CPD focus: Understanding how the Building Safety Act is changing design responsibility, information management and façade specification
Key takeaways
By reading this article, specifiers will understand:
- How the Building Safety Act is changing safety, accountability and design responsibility.
- The role of Gateway approvals and the Golden Thread of information.
- The distinction between Building Regulations Principal Designer and CDM Principal Designer roles.
- Why façade and glazing systems require early coordination, robust evidence and clear documentation.
The Building Safety Act represents one of the most significant changes to the UK construction industry in decades. More than a new regulatory requirement, it introduces a fundamental shift in how safety, accountability and information management are approached throughout a building’s lifecycle.
For architects, designers and specifiers, safety can no longer be treated as a final-stage compliance check. It must be considered throughout the design process, with decisions recorded, justified and supported by appropriate evidence.
This is particularly relevant when specifying façades and glazing systems. The building envelope sits at the intersection of architectural intent, technical performance and safety compliance, creating complex interfaces between materials, systems and construction disciplines.
The question for design teams is no longer simply “Does this product comply?” but rather “Can we demonstrate why this solution was selected, how it performs and what evidence supports that decision?”
A new approach to design responsibility
The Building Safety Act followed the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, led by Dame Judith Hackitt in 2018. The review identified weaknesses in the previous regulatory system, including unclear responsibilities, fragmented information and a culture of achieving minimum compliance rather than demonstrating genuine safety.
The reforms introduced a new framework based around:
- clearly defined dutyholder responsibilities;
- Gateway approval stages for Higher-Risk Buildings;
- the Golden Thread approach to managing building safety information.
While Gateway approvals and Building Safety Regulator oversight apply specifically to Higher-Risk Buildings, the wider principles of competence, accountability and improved information management affect the construction industry as a whole.
Understanding the Gateway process
The Gateway process applies to Higher-Risk Buildings, which include buildings that are at least 18 metres in height or have at least seven storeys and meet the relevant criteria, such as containing at least two residential units.
The three Gateway stages provide regulatory checkpoints:
Gateway 1 – Planning stage
Fire safety considerations must be addressed as part of the planning process, ensuring key risks are identified early.
Gateway 2 – Before construction begins
Detailed design information must be submitted to and approved by the Building Safety Regulator before construction work can commence.
Gateway 3 – Completion stage
Evidence must demonstrate that the building has been constructed in accordance with the approved design.
For design teams, Gateway 2 represents a significant change. Projects must demonstrate not only what has been specified, but why decisions were made and whether appropriate evidence exists to support them.
Understanding the Principal Designer role
A key change introduced by the new regulatory framework is the Building Regulations Principal Designer role.
This should not be confused with the Principal Designer role under the CDM Regulations. Although the same individual or organisation may undertake both roles, their legal responsibilities are different.
The CDM Principal Designer focuses on managing health and safety risks during design and construction. The Building Regulations Principal Designer is responsible for ensuring that design work complies with Building Regulations and that designers coordinate effectively to support compliance.
Where architects undertake the Building Regulations Principal Designer role, they take on specific legal duties. However, all designers involved in a project have a responsibility to contribute accurate information and ensure their own design work meets regulatory requirements.
The Golden Thread: more than documentation
The Golden Thread is one of the most important concepts introduced by the Building Safety Act.
It is not simply a collection of documents. It is a structured approach to managing and maintaining accurate building safety information throughout the lifecycle of a building.
For façade and glazing specification, this may include:
- fire classification information;
- test evidence and certification;
- design rationale;
- interface details;
- installation requirements;
- records of changes and approvals.
The purpose is traceability. Those responsible for managing a building in the future should be able to understand what decisions were made, why they were made and what evidence supports them.
The most effective approach is to create and maintain this information as the project develops, rather than attempting to compile it at completion.
Why façade interfaces require careful coordination
Façade systems are complex assemblies involving multiple components, suppliers and interfaces. Risks often occur where different systems meet rather than within individual products themselves.
Design teams should consider:
- how façade systems interact with compartmentation;
- how cavity barriers and fire-stopping are incorporated;
- whether systems have appropriate evidence for the intended application;
- whether installation guidance reflects project conditions.
When specifying glazing and façade systems, designers should look beyond appearance and performance claims. Evidence should be appropriate to the building type, risk profile and intended use.
Key questions include:
- Has the system been assessed against the relevant regulatory requirements?
- Is suitable test data or certification available?
- Are interface details clearly defined?
- Can the manufacturer contribute information to support the project’s Golden Thread?
Specification as professional due diligence
The Building Safety Act reinforces the importance of accurate, informed specification.
Selecting a product is no longer only about aesthetics, cost or availability. Specifiers must understand how systems perform within the wider building design and ensure supporting evidence is available.
This requires closer collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers and specialist suppliers.
Manufacturers increasingly have a role beyond supplying products. Technical expertise, testing capability, training and reliable documentation are becoming essential elements of responsible specification.
Building a safer future through collaboration
The Building Safety Act raises expectations across the construction industry, but it also creates an opportunity to improve how buildings are designed and delivered.
By embedding safety considerations early, maintaining accurate information and working collaboratively across disciplines, project teams can create a stronger foundation for compliance.
For façade and glazing specification, the future will depend on transparency, evidence and partnership. The Golden Thread is not simply a regulatory requirement — it is a practical way of ensuring that the decisions made today continue to protect building users in the future.
CPD relevance
This CPD supports the following areas of professional development:
- Health, Safety and Wellbeing
- Legal, Regulatory and Statutory Compliance
- Design, Construction and Technology
