Building Safety Regulator transfer of staff update
In response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was established in 2021 as part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Prospect was subsequently informed that a decision had been taken to create a new BSR Executive Agency under the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This change would involve the transfer of all staff currently working within BSR from HSE to the new non-Crown Executive Agency.
Formal consultation on the proposed transfer commenced in January. From the outset, the union raised a number of serious concerns regarding the impact this change could have on staff. These included the potential loss of Civil Servant status, the pace at which the changes were being introduced, and the possibility of changes to pension provision.
Following the announcement, work was undertaken with the HSE Branch to strengthen union presence within BSR. This included recruiting and training a team of representatives to support, represent, and engage with members throughout the process. As a result, a team of six representatives has now been established, bringing a range of experience and a shared commitment to protecting and supporting members.
A representative working at BSR said:
“When the news of the creation of a ‘new’ BSR was shared it created so much stress and uncertainty in the people working for BSR. The work done by the reps and Prospect full time officer to bring some stability and openness to this difficult situation that we’ve found ourselves in has been so helpful. Being able to communicate with members about key issues affecting them (and us as reps!) has made such a difference. Most of the reps are inexperienced and the guidance and leadership of the full time officer and experienced rep invaluable.”
Through the work of the representatives, Prospect has already secured important commitments, including continued access to the Civil Service Pension. The transfer date has also been pushed back, extending the consultation period to ensure members’ concerns are fully addressed.
Ian Harris, Prospect Negotiations Officer, said:
“We have developed a strong team of reps within BSR who are actively holding management to account and pressing for the best terms and conditions for our members. I’m confident that post transfer we will be forming a strong, experienced and dynamic branch.”
Prospect continues to engage actively with the consultation process, ensuring members’ concerns are raised with management and working to secure the best possible outcomes to protect members’ terms and conditions.
