Introduction
Feeling the pressure from the new Building Safety Act? You're not alone. One of the biggest worries for Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) managing higher-risk buildings is the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) asking for your building's Safety Case Report (SCR) with only 28 days' notice.
That's a tight deadline! Trying to pull everything together from scratch in that time is a recipe for stress and potential compliance headaches.
So, what can you do now to feel more prepared and avoid that last-minute scramble? This quick guide outlines the key areas you absolutely need to have under control before the BSR calls.
1. Is Your Core Building Info Easy to Find? (Think 'Golden Thread' Basics)
Imagine the BSR calls tomorrow. Can you instantly lay your hands on the essential safety information for your building? The new rules require a "Golden Thread" of information – basically, having key details accessible.
You can't afford to waste days searching through old emails, messy folders, or scattered spreadsheets. You need core info fast.
Do you know exactly where to find things like up-to-date building plans, fire strategy documents, key details about materials used (like cladding), and records of major safety systems?
Simple Question: Can you pull up these essential safety documents in minutes, not days?
2. Do You Have a Decent Safety Case Report (SCR) Draft Ready?
Creating a full SCR from zero in just 28 days is practically impossible. It needs detailed risk assessments and clear explanations of how you manage safety.
You need a solid starting point. The 28 days should be for final checks, updates, and polishing – not starting from a blank page.
Do you have a working SCR document that already identifies the major fire and structural risks in your building, describes the main ways you control these risks, and is kept reasonably up-to-date (a "living document")?
Simple Question: Is your SCR at least mostly complete, ready for final updates if needed?
3. Is Your Proof (Evidence) Organised and Linked?
The BSR doesn't just want your SCR; they want to see the proof behind your safety claims. This means linking your report to things like risk assessments, inspection reports, maintenance logs, and certificates.
If your evidence is all over the place (hello, spreadsheet chaos!), finding the right document to back up each part of your SCR quickly becomes a nightmare.
Are your supporting safety documents stored logically? Can you easily connect specific claims in your SCR to the document that proves it? Are you avoiding relying solely on messy spreadsheets for critical compliance tracking?
Simple Question: Can you easily show the proof for the safety measures described in your SCR?
4. Is Your Team and Process Ready to Go?
Getting the SCR finalised and submitted in 28 days isn't just about having the documents; it's about having a clear plan for who does what.
Confusion about roles or sign-off procedures can eat up precious time when the clock is ticking.
Does everyone involved (your team, maybe external experts) know their specific tasks if the BSR calls? Is there a clear, quick process for final review and formal sign-off of the SCR? Do you know exactly how the BSR wants the report submitted?
Simple Question: Do you have a clear action plan for finalising and submitting the SCR within the 28 days?
Being Prepared is Your Best Defence Against Deadline Stress
The 28-day SCR request from the BSR is a key part of the new Building Safety Act – and it's designed to ensure buildings are being managed safely. While the deadline is tight, focusing on these key readiness areas now can make a huge difference.
Make sure your core data is accessible, you have a working SCR draft, your evidence is organised, and your process is clear. Getting these ducks in a row proactively is the best way to reduce stress, manage compliance risk, and confidently answer the call when the BSR gets in touch.