Blog

Fire & Building Safety Forum at The Shard: A Landmark Event for Student Accommodation & Residential Property Sector

At Irwin and Colton, our mission is to power positive impact across the health, safety, and sustainability sectors. To further this mission, we regularly host events that bring together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss best practices, and address pressing issues.

On July 24th, the iconic Shard in London Bridge served as the venue for the 4th Building & Fire Safety Forum, an industry event for the student accommodation and residential property sector. Hosted by iQ Student Accommodation in partnership with Kennedys and Irwin and Colton, this forum brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss critical issues and share best practices in building safety.

The forum, which has welcomed almost 150 delegates in its previous editions, saw a significant turnout from professionals in the field. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a distinguished lineup of speakers, including representatives from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and various industry specialists.

Darren Hicks, Health and Safety Director at iQ Student Accommodation, opened the forum. His opening remarks highlighted the forum's mission to foster collaboration and exchange ideas on building and fire safety. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape and the need for ongoing dialogue among stakeholders.

The forum featured several insightful presentations, each addressing crucial aspects of the Building Safety Act of 2022 and its implications for high-rise residential buildings.

Neil Hope-Collins from the BSR provided an update on the new Building Control Regime and Design & Construction, outlining the changes and what they mean for industry professionals.

Paul Salvidge, Managing Director from Wintech highlighted the risks associated with External Wall Build Up and Design, a topic of great importance given recent high-profile building failures.

Arturo De Paola, National Fire Director - External Walls from Hydrock (Stantec) fire engineering consultancy shared a retrospective look at Fire Risk Appraisal and Evaluation of Walls (FRAEW) two years on from PAS9980, reflecting on lessons learned and ongoing challenges.

Andrew Saunders from the BSR provided an update on High-Risk Residential Buildings (HRRB) that are currently occupied, discussing the latest regulatory developments and their implications for building owners and managers.

A central theme of the forum was the transformative impact of the Building Safety Act of 2022. This legislation has introduced a new level of scrutiny and accountability for high-rise residential buildings, mandating rigorous design and construction safety measures as well as comprehensive safety case reports for occupied buildings.

For property owners, developers, managing agents, and consultants, the Act has presented both challenges and opportunities. The need to comply with new regulations has driven innovation and improvement in building safety practices, but it has also required significant effort to address potential remediation works on existing buildings.

Following the formal presentations, attendees had the opportunity to network and discuss the day's topics in more detail. This networking session was invaluable for building connections and fostering collaboration among professionals committed to enhancing building and fire safety.

The Fire & Building Safety Forum at The Shard underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of evolving safety regulations. By bringing together industry leaders and experts, the forum provided a platform for sharing knowledge and developing strategies to meet the challenges of the new building safety landscape.

As the sector continues to navigate the complexities of the Building Safety Act, forums like this will remain essential for driving progress and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in high-rise buildings. The success of this event reaffirms the commitment of iQ Student Accommodation, Kennedys, and Irwin and Colton to leading the way in building and fire safety.

We look forward to future forums and continued collaboration within the industry to create safer, more resilient buildings for all.​

Matthew Cathcart is Head of HSE Recruitment – Corporate & Consultancy at Irwin & Colton - Health, Safety & Environment Recruitment Experts