Wednesday 4th September 2024
CPA welcomes the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report
Today’s publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report is a landmark moment in the history and future of the UK construction industry. As expected, it also raises critical issues relating to construction products. The Inquiry’s findings make clear that the tragedy was wholly avoidable, but for a failure in culture, practice and competence.
We acknowledge and agree with these findings, and again extend our sympathies to the families and wider Grenfell community.
Many of these issues identified by the Inquiry have also been highlighted previously by the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety (led by Dame Judith Hackitt) and the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime (led by Paul Morrell OBE and Annelise Day KC).
The recommendations from all these reports provide a clear picture about what needs to change in the industry. They also reflect the guiding principles that have shaped the CPA’s work since the Grenfell tragedy over seven years ago, and we have accepted them all.
We continue to work closely with manufacturers, government, the regulators and industry to develop and introduce new standards and legislation that will drive reform.
This is not job done. The Inquiry report is the most powerful reminder, if we needed one, that we must double-down on safety. The CPA is committed to continuing this important work.
Wednesday 24th August 2024
Grenfell Tower Inquiry – Final Report, 4 September 2024
Next week will mark the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report. We are eager to read its findings and recommendations after more than six years of hearings and investigations, and we will be updating this website with our reflections, responses and advice to members.
Since the tragedy happened, the CPA has consistently called for action on regulatory reforms and cultural change. We want to see more clarification of roles and responsibilities, steps to improve quality, processes and standards, and a change in how the industry engages with built environment users and residents of buildings.
There has been progress. The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) significantly improves the information provided about product performance, making sure product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous.
Many construction businesses have implemented new quality assurance processes and invested in digital tools to drive greater oversight and build an essential golden thread of information. There has also been a sustained effort to drive greater competence within the sector.
Whatever the findings of the report, there is still going to be more to do. The CPA will continue to play its part in pushing for cultural change in construction and the continued enforcement of the Building Safety Act, including all those many small steps in between that make any improvement possible.
Key activities
· In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire the CPA was a founding member of the Industry Response Group (IRG) that – alongside Build UK and the Construction Industry Council – liaised with Government to help coordinate the sector’s response .
· The CPA was actively involved in the Dame Judith Hackitt Review, chairing or contributing to various working groups focused on regulations, competence, digitalisation and product quality.
· The CPA has led calls for cultural change to happen alongside any structural and regulatory changes. This includes developing a culture of high standards and continuous learning to drive greater competence in the industry and the creation of new rules on construction product marketing.
· The CPA introduced the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) following detailed consultation with industry. It calls for all products to be marketed under five core principles – construction product information must be clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous.
· The CPA’s work to support the new building safety regime continues in areas such as product traceability, product standards, competence, and transparency in product testing, procurement and specification and marketing. Further areas may be identified following a full review of the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report.
· The CPA also continues to work with the wider industry to embed these ambitions in business as usual operations, moving the industry to a new and more verifiably rigorous approach. This has been most evident through our work as part of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), which has published a report on the progress made by the industry to improve building safety.
For further information or media contact, please email rob.lee@constructionproducts.org.uk