), requires RBIs to play a pivotal role in scrutinising designs and overseeing construction to ensure compliance. This increased scrutiny places a heavy burden of responsibility on the shoulders of RBIs, demanding not just technical expertise but also strong communication and collaboration skills. However, the transition has not been without its difficulties. Reports have emerged of a significant number of experienced building control professionals choosing to reti