New LABC advance self-assessment tools support teams to embrace BSR audit inspections

On 13 August 2025, Local Authority Building Control (LABC) launched new self-assessment tools for local authority building control departments in advance of the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) audit inspections.

Following implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022, the BSR will now inspect all building control teams over the next four years. The audits will ensure that building control bodies (BCBs) are meeting the requirements set out within legislation and associated guidance.

Local authorities can now access two new LABC self-assessment templates that have been created to assist building control teams review their own systems and controls in advance of their audit. These templates have been added to the existing LABC portfolio of management and audit support tools, which includes a Quality Management System (QMS), a technical guidance document library, and access to more detailed consultancy reviews. To date, 95% of public service building control teams in England and Wales have adopted the LABC QMS, and 32 have commissioned individual formal service reviews.

Lorna Stimpson, chief executive of LABC, said:

“Public sector building control departments are looking forward to engaging with the BSR and demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement. LABC’s package of support will help our members ensure they have the right documentation to hand and the correct processes in place so that they can feel confident ahead of their inspection. This is all part of the building control industry demonstrating that it is taking responsibility for its role in building safety and driving best practice at every stage.”

The LABC Quality Management System (QMS) is independently audited by BSI and the LABC Standards Team. The ISO 9001 standard framework sets the standards and performance required of local authority building control and identifies best practice. It also includes detailed legislative process maps to ensure consistent interpretation across local authority teams.

As part of its responsibilities under the Building Safety Act, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) operates a Building Control Professional Standards Unit. The unit audits building control bodies (BCBs) to ensure that they are meeting the requirements set out within legislation and guidance documents.

BCBs must submit several documents to the BSR including: Organisational chart; operating model; operational procedures; snapshot of the LA’s project portfolio over the last 3 months; Conflict of Interest policy; and a risk register.

Building control legislation and associated guidance = Operational Standards Rules (OSRs), Professional Conduct Rules, and the Building Inspector Competence Framework (BICoF).

The BSR’s approach to the audit is split into three areas: pre-inspection engagement, inspection, and outcomes.

Authorities will be given 14 days’ notice of inspection.

This article was issued via Press Release as "Local authority building control teams embracing BSR inspections says LABC" dated 13 August 2025.

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