Guernsey construction industry leaders gather for best practice safety event

Expert speakers from Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) UK included Paul Nash, Past President for the CIOB, Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs; Rosalind Thorpe, Director of Education and Standards; and David Barnes, Policy & Public Affairs Manager.

The remote event underscored Guernsey’s ongoing commitment to building safety and explored the critical implications of the UK’s Building Safety Act and recent regulatory developments. The speakers delivered key insights on the Building Safety Act, introduced in 2022 and influenced by the findings of the 2017 Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The session highlighted the lack of equivalent legislation in Guernsey, and the potential benefits of aligning with these new standards.

The event, organised by Paul Le Tissier, Guernsey CIOB representative and Guernsey Construction Forum vice-chairman, was attended by Robin Gonard, States of Guernsey Chief Health and Safety Officer and Chief Trading Standards Officer; Elaine Harbour Director, Health & Safety Inspectorate, Government of Jersey, Steve Roussel, President for the GBTEA; and numerous Chartered Building  Companies, Chartered Architects, Chartered Surveyors and representatives from leading firms across the local construction industry.

Paul Le Tissier, said: “It was fantastic to host such a well-attended event, ensuring that building safety and best practice standards are front of mind for the construction industry.  By understanding UK regulations, Guernsey’s construction sector can benefit immensely and look to see what improvements could be made locally to encourage higher trading standards whilst also safeguarding property owners, tenants, and families.”

Robin Gonard commented: “The quality and reliability of our built environment is of the utmost importance. Every single person in Guernsey has a vested interest and right to rely on the safety of the buildings where they live and work, where they go to school or spend their free time. By understanding the latest regulations, and looking to align ourselves with them, we can safeguard the future of our industry and continue to protect the people of Guernsey.”

The talks were followed by an engaging discussion on how Guernsey can look to align local practices with UK regulations, offering numerous benefits to consumers and businesses. This includes reducing risks, making lines of responsibility and liability clearer, and improving trading standards whilst maintaining the island’s competitiveness in the global market.

The event concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration between government officials and industry leaders to promote best practices in building safety. Attendees were encouraged to stay engaged with CIOB for future updates on building safety standards and reforms.

Pictured: Left to right – Nigel Chescoe, Paul Le Tissier, Robin Gonard