BUILDING safety, funding pressures and the growing challenge of maintaining Scotland’s ageing homes and buildings dominated discussion at a major industry gathering held last week.
The Scottish Procurement Alliance brought together senior figures from across housing, government, regulation, construction, legal and procurement at its AGM, which also marked the organisation’s tenth year of operation.
The event, entitled Managing Safety in Scotland’s Existing Buildings, explored the changing responsibilities facing social landlords, councils and other public bodies as they respond to new regulation, emerging safety risks and increasing pressure on budgets.
Lesley Peaty, Regional Director at SPA, said:
“Keeping existing buildings safe has never been more important and organisations are having to navigate changing legislation, ageing properties and increasingly complex responsibilities.
“This year’s AGM brought together experts who provided practical insight into the issues affecting the sector today while also helping organisations prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Among the speakers were Cassandra Dove, Policy Lead of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Scottish Housing Regulator Chief Executive Michael Cameron and Danny Henderson, Head of Technical Unit within the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division.
Legal, technical and procurement perspectives were also provided by Erica Dickson of Morton Fraser MacRoberts, Scott Bradshaw of NBM Cost Consultants, Tom Diamond of RCI Technical Services and Daniella Bryans of SPA, while Alan Karas of LHC Procurement Group addressed social value.
One of the clearest themes to emerge was the scale and complexity of the current building safety challenge, with speakers stressing that organisations need better information about their assets, clearer accountability and realistic programmes for inspection, maintenance and remediation.
Danny Henderson outlined the Scottish Government’s ongoing work following recent building safety incidents, including reviews of fire standards, ventilation, contaminated land, accessible housing and energy requirements.
He also discussed research into emerging risks including lithium battery products and reinforced concrete structures, alongside plans for a compliance plan approach for higher-risk buildings and further work on professional competence and agile response.
Concern around funding was another recurring theme, particularly the difficulty of planning complex works where public funding must be allocated and spent within short financial-year timescales.
Panel members also discussed the case for longer-term funding settlements of three to five years, reflecting the time required to survey properties, design solutions, procure contractors and complete major programmes safely.
The need to understand existing buildings properly before work begins was also repeatedly emphasised.
Scott Bradshaw told delegates that investment in surveys and reliable pre-tender information could reduce uncertainty, variations and additional costs once contractors are on site.
Tom Diamond reinforced the importance of maintaining a clear “golden thread” of building and fire-safety information, particularly where older properties have incomplete records relating to original construction, subsequent alterations or product installation.
The AGM also looked beyond immediate safety pressures to the wider social value that can be created through public procurement.
Alan Karas highlighted SPA’s Community Benefit Fund and the opportunity for public bodies to direct funding towards projects supporting wellbeing, skills, employability, social mobility and environmental outcomes.
During the previous year in SPA’s Community Benefit Fund in Scotland, £190,000 supported 18 community projects across the country.
The discussions came as SPA marks a decade of operation in Scotland, during which it has supported the procurement of around £2.7 billion of works and services and developed an expanding portfolio of frameworks for the public sector.
Its latest business update also showed continued demand from housing associations, councils and other public organisations, with hundreds of projects being registered through its frameworks and an expanding network of associate partners.
The organisation is now preparing a new generation of procurement solutions covering areas including public buildings, fire doors, windows and doors, housing, refurbishment, asset safety and compliance and consultancy services.
Lesley added:
“What came through strongly from the AGM is that building safety cannot be treated as a single project or a short-term response.
“It requires good information, strong procurement, technical expertise and long-term investment, but above all it requires organisations to keep the people living in and using these buildings at the heart of every decision.
“As we mark ten years, that collaborative approach will remain central to how we work with partners across Scotland.”
Issued by Holyrood PR on behalf of the Scottish Procurement Alliance.
