CIBSE is proud to support the Engineering Council’s Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB) registration campaign as one of the five professional engineering institutions (PEIs) licensed to award HRB professional registration.
Raising standards of safety and professionalism
The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment Contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB) has been developed in collaboration with PEIs and industry leaders to ensure that those working on higher-risk buildings meet the highest levels of technical competence, professionalism, and ethical practice.
HRB registration provides formal recognition that engineers and technicians are qualified, peer-reviewed, and competent to act as the Responsible Person for higher-risk buildings. This process strengthens a culture of safety and regulatory compliance across the sector while giving employers and the public confidence in those overseeing the safety of complex buildings.
CIBSE’s role
As a licensed PEI, CIBSE plays a central role in assessing candidates for the HRB Register. Through rigorous assessment processes and a commitment to continuing professional development, CIBSE ensures that members seeking HRB registration are fully equipped to uphold the responsibilities set out in the Building Safety Act.
CIBSE also encourages employers and clients to support employees in achieving HRB registration. Doing so not only helps organisations meet regulatory obligations but also demonstrates a clear commitment to quality, accountability, and ethical responsibility in the management of higher-risk buildings.
A collective step forward
The introduction of UK-SPEC HRB marks more than a regulatory change, it represents a collective step forward in embedding safety, transparency, and trust within the built environment. CIBSE is proud to have contributed to its development and will continue to support its members and the wider industry in implementing these standards in practice.
Eligibility for HRB registration
HRB registration is open to all engineers and technicians who:
- can satisfy the requirements for underpinning knowledge and understanding, skills, behaviours and experience,
- can demonstrate competence and commitment to meet the necessary standard,
- are members of a Licensee (a Licensed Professional Engineering Institution) licensed to award HRB registration.
There are several routes to HRB registration:
- one for those who are already on the Engineering Council’s Principal Register as CEng, IEng, or EngTech or ICTTech and wish to add HRB registration,
- another for those who are not registered and wish to apply for both Principal and HRB registration at the same time,
- and another for those who are not registered and wish to apply for HRB registration only.
Through UK-SPEC HRB, the Engineering Council sets the requirements for three professional registration categories:
- Engineering Technician HRB
- Incorporated Engineer HRB
- Chartered Engineer HRB
Licensed PEIs, including CIBSE, then assess candidates’ competence and commitment against these standards for HRB registration.
Moving forward
Professional registration sets engineers and technicians apart, providing assurance of proven knowledge, competence, and ongoing commitment to safety and ethical practice. With HRB registration, the industry takes a vital step towards creating a safer and more professional built environment for all.