First quarterly Grenfell Tower Inquiry Government progress report

1 Quarterly Government progress reports on Grenfell Tower Inquiry
2 Summary update progress report in brief
3 The construction industry progress report in brief
4 Fire and rescue services progress report in brief
5 Response and recovery progress report in brief
6 Vulnerable people and phase 1 recommendations progress report
7 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] Quarterly Government progress reports on Grenfell Tower Inquiry

On 29 May 2025 the government published its first progress report on the implementation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 recommendations, also updating the Phase 1 recommendations related to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). The recommendations are grouped thematically using the same themes of the Inquiry; the construction industry; fire and rescue services; response and recovery; and vulnerable people, with a summary of progress, wider reforms and updates. Future reports are planned on a quarterly basis (Feb, May, Sept and Dec) until all are have been implemented.

The recommendations and responses to these are summarised below in brief, with some grouped together as certain actions answer multiple recommendations. For a shorter look at the recommendation progress see the article government Grenfell progress report at a glance, to see the full detailed report text click on the image above or follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grenfell-tower-inquiry-government-progress-report/progress-report-summary-update

[edit] Summary update progress report in brief

Last updated: May 29 2025

THEME	No. recommendations	In progress	Complete
The construction ind'try	28	28	0
Fire and rescue services	13	13	0
Response and recovery	14	14	0
Vulnerable people	3	2	1
TOTAL	58	57	1

[edit] The construction industry progress report in brief

The government will appoint an interim Chief Construction Adviser to rebuild trust in the built environment and support regulatory reforms. Fire functions transferred to MHCLG for better safety oversight. Alex Norris now leads fire and building safety policy. HSE is addressing pipeline isolation valve access and related safety concerns.

