Post-Grenfell safety certificate for council’s building control company

Two members of Cheshire East Council’s building control company Civicance have gained specialist fire safety certificates introduced as a result of the Grenfell fire tragedy.

Managing director Ian Bunn and consultancy manager Andrew Logan gained the qualifications, which demonstrate competence in fire safety around high-risk and complex buildings.

The fire safety qualification demonstrates the competence to enable building surveyors to inspect any high-rise or complex building and advise on the removal of any hazardous material or to introduce additional safety measures or materials.

Ian and Andrew gained the certificates through Local Authority Building Control in association with the Institution of Fire Engineers. The qualification is a direct response to requirements set out in the Hackitt Review.

Dame Judith Hackitt carried out the independent review of building regulations and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, when more than 70 people died and a further 70 were injured. As a result, the government is now consulting on a new regulatory framework to improve fire safety in high-rise residential tower blocks and has published new legislation to ban the use of combustible materials on residential buildings of more than six storeys.

Ian said: “The Grenfell Tower disaster was a wake-up call to the industry and local authorities to ensure that buildings are safe and that all materials used in the construction of tower blocks are of the required safety standard.

“This certificate of competence demonstrates the commitment of Civicance to the delivery of high-quality services on behalf of Cheshire East Council.”

Councillor Toni Fox, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for planning, which includes building control, said: “Cheshire East Council takes the safety of all its residents extremely seriously and I congratulate Ian and Andrew on their achievement in this very important area of building control and public safety.”

In addition to its commitment to competency, reflected in the award of these certificates, Civicance has recently welcomed a new member to the team. Steve Mansfield brings to the organisation 32 years experience in the building control sector.

Anyone wishing to enquire about fire safety or building regulations can do so by contacting Civicance online at: https://bit.ly/2K0vC6Y