Representatives from CIBSE attended a breakfast reception at the House of Lords hosted by the Engineering Council, marking the official launch of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment Contextualised for Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB).
CIBSE President Elect Vince Arnold, Director of Membership Richard Goldsbrough and Head of Membership and Registration Julia Savage were invited to represent the Institution at this important event. Their presence underscores CIBSE’s support for this initiative and its commitment to advancing safety, professionalism and ethical practice in the built environment.
Raising standards for safer buildings
The UK-SPEC HRB sets out the competencies and ethical commitments expected of engineers and technicians working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs). It builds on the core UK-SPEC framework, contextualising it to reflect the unique challenges and responsibilities involved in designing, constructing, maintaining and managing these buildings.
Developed in collaboration with professional engineering institutions and industry leaders, the HRB standard responds directly to recommendations made in Dame Judith Hackitt’s landmark review, Building a Safer Future, following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Why HRB registration matters
HRB registration plays a critical role in ensuring that only qualified, peer-reviewed, and competent engineers are eligible to act as the Responsible Person for higher-risk buildings. It serves as formal recognition that individuals working on these complex projects meet the highest standards of technical competence and ethical practice - fundamental to driving greater professionalism, safety, and integrity within the engineering sector.
Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, the registration process reinforces a culture of safety and regulatory compliance. Employers and the wider public are strongly encouraged to support and prioritise HRB registration, as it offers a clear way to verify the expertise of those overseeing building safety—ultimately promoting transparency, accountability, and trust across the built environment.
CIBSE’s role
As one of the five professional engineering institutions licensed to assess candidates for the HRB Register, CIBSE plays a key role in promoting the highest standards of safety and professionalism within building services engineering. Through its assessment processes and commitment to continuing professional development, CIBSE ensures that members seeking HRB registration are fully prepared to uphold the responsibilities outlined in the Building Safety Act.
CIBSE encourages employers and clients to seek out HRB-registered professionals and to support employees in achieving this important credential. This will not only help organisations meet regulatory obligations but also demonstrate a strong commitment to quality and ethical responsibility in the management of complex buildings.
A collective step forward
The launch of UK-SPEC HRB is more than a regulatory development – it is a collective step forward in creating a safer built environment for all. CIBSE is proud to have contributed to its development and looks forward to continuing to support its members and the wider industry in embedding these standards in practice.
For more information and to view the UK-SPEC HRB, visit the Engineering Council’s website Engineering Council
