The Grenfell Tower Fire: Key outcomes and Further Changes on the Horizon

Overview

Major disasters always tend to result in a period of active change. This year brings the ninth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire and the year that will see the enactment of the government’s response to the final report of the Public Inquiry led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick.

In the last nine years, there have been major changes in legislation as well as massive retrofit programmes for multiple affected buildings.

The government has reaffirmed its position of retaining a regulatory system based on functional requirements and not on prescriptive rules. For such a system to work properly, there must be a framework of competence. 

Central to the Grenfell Tower failures is the absence of a competency framework that has led to a widespread misunderstanding of how to properly implement fire safety in construction.

The Inquiry emphasises that competency issues extend way beyond those who call themselves fire engineers and include all disciplines involved in building design and construction. Provisions of competency have been incorporated in the Building Safety Act (2022). 

The Building Safety Regulator has been introduced to enhance the quality of the review process. The government’s acceptance of all the Phase 2 recommendations has further emphasized the need for competent practice and has challenged the role of professional bodies.

In stark contrast, professional organizations and practice do not appear to have implemented changes that are of sufficient significance.

In this presentation Professor Torero will summarize these actions and conclusions setting the stage to what could be expected to be the future of fire safety within the construction industry.

Attendance & Registration Information

All are welcome to attend this free lecture. A drinks reception and dinner will follow for members and invited guests, and IESF non-members may also attend by following the registration steps below.

Lecture Only

Please register your place using the link provided or by emailing [email protected] with your name and company.

Drinks Reception and/or Dinner

IESF non-members wishing to book the drinks reception (£10 per person) or the drinks reception and dinner should request a booking form by emailing [email protected] 

Programme