UK national standards body the British Standards Institution is seeking comments on a competence framework for the role of principal contractor. A principal contractor is the contractor with control over the construction phase of a project involving more than one contractor. Competence is broadly defined as having suitable and adequate ability to undertake an activity effectively.

Last year, BSI started work on the 'Built Environment Competence Programme', an industry-led programme that aims to raise the standards of workforce competence across the built environment.

In the latest of its consultations supporting the Building Safety Bill, this framework - PAS 8672:2022 - defines the proposed competence and commitment of individual principal contractors working on all buildings to identify, plan, monitor and manage building safety risks during the construction phase and promote safer work practices.

PAS 8672:2022 specifies the competence and commitment of Principal Contractors working on all buildings to:

• Plan, manage and monitor building work to ensure compliance with building regulations;
• Identify and manage building safety risks and the consequences of human behaviour;
• Maintain competence and commitment of managing record keeping and change control;
• Understand and promote fire spread, structural failure and other prescribed hazards, safety principles and practices in buildings;
• Know competence limitations and not act as a Principal Contractor for any building work beyond their competence requirements as set out in relevant legislation;
• Take all reasonable steps to be satisfied that that all those undertaking building work under their control fulfil the competence requirements;
• Understand and coordinate the production/assembly of building structures, systems and services, including off-site elements;
• Promote building work practices necessary to maintain safe buildings for occupiers and visitors, including building work carried out during occupation;
• Identify and manage hazards and risks likely to lead to the collapse or partial collapse of buildings;
• Understand the role of the individual Principal Contractor under the CDM Regulations 2015;
• Promote and develop leadership and communication skills; and
• Accept and exercise personal commitment to ethical behaviour and professional standards.

This PAS also describes specific competencies common to all Principal Contractors and those that are additional for those undertaking the dutyholder role of Principal Contractor on higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

This PAS is intended for use by professional institutions, regulators, licensing bodies and awarding organisations to assess the competence of the Principal Contractor. It does not intend to replace existing professional vocational education and technical training (VET). However, it is expected that these VET organisations will demonstrate conformity with the core requirements and competences set out in this PAS.

The PAS is also intended for use by clients, building owners and limited lease holders undertaking repairs, maintenance and improvements (RMI) to buildings, in identifying individuals competent to undertake the Principal Contractor role on their behalf.

The BSI needs the views of people who work in the housing, construction, fire, and safety industries.

Download and comment on the draft framework.