10 Ask the Expert “Partnering with
Housing Management & Maintenance gives us the opportunity to hear directly from housing managers
about how they are approaching compliance with Awaab’s Law” Howard Trotter, business manager at Shelforce
HOW HAVE AWAAB’S LAW & THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT RESHAPED ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SOCIAL HOUSING PROVIDERS, MAKING THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING SAFETY WITHIN PROPERTIES? T e biggest shiſt is accountability. Historically, responsibility could sometimes be passed along the supply chain, but the Building Safety Act has made it clear that the Accountable Person is the landlord. T ey are ultimately responsible for ensuring the building is safe. T at has changed the culture signifi cantly. Combined with Awaab’s Law, housing providers must now respond quickly to hazards and maintain detailed records proving products and systems are fi t for purpose. It’s about transparency and traceability, making sure there is a clear line of responsibility for safety.
PRODUCT TESTING & INFORMATION: HOW THOROUGH DOES IT NEED TO BE, FOR EXAMPLE IN THE GOLDEN THREAD CONTEXT; AND HOW IS THE TEST EVIDENCE ITSELF VERIFIED AS BEING LEGITIMATE? T e Golden T read requires very detailed, verifi able information about products throughout a building’s lifecycle. For doors and windows, that means clear evidence around things like thermal performance, security, fi re resistance and safety features. It’s no longer acceptable to simply present paperwork saying something has been tested. T e evidence must be robust and traceable, oſt en supported by third-party certifi cation and regular audits. Within regulated products such as fi re doors, manufacturers are inspected annually to ensure that what is being produced matches the tested specifi cation every single time.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMBINING MANUFACTURING WITH A CLOSE INTERACTION WITH A LOCAL AUTHORITY, FOR EXAMPLE REGULAR PRODUCT QUALITY CHECKS? Working closely with a local authority creates a much stronger feedback loop around quality. In Birmingham, the council’s asset management teams understand the products because they’ve seen them manufactured and know the test evidence behind them. T ey also reserve the right to take products off the line and test them independently. T at keeps standards extremely high because everyone knows the scrutiny is real. It also builds confi dence for the landlord, because they can see exactly how the product is made and know it will perform as specifi ed.
HOW CAN THE QUALITY OF INSTALLATION BE GUARANTEED, TO ENSURE THE BALANCE BETWEEN INSTALLER FLEXIBILITY & PRODUCT PERFORMANCE IS ACHIEVED? Installation is oſt en where problems occur, so education and clear guidance are essential. We provide system-specifi c training for contractors and installers so they understand exactly what a compliant installation should look like. We also produce detailed installation guides aligned with British Standards, which installers must keep with them onsite. Importantly, housing offi cers and building safety teams are also trained to recognise a correct installation. When everyone involved understands the product and its role in safety, you greatly reduce the risk of installation failures.
COUNCILS ARE UNDER PRESSURE TO REDUCE COSTS, HOW CAN THEY BALANCE THE REQUIREMENTS OF PROCUREMENT FRAMEWORKS & BUDGETS WITH LONG-TERM RESIDENT SAFETY & COMPLIANCE RISK? Ultimately, there isn’t really a choice, because Awaab’s Law and the Building Safety Act are legal requirements. Procurement teams have to think beyond
short-term price and consider long-term value and risk. If a product is cheaper but fails prematurely or doesn’t meet compliance standards, the long-term cost is far higher. T e focus should be on durable products with proven testing and reliable performance in demanding environments like social housing. Investing properly at the outset protects residents and avoids costly replacement or compliance issues later.
HOW WILL AWAAB’S LAW CHANGE THE WAY HOUSING PROVIDERS MANAGE DOORS, WINDOWS & VENTILATION IN OCCUPIED SOCIAL HOMES IN THE NEAR FUTURE? We’ll see a much more proactive approach to managing the building fabric. Housing providers will need accurate records showing exactly what products are installed, how they perform and when they were last inspected. Doors, windows and ventilation systems will become part of a broader safety strategy rather than simply maintenance items. Manufacturers who haven’t invested in proper testing and documentation may struggle, because housing providers will need clear evidence that products meet the required standards and contribute to a safe living environment.
WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTORS FOR EMPATHETIC & SUCCESSFUL TENANT ENGAGEMENT IN DOORS & WINDOWS RETROFITS TO BUILD TRUST & BE SUPPORTIVE? Tenant engagement has become much more important. Residents are now more aware of their rights and the safety standards they should expect. T e key is communication and transparency, explaining what work is being done, why it matters for safety, and what the process will involve. Where temporary moves or disruption are necessary, that needs to be handled with empathy and support. Tenants should feel part of the process rather than something being done to them, and that helps build trust and cooperation.
WHY DID SHELFORCE DECIDE TO PARTNER WITH HOUSING MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE ON AUDIENCE RESEARCH AMONG SOCIAL HOUSING MANAGERS & DISCOVER THEIR STRATEGIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH AWAAB’S LAW? WHAT INSIGHTS DO YOU HOPE TO GAIN? We work closely with social housing providers every day, so we see the challenges they face in implementing new legislation. Partnering with Housing Management & Maintenance gives us the opportunity to hear directly from housing managers about how they are approaching compliance with Awaab’s Law. We’re particularly interested in understanding the practical barriers they’re encountering, from documentation and testing requirements to operational pressures. T ose insights will help the industry share best practices and ultimately support housing providers in delivering safer homes for residents.
To listen to the full Building Insights podcast with Howard Trotter, scan the QR code
Housing Management & Maintenance Spring 2026
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