Common Assessment Standard Updated to Reflect New Building Regulations

What happened

Build UK has released Version 6 of the Common Assessment Standard. This standard is used by construction companies across the UK as a recognised benchmark for pre-qualification. The latest version includes updates that bring the Standard in line with current legislation and guidance, according to reporting by Roofing Today.

A key change affects the Building Safety section. The new guidelines clarify that scaffolding and temporary works are not covered by the Building Regulations. These regulations apply only if such works form part of the permanent structure on completion. This adjustment reflects the latest interpretation of regulations on what constitutes 'building work.'

Build UK has also updated the guidance that goes alongside Version 6. The intent is to better support companies in the supply chain during the certification process. The organisation reports that certification to the Standard now covers more than 26,000 companies.

The background

The Common Assessment Standard was first introduced in 2019. Its goal is to raise quality standards in construction pre-qualification and to reduce duplication across the sector. Instead of multiple assessments for different clients, suppliers can use one standard assessment to demonstrate capability.

Build UK says that more clients and main contractors are specifying the Standard in their pre-qualification requirements. This means suppliers must increasingly seek certification to remain eligible for work on projects that require this assurance.

Alongside the main changes in Version 6, Build UK has improved the guidance notes attached to the question set. This aims to clarify what is required by certifying bodies and help applicant companies meet the requirements more efficiently.

According to Build UK Deputy Chief Executive Jo Fautley, the regulatory environment for building safety is evolving. She said the Standard must be kept up to date in response to changes in legislation, including the Building Safety Act.

What people are saying

Jo Fautley, Deputy Chief Executive at Build UK, told Roofing Today that the Common Assessment Standard is designed to stay current with regulatory changes. She said the Standard can help companies demonstrate their organisational capability to fulfil dutyholder roles set out under the Building Safety Act.

Fautley highlighted a feature of the system: once a company is certified by a Recognised Assessment Body, its data can be shared with other Recognised Assessment Bodies. She explained that this reduces duplication, as companies do not need to secure multiple certifications for pre-qualification with different clients.

Build UK reports that an increasing list of clients and main contractors are specifying the Standard. This is positioning it as a widely used industry benchmark for demonstrating supply chain competence.

The organisation also notes that Version 6 aims to provide more practical guidance to help supply chain companies with the process.

What happens next

Companies planning to work under the Building Safety Act can now use Version 6 of the Common Assessment Standard when seeking certification. Suppliers who wish to remain on approved supply chains may need to update their certifications to this latest version, depending on client requirements.

Build UK indicates that further updates may follow as regulations evolve. The aim is to ensure that the Standard continues to provide current and relevant assessment, both for regulatory compliance and for meeting client expectations.

The wider adoption of the Standard, driven by its inclusion in client and contractor pre-qualification processes, could further standardise pre-qualification across the sector. The revised guidance should make the certification process clearer for companies that are new to the system or responding to regulatory amendments.