LABC welcomes over 180 delegates to the inaugural Emerging Talent Conference

​September 2023 saw LABC welcoming over 180 delegates to the inaugural Emerging Talent Conference in Milton Keynes.

LABC’s focus is firmly on the monumental changes taking place in the construction industry and specifically the building control profession, and the 3,500-strong network of public service building control professionals is really stepping up to this challenge.

Record numbers are taking part in the LABC learning and development programme and (almost) every local authority team has adopted the LABC ISO quality management system which is independently audited by BSI. Almost 1000 surveyors are going through the Building Safety Competence Foundation (BSCF) competence validation assessment process in preparation for registration by the BSR, and that number is rising every day.

One major success for LABC has been the outcome of a bid for new burdens funding from the English Government. This, coupled with financial support from the LABC Board of Directors, has enabled the recruitment of over 110 new building control trainees who will be crucial to the future of the profession. This has led to the creation of the LABC Academy, a new centre of excellence designed to identify, nurture, and develop new recruits whether they are employed directly by LABC or by Local Authorities, ensuring our surveyors are ready to support the BSR in its responsibilities under the new regime.

The Emerging Talent Conference showcased an impressive lineup of expert speakers

The keynote speaker on day one was Ged Cooper from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) addressing how new regulations will affect the building control profession. Dr Gavin Dunn, Chief Executive of CABE outlined the principles behind ADL. The LABC Tech Team were busy with presentations from John Askew on u-values and calculations, and Wayne Timperley who covered Part S, infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles for new low-rise housing.

Groundworks expert John Patch discussed the importance of site investigation and the impact of trees before Kelly Butler from BEAMA talked about ventilation, indoor air quality and ADF. Peter Wilkinson introduced the CROSS process, for Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures. The importance of structural warranties was the next topic, with Michael Tottle from LABC Warranty and then Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association made the case for timber frame, SIPs and CLT. Day 1 was closed with a lively session on radon from Peter Keam of Cornwall Council.

On day two delegates welcomed Camilla Sheldon from DLUHC who thanked them for their enthusiasm and commitment and recognised them as “the future of building control”. Sandra Ashcroft from the BSR gave a high-level update on competency requirements, the registration process and culture change.

Mike Terry from Calderdale Council shared his knowledge and experience in delivering a proactive service to maximise compliance with standards. Lynsey Seal from the London Fire Brigade addressed the importance of fire brigade consultation and Tamara Hooper from the National Fire Chiefs Council talked about emerging fire risks. Nick Ayling and Daniel Rees from Thames Water explained the importance of H4 consultations and the process and then Richard Davies warned of the danger of drainage misconnections and the work of the ConnectRight Group. The conference was brought to a positive close with an inspiring session from Graham Allcott from Think Productive about the benefits of becoming a Productivity Ninja.