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.

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/

In this episode of the Behind the Regs podcast, Jack and Nader engage with Jon Cumberlidge, a prominent figure in building control and competence discussions. The conversation explores Jon's extensive background in construction, the establishment and role of the Industry Competency Committee (ICC), and the evolving landscape of competence within the building control profession. Key themes include the importance of professional judgment, the impact of regulatory reforms, and the need for cultural change in the construction industry to rebuild trust and ensure public safety. John emphasizes the significance of collaboration among building inspectors and the necessity of maintaining high standards of competence as the industry navigates through significant changes.

Takeaways

Competence should be integrated into daily practices.

Re-registration in 2028 is approaching quickly.

Building inspectors must prepare for ongoing changes.

Professional judgment is crucial in building control.

The ICC aims to set competence standards for the industry.

Collaboration among building inspectors is essential.

Cultural change is needed to rebuild trust in construction.

Regulatory reforms can lead to unintended consequences.

Fire engineering is moving towards professionalization.

Public safety is a primary concern in building control.

Titles

Navigating the Future of Building Control

The Importance of Competence in Construction

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Building Control and Competence

04:13 The Role of the Industry Competency Committee (ICC)

07:32 Competence in Practice for Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs)

10:51 Understanding Good Competence in Building Inspection

13:37 Building Control Working Group and Its Focus

16:21 Challenges in Construction Regulation and Responsibilities

19:32 Pressure and Professional Judgment in Building Inspection

23:10 Protecting Professional Judgment Amidst Oversight

27:35 Government Proposals and the Single Construction Regulator

32:06 Building Control and Regulatory Changes

39:10 The Future of Fire Engineering

46:38 Cultural Change in Construction

54:34 The Path Forward for Building Control Professionals

Most companies overlook a simple truth: clarity in building safety can save lives and prevent costly disasters. Gareth Grimes, a construction veteran and expert in building safety, reveals how stripping away legal jargon and embracing plain language dramatically improves understanding and accountability in a complex industry.

In this eye-opening episode, Gareth shares over 26 years of construction experience, from demolitions in Liverpool to high-rise projects in Dubai.

He explains why building safety is often misunderstood not by accident, but by design and how this systemic complexity leaves residents, duty holders, and even professionals guessing instead of acting.

You'll discover how ambiguous language on site leads to dangerous delays, recognize the pitfalls of overcomplication, and learn how humour and simplicity can be powerful tools for real change.

We break down concrete strategies Gareth uses, including his free e-books that demystify legislation, the importance of clear fire strategies, and responsible roles within the building safety framework.

Summary

In this episode of the Behind the Regs podcast, Jack and Nader engage with Carrie Good, a seasoned professional in building control. Carrie shares her journey from a technical admin to a registered building inspector, discussing the challenges and changes in the industry, particularly in light of the Building Safety Act. The conversation delves into the roles and responsibilities of duty holders, the relevance of building notices, the impact of AI, and the complexities of the registration process. Carrie emphasizes the importance of competence in the industry and the need for better communication and understanding among all stakeholders. The episode concludes with insights on attracting new talent to building control and the future of the profession.

In this episode of Behind the Regs, hosts Jack and Nader interview David Barley, a seasoned professional in the construction and education sectors. David shares his extensive career journey, highlighting the importance of competency assessments and the re-registration process for Registered Building Inspectors (RBI's). The conversation delves into the challenges faced by RBI's, common misconceptions about the re-registration process, and the significance of continuous professional development (CPD). David emphasizes the support available through Total Training Development (TTD) and encourages RBI's to actively engage in their professional growth. The episode concludes with practical advice for preparing for re-registration and the resources TTD offers to assist professionals in the building control sector.

In this episode, Nader and Jack discuss the intricacies of building control recruitment with Paul Tomkies, the founding director of BRG. Paul shares his extensive experience in the industry, addressing the value of recruitment agencies, misconceptions about the recruitment process, and the impact of new regulations on staffing. The conversation delves into the current skill shortages, the future of talent in building control, and the role of professional associations. They also explore salary trends, the potential of AI in recruitment, and the challenges posed by the upcoming 2028 registration requirements. Throughout the discussion, Paul emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local authorities and the private sector, as well as the need for employers to adapt to a competitive market.

In this episode of the Behind the Regs podcast, Aaron Bridges shares his journey from military service to becoming a building control surveyor. He discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by service leavers transitioning into civilian roles, particularly in building control. The conversation highlights the importance of purpose, awareness, and mentorship in attracting military personnel to the profession, as well as the misconceptions that exist about building control. Aaron emphasizes the need for greater awareness and recruitment efforts to bring more service leavers into the industry, ultimately enhancing public safety and building standards.