Implementing the Grenfell Inquiry – where we stand in 2025

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report was published in September 2024, and the government issued its comprehensive formal response in February 2025, marking the start of a shift, from investigation to implementation.

Over eight years have passed since the tragedy. The government is now deep into a long-term reform programme. Out of 58 Phase 2 recommendations, 49 have been accepted in full, nine in principle. Of those, 28 focus directly on the construction industry.

There is a huge amount to absorb. Some in the sector are understandably getting a little jaded with the amount of new guidance and frameworks, but this is different. The reforms go right to the core of how building safety is regulated and delivered. Responsibilities are changing for many involved in building and development projects, and the timeline for adjustment is narrowing.

Setting the Pace – where government accountability meets industry delivery

The plan is a long-term one and Government expects the reforms to take at least four years. That’s mostly down to legislation needing Parliamentary time.

To maintain transparency, progress is now reported quarterly – in February, May, September and December. These updates are public and include ministerial responses. They provide a level of scrutiny we haven’t really seen before in this space.

The quarterly progress reports are published on GOV.UK, and track the implementation status of every Grenfell recommendation and the government’s response. For anyone working in, or whose role touches on building safety, these reports are a valuable reference point, especially for project planning and briefing.

Some within the industry have renewed calls for the return of a Chief Construction Adviser to support the delivery of systemic reforms. That role would potentially bring sector expertise into the heart of decision-making and delivery, but further news on this is still waiting in the wings.

Taken together, however, the general direction of travel continues to take us towards a serious, lasting shift in how safety is both governed and applied.

The single regulator and the future of building control

One key part of the reform that is now in motion is the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) which is established within the HSE and operational. The BSR is the new regulatory authority for higher-risk buildings. Additionally, the government has committed to exploring the creation of a single overarching construction regulator (a body with a wider mandate than the BSR) which is working through the design and legislative phase. Full establishment of this broader regulator, if it happens, is not expected before 2028.

The aim of all of this is to bring order to a fragmented system. Previously, regulatory functions were spread across multiple bodies. This consolidation will create one authority responsible for oversight, guidance, and enforcement.

The 28 industry-specific recommendations from the Inquiry are part of this structure. The government has confirmed that the suite of statutory guidance (including the Approved Documents) is under review. While exact timelines remain under development, some interim work is expected in the remainder of 2025, with more comprehensive updates likely in 2026.

We are seeing clearer emerging direction from the Building Safety Regulator. New guidance on the building-control approval process for higher-risk buildings (Gateway 2) continues to be published by the BSR, clarifying what must be submitted and how the regulator expects duty-holders to demonstrate compliance. This suggests a tightening of expectations across the regime.

Design and compliance professionals should start adapting to this new structure. There will be clearer competency requirements and more detailed submission formats. It’s not business as usual anymore.

What the redefinition means for your portfolio

The current definition of Higher-Risk Buildings covers those over 18 metres or seven storeys, with at least two residential units. That scope is under review.

A review of the HRB definition is underway; further work has been signalled. While the current criteria remain at least 18 metres (or 7 storeys) and contains at least two residential units (or is a hospital or care home), some stakeholders expect future consideration of additional factors such as occupancy or risk-profile.

This matters. If more buildings fall under the HRB regime, that will bring additional requirements – more Gateway submissions, more safety case documentation, and greater involvement from the Regulator.

We all need to get ahead of this and start assessing which buildings in any given portfolio could fall into scope. Planning ahead now will save time, cost, and risk later.

Regulation, Protection, and Professional Standards

Fire engineering is changing. It’s moving towards being a regulated profession with protected status.

The government is supporting this with new funding for masters-level training. An expert panel – made up of academics, industry representatives, and regulators – is also working to define what professional competence looks like for fire engineers.

Principal designers and consultants need to pay attention here. Future project teams will be expected to meet formal standards. If you rely on in-house or third-party fire engineering input, that work will need to align with these changes.

We should see more more clarity on this through late 2025 and into next year. For now, starting to review your internal capacity and/or professional support partnerships around this topic and wider safety aspects is a sensible first step.

Life Safety Systems – from evacuation plans to “London Gold”

Emergency planning requirements are now tighter. Instead of the originally proposed PEEPs, the government is implementing requirements for Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing (EEIS) later this year. EEIS is a risk-based approach that requires the Principal Accountable Person to share specific, up-to-date evacuation information with the local Fire and Rescue Service.

It means evacuation plans will be mandatory at building level for all high-rise residential buildings (18m+) under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Local Resilience Forums are also updating their procedures. In London, this includes a review of the “London Gold” framework to ensure it aligns with national expectations.

There are also new duties for building owners to report external wall designs and materials to fire and rescue services. This adds a further layer of operational responsibility.

Principal designers and managers will need to reflect this in project briefs and ongoing safety protocols as we move beyond just best practice and into this being a fundamental requirement.

Beyond cladding and into products and supply chain integrity

Product reform is also progressing.

A Construction Products Green Paper on the future construction products regulatory regime was published in February 2025 and is currently undergoing consultation. It proposes new systems for testing, certification, and market oversight.

Alongside this, a new legal duty of candour is in development. Based on the “Hillsborough Law” model, it aims to improve transparency and accountability, particularly for those working in or with public authorities.

Another strand involves information on building services and utilities. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working with stakeholders to ensure that information regarding the location of shut-off/isolation valves for gas, water, and electricity is readily available to the Fire and Rescue Service, as required by the Inquiry.

The core thread running through all of this is “transparency”. The industry is being asked to document more, share more, demonstrate consideration at all stages, and stand behind any decisions with clear evidence.

From recommendations to reality

As mentioned above, this is a lengthy journey for us all, but here’s what organisations can do now:

• Review the government’s quarterly reports and assign someone to monitor relevant updates.
• Review team qualifications and fire engineering competencies against expected future standards.
• Audit your building portfolios in case the HRB definition is expanded.
• Check whether your supply chain meets likely product compliance requirements.
• Get your documentation in shape (evacuation plans, external wall information, safety case files)
• Start embedding a safety-first approach into how projects are worked on and delivered, not just how they’re signed off.
• Engage with professional advisors / consultants or support (like enevo) AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE in the project lifecycle.

Sustaining momentum in the 2025-2026 watershed

This is not a simple/quick set of changes. It will take time, people, and money to get right…but it is essential. It ultimately reflects on tragic lessons we cannot afford to ignore in future.

As a dutyholder involved in a project, you’re not a passive observer. The way you deliver projects and shape your teams will define how the sector moves forward. The next 12 to 18 months will set the tone for the next decade. Engaging early helps you stay ahead and shape the change rather than react to it.

Building safety is a technical duty and part of your professional responsibility, something that needs to sit at the centre of every project, every time. Collaboration throughout is the key to success.

If you’re uncertain how these changes affect your projects or roles, our Building Safety specialists are here to help. enevo works alongside clients to interpret new requirements, strengthen compliance, and embed safer ways of working from the start.

Get in touch with our Building Safety team for practical guidance, early-stage advice, or a project review.