Homes England commits to building a safer future
Homes England, the Government’s housing delivery agency, has become a Registered Signatory of the Building Safety Charter.
The Charter, developed by industry leaders and supported by Government, responds to recommendations in Dame Judith Hackitt’s building safety review by seeking to create positive cultural and behavioural change in the industry’s approach to safety in the built environment.
Registered Signatories commit to putting people’s safety first during the design, construction, refurbishment and occupation of residential buildings.
Today’s announcement builds on the recent news that those looking to use the new Help to Buy scheme must have signed the Building Safety Charter and comply with other quality standards.
Homes England is calling on the sector to follow its lead and is exploring options that will require developers and other organisations looking to work with Homes England to also become Registered Signatories of the Charter.
Nick Walkley, Chief Executive of Homes England said:
“Designing and constructing buildings that are safe to live in is a fundamental responsibility of everyone working in the built environment. Dame Judith Hackitt’s Review and the investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire have shone a light on the sector overlooking the safety of its residents and customers, and this absolutely has to change.
“Homes England is committed to making the housing market work for everyone and will leverage its role in the sector, as well as its land, funding and expertise to change behaviour, and build a consensus around transparency, collaboration and prioritising the safety of residents.”
Duncan Sutherland, Homes England Deputy Chair said:
“As Chair of Homes England’s Safety, Health and Environment Committee I welcome today’s announcement as a positive step forward and signal of intent. I know the agency is committed to showing leadership in this space and is looking at how it can go further. The Board will continue to challenge and support the Homes England Executive to exhibit, promote and lever the behaviours we want our partners and the wider sector to display.”
Amanda Long, Chief Executive of the Building Safety Charter said:
“It is superb for the momentum of the Building a Safer Future Charter to have Homes England’s commitment to the principles of the Charter and using its influential position to encourage sign-up of the Charter.
“We are seeing an increasing number of organisations at all levels and sectors within the construction industry becoming Registered Signatories of the Charter. This is particularly encouraging as we look to next year and the evolution of how the Charter will utilise benchmarking and verification to underpin its aims of engaging with the entire industry to drive the urgent need for positive culture and behaviour change in the safety of the built environment.”
Click here to become a Registered Signatory of the Charter.
For more information please visit www.buildingasaferfuture.org.uk
Twitter @BSFCharter
Media contact:
Victoria Knowles
Telephone: 07802 726380