Publication of Phase 2 Report

Today sees the publication of the much anticipated and long-awaited final (Phase 2) Report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, established by then Prime Minister, Theresa May, in the wake of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017. First and foremost, this fire was a human tragedy in which 72 people lost their lives and which could and should have been avoided.

The Phase 1 Report examined the events on the night of the fire; how it started, how it escaped and spread over the entire building with such devastating consequences. The Phase 2 Report examines the underlying causes of the fire and identifies where mistakes were made and how a similar disaster should be prevented from occurring.

One of the major criticisms of the refurbishment at Grenfell Tower was the failure to understand where the responsibility for any particular decision lay, especially in relation to the suitability and selection of materials for the rainscreen cladding panels and insulation used in the refurbishment.

The Panel has made several recommendations with a view to bringing about fundamental change in the practices of the construction industry for the future safety of everyone living and working in all buildings, and high-rise buildings in particular.

We are continuing to distil the contents of the report, but the key recommendations are as follows:

  1. The appointment of a construction regulator to oversee all aspects of the construction industry.
  2. Responsibility for all aspects of fire safety be brought under one Government department.
  3. The establishment of a body of professional fire engineers properly regulated and with protected status.
  4. The introduction of mandatory fire safety strategies for higher-risk buildings.
  5. A licensing scheme operated by the construction regulator for principal contractors wishing to undertake construction or refurbishment of higher-risk buildings.
  6. The regulation and mandatory accreditation of fire risk assessors.
  7. The establishment of an independent College of Fire and Rescue to provide practical and managerial training.
  8. The assessment and conformity of construction products with the requirements of legislation, statutory guidance and industry standards by the construction regulator.

HF is instructed by a core participant in the Inquiry.
For advice or further information concerning the impact of the Phase 2 Report please contact:

Victoria Jordan

Paul Cha

Other contacts:

Tom Davison

Stefanie Johnston

Martin Browne