Feature


For the HRB, The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023, which is one of the many pieces of legislation that has been created or modified under the Building Safety Act 2022, this brings a number of submission documents that must be approved before commencement on site.


This includes; competence declarations, a change control plan, a building regulations compliance statement, a mandatory recurrence reporting plan and a level of design that demonstrates how the work will comply with building regulations.


Whilst these requirements are specific to a HRB submission, it is perhaps difficult to argue that the philosophy behind these is not essential to ensuring a safe building whatever its classification.


Take a Change Control Plan, which perhaps has often centred on a commercial basis, should we not be able to demonstrate the consideration given to potential compliance issues with building regulations long before building? Or in the case of the Construction Control Plan, should we not be able to describe the strategies for how the building work will be managed in order to maintain compliance with building regulations. Central to all of this is a consideration of how information on the design and construction will be managed and stored and ultimately ensure that this information is available to ensure ongoing building safety once occupied.


Marc Bradfield, director at Bureau Veritas, outlines some key observations during the last few months:


“Early consideration is crucial yet is not happening soon enough. Starting a project and then beginning the golden thread of information is far too late and will come under scrutiny later on down the line and that’s where, on some occasions, we have been brought in to help.


“By engaging us at the early stages of design, clients have assurance that the golden thread principle and requirements are firmly


accurately captured and maintained from the off. “Furthermore,


proactive compliance is achieved this


way, as clients who integrate the golden thread early on experience are likely to face fewer delays and compliance issues, benefiting from a streamlined approval process at the gateway stages.


established, ensuring that all information is


“Data integrity, consistency and accuracy are also among the mistakes we have witnessed and been brought in to help, all enhanced by ensuring that team members work with the same information, preventing discrepancies and improving overall safety and quality.


“And while software solutions can aid in managing the golden thread, it


is essential for users to understand the


underlying principles of building safety; software is a tool, not a solution in itself. A centralised and trusted source of information, the single source of truth, helps in making informed decisions and managing changes effectively.”


10 Things to Consider with the Golden Thread


1. Start Early: Integrate the golden thread from the concept stage. 2. Clarity on Content: Agree with the team the information that needs to be captured through the project. 3. Designate Responsibility: Ensure there is clarity on


who is managing the golden thread, and the responsibilities of every contributor. 4. Use Electronic Formats: Mandate digital records for consistency. 5. Ensure Proportionality: Tailor the level of detail to the building’s complexity. 6. Maintain Accuracy: Regularly update information to


reflect changes. 7. Secure Information: Implement robust security


measures across the facility. 8. Facilitate Access: Ensure


information is easily


accessible to all relevant stakeholders. 9. Promote Understanding: Educate team members on the importance of the golden thread. 10. Plan for Longevity: Ensure the information can be maintained over the building’s lifecycle. 11.Audit and Review: Regularly audit the information to ensure integrity, compliance and accuracy.


The golden thread is an essential aspect of building safety that needs to be considered from the very beginning of any project. By integrating this concept early on, users can ensure that all safety information is accurate, accessible, and actionable.


While it may seem daunting, the golden thread boils down to maintaining accurate and accessible safety information throughout a building’s lifecycle.


By


following basic principles, building projects will not only comply with regulations but also upholds the highest standards of safety and quality.


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