Ringley Speaks on Building Safety at RICS Event

At an RICS event in Manchester, Ringley CEO Mary-Anne Bowring and LifebyRingley MD Sam Hay discussed the impact of Dame Judith Hackitt’s building safety review on block management. The review currently applies to high-risk residential buildings (HRRBs), defined as those with 10 or more storeys.

What is the 'Golden Thread' of Building Information?

One of the key proposals is the creation of a 'golden thread' of key data for every HRRB in the country. This information must be digitally recorded, maintained, and accessible to all stakeholders, including residents.

What Information Will Be Included?

The golden thread will capture:

• Size and height of the building
• Structural details
• Building fabric
• Escape and fire compartmentation plans
• Systems in operation
• Permanent fixtures and fittings

This aims to ensure transparency in building safety and maintenance.

Challenges in Implementing the Golden Thread

Retrospectively compiling this information for the existing 2,000–3,000 HRRBs in the UK will be a major challenge. Block managers often lack access to complete and accurate building records, making it difficult to track modifications or refurbishments over time.

Preventing Fire Safety Gaps in Future Refurbishments

One major concern is that critical fire safety details may be lost over a building’s life cycle. The Grenfell inquiry has highlighted how a recent refurbishment contributed to the tragic loss of life. The golden thread will help ensure that any modifications impacting safety are formally reviewed before implementation.

A Step in the Right Direction for Building Safety

Currently, these changes only apply to HRRBs (buildings over 18m high). However, any initiative that improves fire safety for flat owners and renters should be welcomed. While this is just a starting point, it’s a step towards greater transparency and accountability in building management.