An analysis of the official Register of Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) highlights significant experience gaps in key disciplines. Understand where the skills shortage is most acute and its impact on project timelines.. The Bedding In Period: A Look at the RBCA Register The Register of Building Control Approvers (RBCAs), a cornerstone of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022), has been fully operational for some time. Established to enhance oversight and competency within the building control sector, the register was designed to provide confidence in the regulatory framework. However, a late 2026 analysis of the publicly available data reveals some concerning trends regarding the demographics and, more critically, the competency landscape of registered approvers. While the intention of the BSA 2022 was to drive up standards, the initial data suggests that the sector may be facing an unexpected challenge in terms of the depth and breadth of expertise available, particularly for complex projects. Identifying the Cracks: Key Competency Gaps Emerge A detailed examination of individuals listed on the RBCA register points to significant variations in experience across crucial building safety disciplines. While general building control knowledge appears robust, specific areas such as fire engineering for complex structures, structural integrity in high rise buildings, and the nuanced application of Approved Document B (Fire Safety) for innovative construction methods show noticeable shortfalls. The register data, when cross referenced with public project records, suggests a potential bottleneck in securing adequately qualified approvers for higher risk buildings (HRBs) , as defined by the BSA 2022. This could have significant implications for approval timelines and, ultimately, project delivery. The High Rise Hurdle: A Particular Concern The most acute competency gaps appear to be concentrated in the crucial area of high rise building projects. The stringent requirements of the BSA 2022 for HRBs demand a sophisticated understanding of fire safety engineering principles, evacuation strategies, and materials science. The register indicates a lower proportion of individuals with extensive, verifiable experience in these specialised areas. This could lead to an over reliance on a smaller pool of highly experienced individuals, further exacerbating delays. The rigorous application of standards such as BS 9991: Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – Code of practice and BS 9999: Fire safety in the design, management and use of commercial buildings – Code of practice necessitates a deep level of expertise that appears to be less prevalent than initially hoped across the entire register. Impact on Responsible Persons and Accountable Persons For Responsible Persons (RPs) under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005) and particularly Accountable Persons (APs) under the BSA 2022, these competency gaps present considerable challenges. Securing a Building Control Approver with the requisite expertise for complex projects, especially HRBs, may become more difficult and time consuming. This could lead to: Extended project timelines: Delays in approval processes due to a limited pool of specialists. Increased scrutiny: Greater onus on RPs and APs to demonstrate due diligence in selecting competent approvers. Potential for rework: If initial approvals are found to be deficient by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), costly modifications may be required later in a project's lifecycle, underlining the importance of PAS 9980: Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice in existing buildings. Fire Engineers: Increased Demand, Enhanced Responsibility The emerging landscape places an even greater emphasis on the role of qualified fire engineers. With potential competency gaps identified within the building control approver sphere, the expertise of independent fire safety consultants becomes even more critical. Fire engineers will increasingly serve as a vital resource for both developers and building control bodies, providing robust fire strategies and ensuring compliance with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (FS(E)R 2022) . Their involvement from the earliest stages of design, adhering to principles articulated in Approved Document B, will be paramount in mitigating risks and facilitating smoother approval processes, particularly for innovative and complex building designs. Addressing the Shortfall: A Sector Wide Imperative Addressing these competency gaps requires a multifaceted approach. Professional bodies, educational institutions, and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) must collaborate to develop targeted training and mentorship programmes. Emphasis should be placed on fostering specialisms in areas currently identified as weak, such as advanced fire engineering for HRBs and the detailed application