Standfirst: As changing regulations continue to impact the construction sector, the Council for Aluminium in Building says its ongoing engagement with the BSR and wider government bodies is helping its members to make their views heard. We report.
Feature: For manufacturers, installers and contractors working with aluminium, adjusting to ever-evolving legislation is a necessary evil.
There is no denying that post-Grenfell reforms, including the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), are a positive step towards a safer, more professional construction landscape, but adapting to the changes they demand is not always easy.
Recognising the need for strong and informed industry representation against this backdrop, the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) is actively engaging with regulators to ensure the architectural aluminium sector’s voice is heard in policy discussions.
“We have all suffered with the BSR at some point, and it affects our businesses,” says Nigel Headford, CEO, CAB.
“The important thing now is that we sit down and talk to them regularly, to understand what is going on.”
As a result, the role of CAB is becoming increasingly important; not just as a membership body, but as a technical voice influencing the regulatory landscape.
Proactive communication with policymakers helps to ensure the everyday, practical realities faced by the aluminium in building sector are considered in future actions and decisions – and that the concerns and experiences of CAB members are heard at the highest levels.
This regular dialogue is a key part of CAB’s strategy. Meeting with the BSR on a monthly basis, the organisation is able to raise the real issues faced by members, while also gaining insight into the regulator’s mindset.
This two-way communication is essential in bridging the gap between policy and practice.
“We are trying to understand where the bottlenecks are and then find solutions,” adds Nigel. “We are bringing our unique industry perspective directly to the people that make the rules, and that is of great benefit to our members.”
While industry bodies were historically asked to respond to consultations once draft guidance had already been produced, earlier engagement means CAB can provide input from the outset.
“Now, we are actually involved in the creation of the documents themselves,” explains Nigel. “That gives us the opportunity to influence what goes into them, rather than reacting afterwards, once everything has been finalised – and essentially closing the door once the horse has bolted.
“For CAB members, the result is technical guidance that is more likely to reflect the practical realities they face.
“It means issues that might previously have been overlooked or misunderstood can now be addressed, reducing the risk of unfeasible requests and requirements.”
Central to this process is the input that CAB receives from its members. From highlighting inconsistencies in guidance to raising concerns about compliance expectations, member insight plays a vital role.
“If you have got any issues, let us know, and we will raise them,” says Nigel.
“Please get involved. You guys are the ones designing the products, making and marketing the products, selling and installing the products, and this is your chance to make a difference.
“When I stepped into this role, I thought it was key for CAB to really focus on getting back to its roots as a technical body at the forefront of lobbying and regulation. We cannot do that without your input.” For more information about CAB, visit www.c-a-b.org.uk or email enquiries@c-a-b.org.uk.