Behind The Regs with John Miles

Behind The Regs with John Miles

Navigating the Building Control Landscape: Insights from John Miles Learn about the journey of John Miles in building control, his insights on public vs. private sectors, and the importance of collaboration in ensuring safe buildings. In the complex world of construction and building regulations, understanding the nuances of building control can be crucial for ensuring safety and compliance. In this post, we explore the insights of John Miles, a seasoned professional in the field, as he shares his journey and key learnings from his experiences across both public and private sectors. About John Miles John Miles has a rich background in building control, embarking on his journey in the mid-90s. With a degree in building surveying from Sheffield Hallam University, he has worked in various capacities within different organisations, including local councils and private firms. His current role as a consultant at Hounsler Council in London allows him to integrate his extensive knowledge with practical applications in the field. The Shift from Private to Public Sector John’s transition from the private sector to local authority work has been enlightening. He emphasises that working in the public sector offers a more holistic approach to building control. Unlike the private sector, where roles can be more siloed, the public sector fosters collaboration across departments. This interconnectedness is vital in addressing issues like substandard housing and ensuring that building regulations are followed. Key Takeaway: Holistic Approaches Matter - Why it matters:A holistic approach ensures that safety is prioritised, as building control professionals collaborate to address various issues. - Common mistake: Relying solely on regulations without considering broader implications can lead to safety oversights. The Importance of Collaboration in Building Control One of John’s significant insights is the need for collaboration within the building control sector. He reflects on the lessons learned from the recent struggles of Ascent, highlighting that no organization is too big to fail. The industry must work together to ensure safety and compliance, sharing knowledge and resources effectively. Key Takeaway: No One is Too Big to Fail - Why it matters: The construction sector must recognize the importance of collaboration and community responsibility to prevent failures. - Common mistake: Underestimating the value of cooperative relationships can lead to significant risks and oversights. Lessons from Structural Warranties John discusses his experience with structural warranties, noting the differing risk appetites between warranty providers and building regulations. He stresses that achieving the minimum standards is not enough; the industry should strive for excellence in construction practices. Key Takeaway: Striving for Excellence - Why it matters: Building to minimum standards can lead to compromised safety and quality. - Common mistake: Assuming that meeting regulations alone guarantees safety and quality in construction. Key Takeaways from John Miles - Collaboration is crucial: Building control professionals must work together across sectors to enhance public safety. - Understand your role: Recognising the broader implications of your work is essential for effective building control. - Aim for more than minimums: Strive for high standards in construction to ensure safety and longevity. In conclusion, John Miles’ insights highlight the importance of collaboration, a holistic approach, and striving for excellence in the building control sector. As professionals, we must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that our buildings are not just compliant but safe and sustainable for future generations.

Behind The Regs with Darren Ettles

Summary In this episode of the Behind the Regs podcast, host Jack Calveley and co-host Nader engage with Darren Ettles, a seasoned professional in building control. They discuss Darren's extensive background, the role of the ABCA, the importance of a collective voice in the industry, and the impact of recent changes in building regulations, particularly the Building Safety Act. The conversation also touches on the sustainability of the private sector building control model, the effectiveness of competency assessments, and the need for collaboration across the sector. Darren emphasises the importance of communication and understanding within the industry to navigate future challenges effectively. Takeaways Darren Ettles has 35 years of experience in building control. ABCA represents private sector building control professionals. Building control requires a strong administrative foundation. The industry must adapt to changing regulations and standards. Competency assessments need to focus on practical understanding. Collaboration between local authorities and private sector is essential. The Building Safety Act has introduced significant changes. There is a need for a collective voice in the industry. Communication is key to resolving industry challenges. Future success depends on working together as a unified sector. Titles Navigating the Future of Building Control The Role of ABCA in Modern Building Regulations sound bites "Building control is 70% process." "The local authority has the teeth now." "We should all appreciate what we do." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Building Control and Darren's Background 07:29 Understanding ABCA and Its Role in the Industry 12:27 The Importance of a Collective Voice in Building Control 18:27 Challenges and Changes in Building Control Post-Building Safety Act 26:57 The Future of Private Sector Building Control 33:06 Sustainability of the Current Commercial Model 39:05 The Evolution of Building Control Approvals 40:31 Understanding Final Certificates and Competence Schemes 42:28 The Role of RBI in Building Regulations 45:39 The Need for Updated Guidance in Building Practices 50:45 Collaboration Across the Sector: A Path Forward 54:22 Bridging the Gap: The Role of ABCA 01:01:54 Navigating Future Challenges in Building Control

