APS has increased its sector-wide engagement to better support members in developing and maintaining professional competence. Each week, we’ll share an update from APS HQ so you can see the breadth of work being carried out for your benefit.

What’s been happening?

• On Tuesday, APS CEO Andrew Leslie attended the official launch event of Building Engineering Services Association’s (BESA) "The Client’s Guide to the Building Safety Act". Speakers at the event were Jon Vanstone, Chair of the Industry Competence Committee, Lilly Gallafent, COO of Cast Consultancy, and Pete Apps, Journalist, with opening and closing remarks from David Frise, CEO, BESA.

• Also on Tuesday, and related to the subject of client guidance under the new building safety regime, APS submitted its response to the ICC consultation on informed clients. APS is engaged in the Committee for the development of the guidance itself, but it was still important to contribute to the public consultation to help drive up client awareness of their duties and what good looks like in this space.

• On Thursday, 7th May, Andrew Leslie attended the CIC Building Safety Committee, which welcomed the publication of two briefing notes on construction product reform and building safety and current consultations. The meeting then proceeded to discuss CIC/CLC Building Safety Guidance, the developing Government’s policy on regulating professions, and governance and competence work currently in progress.

Recent updates members should know about

CDM Post Implementation review published

The HSE last Thursday published the CDM 2015 post implementation review. While the Regulations will remain unchanged, the HSE will be considering several issues highlighted in the review and these are likely to be addressed through additional and/or updated guidance. Read more about the key issues here. APS will now emerge itself in the detail and its implications.

CIC shares APS’s reflections towards 2050

As part of or CIC contribution to the 2050 group, APS drafted a blog: A Defining Moment for Project Safety: Competence, Clarity, Culture and the Road Ahead. The blog covers the move from assumed capability to evidenced competence and looks at key areas where more can be done. You can find the blog here.

The BSR releases its latest building control approval application data

The BSR in England shared its latest update on building control applications under the new building safety regime. Some standout figures shared are that BSR gateway 2 approvals rise to 71%, with more than 12,000 bousing units approved in the last 12 weeks.

You can find the full information here.

What’s coming up this week? (11 – 17 May)

Meetings APS is involved in this week include:

• CIC 2050 Group

• On Monday, APS is meeting its Fellows to draft the response to the consultations on the Construction Products White Paper and General Safety Requirement for Construction Products.

• APS attends MHCLG Professions strategy update

• APS attending CIC Members Conference & Dinner

• The week after, on 21st May between 1 and 2.30pm, APS is working with Fellows to draft a response to the Proportionality in buildings- redefining category A consultation. Any Fellow interested in contributing their experience and voice to the submission, can join the meeting. Please get in touch at info@aps.org.uk

We’ll continue to keep members updated on key developments and engagement across the industry as plans for 2026 take shape.

If you would like to contribute or share expertise on issues that matter to you, please contact APS HQ at info@aps.org.uk.