Recommendation 1 calls for unifying all construction industry functions under a single regulator. Completion is marked by the formal establishment of this regulator and a trusted, coherent system. Progress includes enhancing the Building Safety Regulator, investing in resources, publishing a Green Paper on product reform, and stakeholder collaboration on future plans.
Recommendation 2 calls for an urgent review of the definition of higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act. The Building Safety Regulator is developing the review’s scope, focusing on known issues and risks, with plans to publish findings and address gaps by late summer 2025.
Recommendation 3 calls for consolidating fire safety responsibilities from multiple departments into one under a single Secretary of State. Ministerial duties shifted in April 2025, with staff and budget transfers expected by July and autumn 2025, respectively. This aims to streamline oversight, led currently by Alex Norris.
Recommendation 4 calls for appointing a Chief Construction Adviser with adequate resources to oversee building regulations, provide government advice, and highlight important industry issues. Completion depends on appointing a permanent adviser who actively drives reform. An interim adviser is currently in place, with a permanent appointment planned for 2026.
Recommendation 5: That the statutory guidance generally, and Approved Document B in particular, be reviewed accordingly and a revised version published as soon as possible. This recommendation will be complete when the Building Safety Regulator publishes final recommendations on improving the structure and clarity of statutory guidance, including Approved Documents. Interim findings are due by summer 2025, with full recommendations in 2026. Approved Document B remains under continuous review, with further consultation planned for autumn 2025.
Recommendation 6: That a revised version of the guidance contain a clear warning in each section that the legal requirements are contained in the Building Regulations and that compliance with the guidance will not necessarily result in compliance with them. Addressed through the response to recommendation 5.
Recommendation 7: New materials and methods of construction and the practice of over cladding existing buildings make the existence of effective compartmentation a questionable assumption and we recommend that it be reconsidered when Approved Document B is revised. Addressed through the response to recommendation 5.
Recommendation 8: emphasises that fire spread rates and evacuation times, especially for those with impairments, should be calculated by qualified fire engineers. Approved Document B won’t specify acceptable values but will highlight the need for such calculations. This is being addressed through the Building Safety Regulator’s ongoing review with industry input.
Recommendation 9: urges advisory bodies on statutory guidance to include diverse experts from academia and industry, such as fire engineers, beyond previous members. The government supports this, with the Building Safety Act 2022 establishing the Building Advisory Committee and working groups already reflecting such diversity. Membership will be reviewed during guidance updates.
Recommendation 12: linked to Recommendation 5, confirms BS 9414 should not replace fire engineer assessments. Recommendations 5-9 and 12 will be complete once the Building Safety Regulator publishes the final statutory guidance review and implements improvements. Approved Document B undergoes continuous review, with a public consultation planned for autumn 2025.
Recommendation 10: will be complete when the review of the fire safety strategy within the higher-risk building regime is finished. Currently, minimum expectations are established, and updated guidance has been developed with the Building Safety Regulator. The government is actively gathering evidence and engaging with industry to explore how the strategy can be enhanced and future-proofed, especially regarding the needs of vulnerable people.
Recommendation 11: will be complete when continuous review is fully applied to Approved Document B, ensuring reliable test methods for assessing external walls and their suitability for evacuation strategies. The Building Safety Regulator leads this ongoing review, incorporating research and industry input, with a consultation on further changes planned for autumn 2025.
Recommendation 13: will be complete when a robust system for assessing construction product conformity is established, supported by legislation, guidance, and industry standards, with clear, transparent product information. The government’s Green Paper proposes major reforms, including stronger regulation of conformity bodies, with next steps guided by the May 2025 consultation responses.
Recommendation 14: will be complete when all product performance claims are fully evidenced and the construction regulator has the legal authority to demand disclosure of testing information. The Construction Products Reform Green Paper sets out these transparency reforms, with the government’s response to the May 2025 consultation to determine next steps.
Recommendation 15: That the profession of fire engineer be recognised and protected by law and that an independent body be established to regulate the profession, define the standards required for membership, maintain a register of members and regulate their conduct. Protect and regulate the fire engineering profession; completion when regulation mechanisms are established.
Recommendation 16: That the government take urgent steps to increase the number of places on high-quality master’s level courses in fire engineering accredited by the professional regulator. Increase master’s level fire engineering courses; completion when steps to boost course uptake are announced.
Recommendation 17: involves convening a panel of fire engineering practitioners, academics, and other experts to produce an authoritative statement defining the knowledge and skills expected of a competent fire engineer. Completion occurs when this statement is published, helping the construction industry better understand the role’s importance.
Recommendation 18: calls for government collaboration with industry and professional bodies to encourage fire engineering courses for construction professionals and fire services as part of continuing development. Completion is when industry-supported course development is confirmed and implemented. A panel of experts guides these efforts, with next steps due in autumn 2025.
Recommendation 19: will be complete when the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have reviewed and confirmed that their post-Grenfell updates to architect education and training are sufficient. ARB is satisfied with its changes; RIBA’s review is ongoing and expected within 12 months.
Recommendation 20: will be complete once a public consultation on making it statutory for principal designers’ senior managers to confirm compliance at Gateway 2 is finished, and the construction and insurance sectors are fully informed. Industry roundtables have been held, with further engagement planned to develop the consultation.
Recommendation 21: A licencing scheme for principal contractors working on higher-risk buildings will be introduced, requiring a personal undertaking from senior managers to ensure building safety at completion. The government will review the current duty holder regime, engage with stakeholders, and plan licencing based on compliance criteria. The recommendation will be complete once the review finishes and a licencing plan is established. Early stakeholder discussions and planning are underway.
Recommendation 22 and 23: The government has established an independent panel to review whether building control functions should be free from commercial interests and possibly centralised under a national authority. Chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, the panel includes industry experts and is tasked with delivering a report by the end of October 2025. Completion depends on the panel’s findings and subsequent government actions.
Recommendation 24: The government supports creating a digital library similar to the University of Queensland’s Cladding Materials Library to provide designers with clear, honest, and up-to-date information on construction products and their safe use. This initiative is part of broader construction product reforms, with consultation closed in May 2025. Next steps will follow the government’s response.
Recommendation 25: The government will create and maintain a publicly accessible record on GOV.UK of all recommendations made by public inquiries since 2024, including responses and progress updates. This aims to enhance transparency and parliamentary scrutiny. The record is expected to be established by summer 2025 and regularly updated thereafter.
Recommendation 26: The government will legislate to require mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors, ensuring their competence is independently verified by UKAS-accredited bodies. This will establish common standards, clear professional pathways, and robust certification. Expert engagement is underway, with detailed plans and milestones to be announced in autumn 2025.
Recommendation 27: The government asked the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Building Safety Regulator to review and advise on standardising fire control switches and keys. The NFCC developed an action plan after surveying fire services to understand current practices. Completion metrics will be set once the plan is finalised and shared.
Recommendation 28: The government agrees on the importance of regular inspections of gas pipeline isolation valves to ensure safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is researching current practices and stakeholder roles to develop options for inspection frequency and improved accessibility. Completion depends on raising awareness of valve importance amongst key parties.

