After the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, both local councils and members of the public have urged for legislation to be put into place to prevent another disaster like this from happening again.
On November the 3rd 2023, the Engineering Council announced the publication of the competence tables for The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB). The UK-SPEC HRB competencies have been developed ahead of the full Standard, which is on track to be published in mid-2024. The competence tables provide a shared framework for a range of engineering disciplines and aim to deliver the necessary guidelines that will allow engineers to deliver safer building practices throughout every stage of the building's life cycle.
"Being able to develop the competence tables for UK-SPEC HRB is incredibly important. I thank all the volunteers and staff members involved for their hard work and dedication over the last few years. However, the hard work continues as we encourage our professional engineering colleagues across the built environment to demonstrate their competence and commitment to the public by registering."
Peter Wilkinson, Chair of Contextualised Registration Steering Group (CRSG)
Registration against the UK-SPEC HRB competencies is not mandatory, however, it is strongly recommended for engineers and technicians who work on higher-risk buildings. Registration demonstrates to clients and key stakeholders that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their work safely and competently.
"The publication of the competence tables for UK-SPEC HRB is a major milestone and the result of some significant effort among the professional engineering community. These tables will enable our talented engineers and technicians to further their development and demonstrate their commitment to practising professionally and ethically to deliver safe buildings in the public interest. Registration is an essential step in a professional's career in engineering."
Paul Bailey, Engineering Council CEO
Impact on the engineering profession
The publication of the UK-SPEC HRB competence tables will have several substantial impacts amongst the engineering profession. The first and arguably the most important impact is that it will raise the bar for competence in engineering disciplines especially those which are relevant to higher-risk buildings. Engineers and technicians who want to work on these buildings will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Secondly, the competence tables will help to promote professional development among engineers and technicians. By identifying the specific areas of competence required for work on higher-risk buildings, the tables will provide engineers and technicians with a clear focus for their professional development and additional CPDs. The competence tables will help to enhance the overall reputation of the engineering profession. By demonstrating that engineers and technicians who work on higher-risk buildings have the necessary skills and knowledge, the tables will help to build the general public’s confidence in the profession.
The publication of the UK-SPEC HRB competence tables is a positive development for the engineering profession. By raising the bar for competence and promoting professional development, the tables will help to ensure that engineers and technicians who work on higher-risk buildings are equipped to deliver safe and reliable projects.
The competence tables will help to enhance the overall reputation of the engineering profession. By demonstrating that engineers and technicians who work on higher-risk buildings have the necessary skills and knowledge, the tables will help to build the general public's confidence in the profession.