The RIBA is committed to providing the guidance and support you need following publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, says Muyiwa Oki
Last week, the final Phase 2 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry was released. Bringing together an extensive collection of sensitive evidence, the report marks a significant moment for the bereaved, survivors and wider community as they seek greater understanding of the deficiencies that led to the tragedy.
It examines the complex sequence of events that led to the fire in the early hours of 14 June 2017. It looks at the myriad contributing factors in the years preceding, on the morning of, and in the aftermath of the tragedy. Ultimately, the inquiry concludes that the deaths of all 72 people who lost their lives were avoidable.
The profound impact of this conclusion weighs heavily on the Grenfell community and far beyond – and it must never be forgotten. Its findings and recommendations are crucial and significant for the construction industry. We must create a safer built environment and play our part in ensuring that such a tragedy cannot happen again.
The inquiry makes clear that ensuring people’s safety requires reform of structures and regulations. But what does that mean?
The inquiry makes clear we need a fundamental shift in culture and behaviours
It means we need systemic change within the construction industry, and a fundamental shift in culture and behaviours. This is a collaborative endeavour involving our whole sector, and the RIBA has committed to playing a leading role. The education and training of the architecture profession are highlighted in the report’s recommendations too.
While significant work remains, the inquiry acknowledges the steps the RIBA has taken to ‘improve the education and training of architects’ since Grenfell. This includes creating a library of health, safety and wellbeing CPD, introducing a Health and Safety Test (to become mandatory in 2025) and launching a Principal Designer Register, as well as the inclusion of Health and Life Safety as a theme and value within our Education and Professional Development Framework. With the benefit of the report’s comprehensive findings, we commit to reviewing the measures we have already introduced.
In total, the inquiry makes over 50 recommendations. Those with particular relevance for architects also include recommendations for urgent reviews of Approved Document B and of the definition of a higher-risk building for the purposes of the Building Safety Act. We’ve urged the government to act swiftly and decisively on these recommendations.
We are thoroughly reviewing the full 1,700-page report to ensure our response is comprehensive and informed. Following this, we will be publishing our detailed response. As your professional membership body, the RIBA is committed to continue providing you with the interpretation, clear guidance, support and actionable insights that you need to understand the impact of the Grenfell Inquiry on your day-to-day work, your business and the wider industry, as the situation develops.
Read the RIBA’s initial response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.