[edit] Fire and rescue services progress report in brief

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) developed an action and delivery plan in April, which will be shared more widely with key stakeholders by the end of May. To inform this plan, NFCC have surveyed fire and rescue services (FRS) to establish a baseline position for FRS regarding the recommendations. NFCC are currently assessing responses to determine where there are gaps and need for support.

Recommendation 29: The government plans to establish an independent College of Fire and Rescue to enhance training, education, research, standards, and leadership across the sector. A public consultation will launch in summer 2025 to define its functions, structure, and funding. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing to ensure the college meets sector-wide needs.
Recommendation 30: Recommendation 30 calls for a permanently staffed and well-equipped Fire and Rescue College, with training led by experienced firefighters. The government will address this through a 2025 consultation on the college’s structure, staffing, and delivery. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing to ensure it meets national needs and supports operational effectiveness.
Recommendation 31: An inspection of London Fire Brigade’s control room by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was completed in 2024, assessing performance in key areas, including training and emergency response. Significant improvements were noted. Officials are now evaluating if the recommendation is fully met, with final approval pending ministerial review based on all gathered evidence.
Recommendation 32: HMICFRS inspected London Fire Brigade in 2024, reviewing incident commander training and competence. Their methodology covers the areas outlined in the recommendation. LFB reports progress, and fire officials are assessing whether the recommendation has been fully met. Final confirmation will follow agreement amongst inspectors, officials, and ministers.
Recommendation 33: HMICFRS inspected London Fire Brigade in 2024, reviewing how it manages information on high-risk residential buildings under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. Officials concluded the recommendation has been met, pending ministerial review. Final closure awaits confirmation that LFB’s procedures meet the expected standards for data management and distribution.
Recommendation 34: London Fire Brigade has improved how it collects and shares lessons from incidents, introducing tools like the Operational News Flash to quickly relay critical information. A supportive learning culture has been adopted. Completion of this recommendation depends on metrics set in the NFCC’s forthcoming action and delivery plan, now under review.
Recommendation 35: The NFCC is addressing radio use in fire and rescue services by surveying current practices and developing a delivery plan to guide safer radio usage, especially in high-rise buildings. The plan, finalised in April 2025, will set metrics for completion. Services are encouraged to limit low-power radios to flammable gas environments.:
Recommendation 36: That all fire and rescue services give consideration to providing all firefighters with digital radios. See 35.
Recommendation 37: The NFCC reviewed national guidance and surveyed fire services on training firefighters to handle communication loss. A delivery plan, due April 2025, will outline actions to improve awareness and response. Completion metrics will follow the plan’s finalisation, with ongoing assessment to identify gaps and support needs.
Recommendation 38: The NFCC is enhancing firefighter training on water supply systems, including hydrant types and boosting water flow. After reviewing national guidance and surveying fire services, NFCC will finalise a delivery plan by April 2025. Completion metrics will be set after the plan’s release, with ongoing evaluation to address training gaps.
Recommendation 39: The NFCC is working with fire services, water undertakers, and Ofwat to improve communication protocols for firefighting water supply. A delivery plan, due April 2025, will outline actions. Completion metrics will follow the plan’s finalisation. Ongoing surveys assess gaps and support needs to strengthen these arrangements nationwide.
Recommendation 40:The British Standards Institution (BSI) will amend BS 750 to clarify when the flow coefficient should be measured. A panel of experts is drafting the revision, with public consultation expected later in 2025. The recommendation will be complete once the updated standard is published and implemented in the marketplace.
Recommendation 41: See 34-39 above. The NFCC recognises firefighters must sometimes deviate from instructions due to dynamic risks. It reviewed guidance on crew briefings and surveyed fire services for training needs. A delivery plan, due April 2025, will outline actions to enhance awareness and training. Completion metrics will follow the plan’s finalisation.

