Rachel Davidson has been appointed to the significant position of Director of Specialist Knowledge at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), marking a notable advancement in the organisation’s focus on building safety.

Davidson’s new role comes with a dedicated focus on the Building Safety Act and its implications for BESA members and the broader specialist building services sector.

Career and experience at BESA

Davidson’s association with BESA spans over three decades, where she has served in multiple roles, most recently as Director of Certification.

Her tenure also includes a decade-long stint as Head of Technical Schemes and Knowledge, and a role as a board director of Piper Insurance, a firm offering critical illness cover for the building engineering industry.

The Building Safety Act and its implications

The Building Safety Act is poised to induce profound changes in the UK’s construction and engineering professions.

This legislation, particularly in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower disaster and the ensuing public inquiry, is expected to bring about a widespread cultural shift within the industry.

BESA Chief Executive Officer David Frise emphasised the significance of the Act, noting it as a fundamental shift in how building engineering companies will operate.

Davidson’s role and BESA’s initiatives

In her new position, Davidson is tasked with developing an in-depth understanding of the Act and its secondary legislation.

She will lead an in-house team focused on creating advice, guidance, and tools to aid contractors in understanding and complying with these changes.

Additionally, BESA is establishing a Building Safety Act Advisory Group to support this initiative, encompassing members from various industry sectors to offer diverse perspectives and address concerns of the entire supply chain.

Impact of the Building Safety Act

Davidson acknowledged that the Building Safety Act would bring substantial and positive changes beyond safety, emphasising a rigorous focus on competence and compliance.

This includes strict legal requirements for providing digital evidence and improving record keeping, influencing all work aspects.

She highlighted the necessity of enhanced collaboration and communication between various stakeholders, including clients, designers, and site partners.

Davidson also noted BESA’s existing schemes and tools designed to help contractors meet these new demands, with plans to further develop and expand these services as the legislation’s impact grows.

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of Rachel Davidson as Director of Specialist Knowledge at BESA symbolises a strategic move towards enhancing building safety standards in the UK.

In the context of the Building Safety Act, this role underlines the urgent need for expert guidance and clarity in a sector still grappling with the fallout from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Davidson’s extensive experience and the initiatives spearheaded under her leadership are poised to drive a paradigm shift in how building safety and compliance are perceived and implemented.

By fostering a culture of stringent compliance and competence, Davidson’s role embodies a proactive approach towards ensuring safer building practices, highlighting the significant strides being made towards building safety reform in the UK.