Competence Counts: Why You Need Qualified Structural Engineers for HRBs
The Building Safety Act 2022 raised the bar for anyone involved in the safety of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). One of its core principles is that competence matters. Structural engineers who work on HRBs, especially when preparing Structural Reports for Safety Cases, must be able to demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours to keep residents safe and comply with the law.
For building owners, Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) and managing agents, choosing the right engineer is not just best practice; it is a compliance requirement.
The Competence Requirement Under the Building Safety Act
The Act expects duty holders to appoint competent persons to assess and manage building safety risks. This includes anyone inspecting, appraising or reporting on the structure of a high-rise residential building (over 18 m or seven storeys with at least two residential units).
Key expectations include:
- Recognised qualifications: Structural engineers should hold relevant degrees and professional memberships.
- Chartered status: While not explicitly mandated by law, the BSR strongly favours Chartered Structural Engineers (MIStructE or CEng MICE) as proof of competence.
- HRB experience: Engineers should have demonstrable experience inspecting, appraising and reporting on large, complex residential or mixed-use buildings.
- Up-to-date knowledge: Familiarity with current UK building regulations, the Building Safety Act 2022, and risk assessment methods is essential.
Owners who cannot evidence the competence of appointed engineers risk regulatory challenge if their Safety Case is reviewed.
Why Chartered Engineers Add Assurance
A Chartered Structural Engineer has undergone rigorous assessment of technical ability, ethics and professional practice. For HRBs, this means:
- Deep understanding of structural stability, load paths and failure modes.
- Ability to undertake and sign off structural appraisals suitable for the Building Safety Regulator.
- Familiarity with digital record keeping for the Golden Thread.
- Professional accountability as chartered engineers are bound by a strict code of conduct and continuous professional development.
While a non-chartered engineer may be highly skilled, chartered sign-off provides a recognised benchmark that regulators, insurers and lenders trust.
Choosing the Right Structural Engineer for Your HRB
When commissioning a Structural Report for a Safety Case, look for:
- Chartered status or equivalent recognised competence.
- Proven track record with HRBs or other large residential buildings.
- Ability to deliver BSR-ready reports with clear risk assessment and recommendations.
- Digital-friendly documentation for integration into the Golden Thread.
- Transparent communication and fast turnaround to meet compliance deadlines.
How We Can Help
At Structures Made Easy, we provide competent, chartered sign-off for structural reports on Higher-Risk Buildings. Our team offers:
- Competence and Chartered sign-off
- Proven HRB experience
- Fast turnaround to meet BSR deadlines
- Portfolio pricing for owners with multiple buildings
- BSR-ready reporting formats trusted by regulators and insurers
Our clear, professional reporting helps Principal Accountable Persons meet their legal duties with confidence.
Related articles
Download a structural safety report starter guide with Structures Made Easy Ltd.
Why choose us?
With over 3000 successfully completed projects to date, we have consistently proven ourselves to be a leader in the industry. From design cross check procedures to quality control measures, we will ensure your project is completed to your exact specifications.
100% Success in Building Regs
Fully Qualified SE
Transparent Fees
Practical & Efficient Designs
Clear Advice
Fast Turnaround
We make all our processes as simple as
possible giving you peace of mind
STEP 1
Get a quote. Refer to enquiry form or email or speak to engineer
STEP 2
Arrange site inspection
STEP 3
Report delivered