CROSS-UK named as the official voluntary occurrence reporting system for building safety

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in its role as the Building Safety Regulator(BSR), has appointed CROSS-UK (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety until at least 2028.

As part of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower fire, the 2022 Building Safety Act introduced strengthened legislation covering building safety and construction products. This includes a requirement for an official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS). While the system is a critical part of the HSE’s mission to improve building safety, it must be operated independently of both the regulator and the Government.

CROSS-UK has been operating the system on an interim basis since April 2023 and is seen as a success story by the industry – a practical way of recognising risks, promoting culture change, and improving public safety.

Although appointed by the regulator, CROSS remains entirely independent, providing a trusted, confidential way for professionals in the construction industry and those responsible for managing buildings to voluntarily report safety concerns.

Established in 2005 by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), CROSS-UK has been supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) since 2021.

Philip White, Director of Building Safety, Health and Safety Executive said: “Everyone deserves a safe and accountable built environment, and as the official operator of the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System, CROSS will play a key role in making that happen. This public interest appointment promotes openness, learning, and culture change – exactly what’s needed to raise standards, improve building safety, and prevent future tragedies.”

Paul Livesey, Head of Operations, CROSS said: “CROSS-UK is honoured to be appointed as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety under the Building Safety Act until 2028. CROSS has always championed the power of sharing knowledge to prevent future failures, and this appointment reinforces the critical role of confidential reporting in driving a safer built environment. We encourage all construction professionals to contribute by reporting concerns and near-misses. Each report can make a difference.”