SOCOTEC Building Control

Building Control Services

Contact us

In the ever-evolving construction landscape, compliance with Building Regulations is paramount. Whether you're undertaking a new build, renovation, or large-scale construction project, SOCOTEC UK's Building Control team is here to provide the necessary statutory approvals on all projects except for Higher-Risk Buildings.

As a leading Registered Building Control Approver service, we have expanded our capabilities through the acquisition of Shore and Quadrant Building Control. This expansion allows us to draw from a wealth of resources and technical expertise to meet the specific requirements of your projects throughout England and Wales, in line with the new Building Safety Act 2022.

It's important to note that under the new regime triggered by the Building Safety Act, it is now very clear that Registered Building Inspectors cannot provide design advice on achieving compliance. We will, however, work with you to positively identify issues that require action. Where design advice is needed, our dedicated Building Risk and Compliance team is available to assist you with all aspects of your Higher-Risk Building and Non-Higher-Risk Building projects.

At SOCOTEC, we are committed to working with you throughout your construction journey, providing the expertise you need to navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape and deliver safe, compliant projects.

RBI FAQ

RBCAs and RBIs explained

5
0 Results

What are Registered Building Control Approvers and Registered Building Inspectors?

Following the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, 'Registered Building Control Approvers’ replaces the term ‘Approved Inspectors’. Individuals will be known as RBIs, or Registered Building Inspectors, which is a protected title under law.

RBIs have a range of legal obligations that they must adhere to as part of their professional conduct. This code of conduct sets out the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of RBIs. The principles given in the code of conduct set out the core professional and ethical requirements that RBIs must uphold. The standards supplement the principles, setting out requirements in relation to professional practices and behaviours that the Building Safety Regulator expects RBIs to meet.

The code of conduct applies to all RBIs, whether they work in the private or public sector. The full code can be found here: Code of conduct for Registered Building Inspectors - GOV.UK

How are RBI classes assigned?

An RBI will have undergone the following stages to be assigned a class:

The RBI will undergo a competency assessment that evaluates their skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours against the relevant Building Inspector Competence Frameworks.

As part of the assessment, they will need to submit a portfolio of their work and pass an exam or an interview. RBIs must be re-assessed at least every 4 years.

Once the assessment has been completed, an RBI will receive a certificate number and be assigned an RBI class. All RBIs and their relevant class can be located within the public register: www.register-building-inspector.service.gov.uk/public-register-england

How often are RBIs assessed?

Registrations will usually be valid for 4 years, unless varied, suspended or cancelled by the Building Safety Regulator.  

What are the four registration classes for Inspectors?

SOCOTEC has RBIs registered within all classes to ensure that you can be confident of our competence to work on your projects.

Class 1

RBIs must only work under supervision

Class 2

RBIs can work unsupervised on building categories they are registered to work on, which may include: 

Category A: Residential dwelling houses (single household) under 7.5m
Category B: Residential flats and dwelling houses under 11m
Category C: Residential flats and dwelling houses, over 11m but under 18m
Category D: All building types (including residential) under 7.5m
Category E: All building types (including residential) over 7.5m but under 11m
Category F: All building types (including residential) over 11m but under 18m

Class 2 does not include non-standard buildings or HRBs.

Class 3

RBIs can work unsupervised on building categories they are registered to work on, which may include category A to F buildings and:
Category G: All building types (including non-standard), with no limits on floor heights, excluding higher-risk buildings (HRBs)
Category H: HRBs as defined in the Building Act 1984 (as amended)

Class 4: Technical Manager

Technical managers are class 2 or class 3 Building Inspectors with additional responsibilities for the technical management of teams and processes.

A class 2 Building Inspector, who is also a class 4 technical manager, cannot carry out any class 3 activities unless supervised. 

Someone who is not a Registered Building Inspector can administratively manage a Building Control team, but not on technical matters.

What are the eight building categories?

Under the new regime, RBIs are registered to work on specific buildings based on their individual competence. As a client, it is important that the RBCA you are working with has suitable staff to cover your project. SOCOTEC has RBIs registered to cover all categories of work.

The eight building categories that an RBI can register to work on are: 


  • Category A, residential dwelling houses (single household) under 7.5m

  • Category B, residential flats and dwelling houses under 11m

  • Category C, residential flats and dwelling houses, over 11m but under 18m

  • Category D, all building types (including residential) under 7.5m

  • Category E, all building types (including residential) over 7.5m but under 11m

  • Category F, all building types (including residential) over 11m but under 18m

  • Category G, all building types (including non-standard), with no limits on floor heights, excluding higher-risk buildings (HRBs)

  • Category H, HRBs as defined in the Building Act 1984 (as amended)


Building Regulation Updates 1 October

Changes to the Building Control procedures from 1 October 2024

Download

Want to find out more about the services SOCOTEC Building Control offer?

ABOUT US

About Us

SOCOTEC Building Control Locations

Our Locations