Behind The Regs with Stuart Hammond

Summary In this episode of Behind the Regs, Jack and Nader engage with Stuart Hammond to explore the multifaceted role of Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) within the building control industry. The conversation delves into Stuart's background, the importance of career progression, the current state of competency and stabilisation in the industry, and the critical responsibilities of RBIs. They discuss the need for collaboration between local authorities and Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs), the challenges of maintaining competency, and the future of building control amidst regulatory changes. Stuart emphasises the importance of professional memberships and the need for a cultural shift in the industry to foster collaboration and support for RBIs. The episode concludes with valuable advice for RBIs navigating their careers in this evolving landscape. Takeaways Stuart Hammond shares his journey into building control. Career progression in building control is vital for the next generation. The industry is stabilising but still faces competency challenges. RBIs play a crucial role in ensuring regulatory compliance. Collaboration between local authorities and RBCAs is essential. Competency assessments are becoming the primary focus for RBIs. Professional memberships enhance career prospects and industry respect. The disconnect between local authorities and RBCAs needs to be addressed. Future success in building control requires more staff and collaboration. RBI's should prioritise their career goals and well-being. Titles Understanding the Role of RBIs in Building Control Navigating Career Progression in Building Control Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Building Control and RBI Perspectives 04:11 Stuart Hammond's Journey in Building Control 07:25 The Role of Management in Building Control 10:15 Stabilization and Competency in Building Control 13:06 Challenges in Class 3 Competency 16:22 The Importance of Collaboration in Building Control 19:14 Understanding the Role of an RBI 22:22 Accountability and Support for RBIs 25:10 Defining a Good RBI 29:14 Local Authorities vs RBCAs: Bridging the Gap 34:40 Generational Change in Building Control 36:02 Collaboration Between Authorities 39:11 Competence vs. Professional Memberships 44:38 Adapting to Regulatory Changes 52:29 Future of Building Control 54:51 Advice for Building Inspectors

Behind The Regs with Dr. Michael Kinsey

In this episode of Behind the Regs, hosts Nader and Jack engage with Dr. Michael Kinsey, a chartered fire engineer and researcher specialising in human behaviour during fire emergencies. Dr. Kinsey shares his journey from a background in computer science to his current focus on evacuation modelling and human behaviour in fire scenarios. He emphasises the gap between theoretical fire safety design and actual human behaviour, highlighting how assumptions made by designers often do not align with real-world reactions during emergencies. Through his research, he aims to bridge this gap by understanding decision-making processes and group dynamics in crisis situations. The conversation delves into the complexities of fire safety design, particularly the reliance on compliance with fire design guidance, which can lead to unsafe outcomes if practitioners do not critically assess human behaviour. Dr. Kinsey discusses the importance of evacuation modelling as a tool for stress-testing designs rather than a definitive answer to safety. He also addresses the challenges of using lifts for evacuation, the need for better education in fire engineering, and the importance of fostering curiosity and courage among engineers to question compliance and advocate for safer designs. This episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of engineering, human behavior, and fire safety.

Behind The Regs with Gary Cass

In this insightful interview, Gary Cass shares his extensive journey through the building control industry, highlighting leadership, industry collaboration, and future challenges. Discover how his diverse roles and experiences shape his vision for the sector's evolution. keywords building control, leadership, industry collaboration, regulation, career development, UK construction key topics Gary's career progression and leadership journey Industry collaboration between public and private sectors Challenges and future of building control resource management Titles From Trainee to CEO: Gary's Building Control Journey Leadership and Collaboration in Building Control with Gary Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gary's Industry Background 03:32 Gary's Career Path and Key Milestones 05:28 Transition from Technical Roles to Leadership 08:24 Impact of Legislation and Industry Response 11:13 Building Control Sector Challenges and Opportunities 14:31 Balancing Public and Private Sector Building Control 18:25 Leadership Principles and Ethical Approach 21:18 Industry Collaboration and Organizational Structure 25:16 Working with Industry Organizations and Challenges 34:11 Current Industry Concerns: Resources and Fees 39:06 The Future of Building Control and Sector Evolution 52:05 Vision for Industry Improvement and Professional Growth 59:14 Gary's Role in CABE and Industry Contribution 01:03:59 no-copyright-music-394971.mp3 Resources Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) - https://www.cabe.org.uk/ Construction Industry Council (CIC) - https://cic.org.uk/ NHBC (National House Building Council) - https://www.nhbc.co.uk/ CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) - https://www.ciob.org/ Building Control Alliance (BCA) - https://www.bca.org.uk/ Guest links https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-cass-08160188/