BE-ST has been commissioned by the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division to deliver a national engagement programme supporting the built environment sector in preparing for proposed changes to Scotland’s building standards system.

The programme will work with industry, local authorities and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the proposed changes, support early adoption of new approaches and provide valuable feedback to inform future implementation.

The proposed legislative changes are intended to strengthen compliance throughout the construction process, improve the quality of Scotland’s built environment and enhance confidence in the building standards system.

The proposed changes would introduce a number of new statutory requirements intended to increase compliance across the building process. 

BE-ST is ensuring that early engagement with industry is prioritised to ensure businesses, professionals and local authorities have sufficient time to understand and prepare for any future statutory changes.

Through the programme, BE-ST will work closely with stakeholders across Scotland to:

• Build awareness and understanding of the proposed changes.
• Support organisations to integrate new requirements into day-to-day practice.
• Gather feedback from industry and verifiers to inform Building Standards Division.
• Share learning and demonstrate the benefits of early adoption through practical examples and case studies.

The project will also identify key stakeholder groups, develop communications and engagement materials, create case studies with early adopters, deliver face-to-face and online events, and establish communities of practice and change groups for both industry professionals and local authority verifiers. 

Lynsey Brydson, director of impact programmes at BE-ST, said: “Preparing the sector for significant change requires clear communication, practical guidance and meaningful engagement. Our role is to work collaboratively with industry and the Building Standards Division to ensure stakeholders understand the proposals and have opportunities to shape implementation through feedback, so that the sector is equipped for these fundamental changes.”

Stephen Garvin, Scottish Government Building Standards Division, said: “These proposed changes represent an important step in strengthening Scotland’s building standards system and improving confidence in the quality and safety of our built environment.

“Early engagement with industry, local authorities and other stakeholders is essential to support understanding of the proposals, encourage preparedness and gather valuable feedback. Working collaboratively through this programme will help ensure a smooth transition and support successful implementation of future reforms.”

The engagement programme will run from now until early 2027, with workshops, events, guidance materials and case studies supporting stakeholders across Scotland. Further information and opportunities to participate will be announced as the programme develops.

Members of the construction industry are invited to engage with the programme and share their views on the proposed changes. To be notified when opportunities for engagement arise, please register your interest here.