[edit] Response and recovery progress report in brief

The UK government is strengthening national resilience through a new strategy, supported by the UK Resilience Academy launched in April 2025. Efforts include training thousands in emergency roles, using data tools to identify vulnerable populations, and modernising crisis response guidance with a focus on humanitarian needs and improved local preparedness.

Recommendation 42: The Cabinet Office is reviewing the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to consider granting a Secretary of State temporary powers to act as a Category 1 responder. This review, involving consultation with government departments, aims to strengthen intervention during responder failures. Progress is ongoing, with work already underway.
Recommendation 43: The government plans a 2025 consultation on amending Regulation 23 of the Civil Contingencies Act to require Category 1 responders to partner with voluntary, community, and faith sectors. This aims to strengthen emergency collaboration while considering impacts on both responders and diverse community groups before deciding on statutory duties.
Recommendation 44: The Cabinet Office is revising emergency guidance to consolidate and update it, emphasizing recovery, vulnerable people, and collaboration with voluntary, community, and faith groups. Initial steps include publishing new guidance in 2025, updating crisis management documents, and launching tools to improve risk assessment and multi-agency communication.
Recommendation 45: Humanitarian considerations will be formally recognised as the ninth principle of effective emergency response and recovery. The Cabinet Office has begun updating guidance, including the Amber Book, to ensure responders consider impacts on individuals before, during, and after emergencies, enhancing national and local emergency planning and response.
Recommendation 46: The London Gold emergency response guidance will be revised to clarify its operation, especially for incidents affecting a single borough. Regular training for chief executives and senior officers is being developed and scheduled for delivery from October 2025 to March 2026 to ensure familiarity and effective leadership.
Recommendation 47: Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) are adopting national standards for training and planning, with independent auditing to ensure compliance. The Cabinet Office launched the UK Resilience Academy in April 2025 to enhance training quality. MHCLG is running a Stronger LRF trailblazer programme with five LRFs and developing a peer review protocol to assess and improve resilience activities, expected to be tested in late 2025 or early 2026.
Recommendation 48: A mechanism to independently verify training frequency and quality for local authorities and Category 1 responders is being developed. The National Occupational Standards have been updated, and the UK Resilience Academy launched in April 2025 to improve training consistency and availability. MHCLG is working to establish reporting processes for training quality and frequency, with sector testing planned for 2025/26.
Recommendation 49: Local authorities are expected to train all employees, including chief executives, on resilience as part of their roles, with training tailored to local needs. MHCLG, UK Resilience Academy, LGA, and SOLACE are developing and planning to pilot a resilience training program for chief executives and relevant staff by the end of 2025/26, aiming to establish metrics and a wider training offer.
Recommendation 50: Local authorities should develop and test systems (preferably electronic) to track displaced or missing persons in emergencies. Commitment to highlight this responsibility in new guidance tailored to emergency circumstances. Progress: MHCLG is working with the Cabinet Office to define this in updated guidance (linked to recommendation 44).
Recommendation 51: Authorities must arrange rapid temporary accommodation that meets cultural and religious needs, ideally through local social housing providers. Commitment to reinforce existing legal obligation under the Housing Act 1996 via guidance. Progress; MHCLG is developing this with Cabinet Office partners, aligned with recommendation 44.
Recommendation 52: Emergency plans should include immediate financial assistance for affected people. Commitment to collaborate with local authorities and the LGA to explore practical and effective financial support options. Progress in MHCLG exploring best practices with partners as part of broader emergency guidance work.
Recommendation 53: Emergency planning should account for key worker roles and ensure continuity of support. Commitment to work with DHSC, DfE, and LGA to share guidance and promote relevant training. Progress work is ongoing with interdepartmental partners to be reflected in guidance.
Recommendation 54: Ensure communication with those needing assistance using appropriate technology and languages. Committed to reiterate legal obligations from the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 through new guidance. MHCLG and Cabinet Office reviewing how best to reflect this in updated guidance.
Recommendation 55: Provide emergency public information via the most effective modern communication methods. Commited to reinforce this legal duty in forthcoming updated guidance. Progression by includsion in joint review with Cabinet Office under recommendation 44. (Recommendations 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 are grouped)