MANAGING the safety of the nation's existing buildings, one of the most pressing challenges facing Scotland's built environment, will be the primary focus at a leading not for profit procurement firms AGM.
The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) has unveiled the agenda for its Annual General Meeting in September, which will bring together leading voices from across housing, construction, legal and public policy.
The event will focus on the growing responsibilities facing social landlords, local authorities and housing professionals as they respond to evolving regulation requirements, ageing housing stock and increasing expectations around resident safety.
The event, titled Managing Safety for Scotland's Existing Buildings, will feature expert speakers covering the regulatory, legal, technical and procurement issues shaping the sector.
Among the confirmed speakers is Michael Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Housing Regulator, who will outline the regulator's expectations surrounding landlord assurance, governance and tenant safety.
Delegates will also hear perspectives on policy and legislation, legal risk, retrofit challenges, procurement best practice and the practical realities of maintaining Scotland's building stock.
A panel discussion will bring together representatives from across the sector to examine how organisations can work together to improve building safety.
The agenda comes at a time when building safety continues to move up the national agenda. According to the latest Scottish House Condition Survey, one in five homes failed the tolerable standard, while almost half required repairs to critical elements linked to weather tightness, structural stability or preventing deterioration. Within the social housing sector, 41 per cent of properties failed to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.
As one of Scotland's leading procurement organisations, SPA supports public sector bodies and social housing providers through compliant procurement solutions while helping members deliver safe, sustainable and high quality buildings and communities.
Lesley Peaty, Regional Director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance, said:
"Keeping existing buildings safe has never been more important and organisations are having to navigate changing legislation, ageing properties and increasingly complex responsibilities.
"We have brought together experts who can provide practical insight into the issues affecting the sector today while helping delegates prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
“Whether attendees are responsible for governance, asset management, procurement or compliance, the discussions will offer valuable knowledge that can help organisations make informed decisions and improve outcomes for the people who live in and use these buildings."
The SPA's AGM takes place in September. For more information and to register, visit SPA’s website here.