ECA welcomes stricter subcontractor quality control

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has announced plans to strengthen quality control requirements across the construction supply chain, with a particular focus on how main contractors oversee subcontractors on higher-risk building projects.

The move is expected to place greater emphasis on accountability, competence and quality assurance throughout project delivery, ensuring that safety standards are consistently maintained across all tiers of the supply chain.

BSR Chair Andy Roe outlined the regulator’s approach during a press briefing on 22 July 2026, warning that approved designs can still be compromised during the next phase if quality control is inadequate. He stressed that projects progressing from Gateway Two design approval to Gateway Three completion must be supported by effective supervision, rigorous quality checks and high standards.

The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) welcomes these measures, which reinforce the importance of competence, effective supervision and robust quality assurance throughout the supply chain. ECA Members must demonstrate technical competence and compliance, which are regularly assessed as part of the membership process. By choosing an ECA Member contractor, clients can be confident that their projects are being delivered by a contractor that meets recognised industry standards and is committed to maintaining the highest levels of safety and quality.

ECA Members can contact the Safety, Health & Environment helpline for advice on these changes and access a range of guidance and resources on the ECA website to support compliance with Building Safety legislation and standards.

This article originally appeared on the ECA website on 29 July 2026.

--ECA

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• ECA.
• ECA articles.
• Building Safety Act.
• Building Safety Regulator.
• Grenfell Tower articles.
• Grenfell Tower Fire.
• Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
• Hackitt review of the building regulations and fire safety, final report.
• Subcontractor.
• Quality control.