Scotland outlines Grenfell inquiry response and safety reform plans

Grenfell inquiry response drives building safety reform in Scotland

The Scottish Government’s Local Government and Housing Directorate and Cladding Remediation Directorate has published detailed plans to implement recommendations from the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Report.

The update follows a ministerial working group meeting held on 2 April 2025, where officials, fire service representatives and built environment professionals reviewed the progress and next steps of Scotland’s response.

According to the directorate, the implementation phase will extend to 2030 and include legislative reform, new competency frameworks, and closer coordination with the UK Government on reserved matters.

Stakeholders raise concerns on industry culture and competency

Chris Ashurst, Chair of the High Rise Scotland Action Group, said the Grenfell Inquiry revealed “a staggering level of deceit” and raised concerns that many in the construction sector had not adapted their behaviour since the tragedy.

Ashurst said: “While Scotland’s response recognises these behaviours there is a need for a sea change by developers and others in industry.”

Hywel Davies of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers supported the report and called for continued focus on high-risk occupants and evacuation planning, especially for disabled individuals, older people and those with infants.

He raised concerns around the complexity of implementing a single regulator, noting issues with product certification and the lack of control over CE-marked goods following Brexit.

Calls for stronger regulation of fire engineering profession

Professor Luke Bisby of the University of Edinburgh said the failings at Grenfell were systemic rather than the result of any one individual.

He highlighted the need for licensing of fire engineers, citing Inquiry recommendation 15, and questioned why the Structural Engineers Registration Scheme was not referenced as a potential model.

Bisby added: “Without a robust definition of a fire engineer, a proper system of recognising who meets that definition, and a mandate for the appointment of those persons… any one of these has limited value.”

Peter Drummond of RIAS echoed these views and said true cultural change would take “10 – 20 years for proper implementation.”

He expressed concern over technical de-skilling and repeated appointments of unqualified contractors, urging clarity around the independence of Compliance Plan Managers.

SFRS and other agencies commit to collaborative delivery

Chris Getty of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stated that SFRS supported the response and highlighted a need for fire risk assessor training, especially for high-rise buildings now included in the Single Building Assessment process.

Jon Henderson, Director of SFRS, said: “SFRS is a learning organisation and will continue to develop and work with partners to support change.”

Scott McKenzie of Local Authority Building Standards Scotland confirmed LABSS’s commitment to implementing recommendations. He noted the need for additional resources for local authority trading standards to address unregulated construction products.

COSLA, NHSAssure and the Building Standards Division also voiced support, with NHSAssure confirming the issuance of updated internal guidance for hospital fire risk assessments.

Government sets 2030 as timeline for regulatory overhaul

According to the Scottish Government, implementation of recommendations will take until 2030 to complete, with work prioritised in areas where devolved authority applies.

Stephen Garvin of the Building Standards Division presented a delivery plan that includes a review of building regulations, development of new competency requirements, and legislative changes to support roles like the Compliance Plan Manager.

A call for evidence on Section 2 (Fire) is scheduled to begin this year, with consultations and implementation following over several years.

The government confirmed that issues related to funding of local authority verification teams are under review.

The Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative, Construction Leadership Forum, and Skills Working Group will support broader cultural and competency reform.

Scotland outlines Grenfell inquiry response and safety reform plans: Summary

The Scottish Government has published a plan to implement Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

The response was discussed at a Ministerial Working Group meeting on 2 April 2025.

Stakeholders including SFRS, RIAS, NHSAssure, and LABSS participated.

Chris Ashurst of HRSAG warned of continued unsafe practices by developers.

Hywel Davies of CABE raised concerns about evacuation planning and regulation.

Professor Luke Bisby of the University of Edinburgh called for fire engineer licensing.

Peter Drummond of RIAS said reform would require decades of effort.

SFRS confirmed work is ongoing on engagement, assessments, and home safety visits.

LABSS highlighted challenges from unregulated construction products.

The Scottish Government will work with UKG on reserved matters.

A call for evidence on Section 2 (Fire) is expected to begin in 2025.

The plan includes legislative reform and new competency frameworks.

Implementation is expected to run until 2030.

Funding issues for verification teams are under review.

Training partnerships with higher education institutions are being explored.

The role of Compliance Plan Manager will be reviewed to ensure independence.

MWG meetings will increase to four per year with revised remit and membership.