News
Operational Standards Rules and Building Inspector Competence Framework
The Operational Standards Rules (OSRs) will apply from April 2024 and set out the practices, procedures, and performance standards that the Building Safety Regulator expects from Local Authorities and Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) in relation to their...
Retaining key industry legislation
The Government has announced this week that the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill will be amended. Instead of including a ‘sunset’ date of 31 December 2023, by which all remaining retained EU law (close to 4,000 still in effect in the UK) will either be...
FIS aligns vetting process with Common Assessment Standard
As part of measures taken to improve and streamline the FIS membership vetting standards, we have aligned the FIS audit criteria with those of the Common Assessment Standard developed by Build UK. Build UK developed the common assessment standard to improve efficiency...
Interest rates rise, CPA downgrades housing forecasts, but some bright spots for FIS members in spring forecasts
Yesterday, the Bank of England implemented the 12th consecutive rise in interest rates to attempt to deal with “sticky” inflation. In more positive news the Bank also upgraded growth forecasts and lowered forecasts for unemployment. According to the CPA,...
Mixed performance for construction product manufacturing in Q1
The Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey for 2023 Q1 highlighted the continued mix of fortunes in the construction product manufacturing industry. For a third consecutive quarter a fall in sales for heavy side producers contrasted with...
Fully Funded L2 Passive Fire Protection NVQs
FIS approved training provider The Skills Centre is offering 40 free fully funded NVQs L2 Passive Fire Protection (OSAT). To be eligible, the employees (trainee) residential address and CIS must be within non-devolved Council areas in England. If unsure we are happy...
Independent review of the construction product testing regime
Last week saw the publication of The Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime which was announced by government in April 2021 and was led by Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day KC. The purpose of the Review was to to identify any potential...
FIS calls for payment and retention overhaul
FIS had today responded to the Amendments to the Payment Practices and Performance Regulations consultaton calling for an overhaul that will better support SMEs in the sector. The FIS response draws on recent research conducted by the University of Reading into...
Building Safety Act – defining Higher Risk Buildings
Building Safety Act FAQ: Are Hotels, Hospitals and Student Accommodation regarded as Higher Risk Buildings according to the New Building Safety Act? According to the Building Safety Act the definition of Higher Risk Building is: “At least 18 metres in height or at...