In a significant development for the construction and building safety sector, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), acting as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), has formally appointed CROSS-UK (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) as the official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS) for structural and fire safety. This appointment is set to run until at least 2028, solidifying CROSS-UK’s vital role in enhancing safety standards across the built environment.
Key milestone in building safety reform
This move is part of the UK Government’s broader response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which has led to a comprehensive overhaul of building safety legislation. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter rules around construction products and building regulations, including the requirement for a designated VORS.
While the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System is essential for monitoring and improving building safety, the system must operate independently of both the Government and the regulator. This independence ensures unbiased reporting and encourages transparency within the industry.
Philip White, Director of Building Safety, Health and Safety Executive, states: “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.”
Trusted, independent, and confidential
CROSS-UK has already been running the reporting system on an interim basis since April 2023 and has quickly earned praise from professionals across the sector. Its appointment, following a competitive tender process, reflects a growing confidence in its ability to promote a safer built environment through proactive reporting and shared learning.
Despite being appointed by the BSR, CROSS-UK retains complete independence, which is critical for maintaining the confidentiality and trust of industry professionals. The system enables those involved in construction, design, and building management to voluntarily report safety concerns, near-misses, or structural issues without fear of retribution.
What is CROSS-UK?
Originally established in 2005 by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), CROSS-UK has evolved into a cornerstone of safety reporting in the UK construction industry. Since 2021, it has also received support from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), further strengthening its capabilities in fire safety reporting.
Dr. Janet Young, Director General, ICE, elaborates: “One of the fundamental principles of the Institution of Civil Engineers is to provide the knowledge and services civil and infrastructure engineers need to build, operate, and maintain infrastructure that is safe and fit for purpose. Supporting CROSS is an important part of this work. Having CROSS selected as the official voluntary occurrence reporting system by the Health and Safety Executive is a testament to the essential role the service plays in public safety.”
CROSS-UK’s platform allows engineers, architects, fire safety officers, and other built environment professionals to report incidents and concerns confidentially. These reports are then anonymised and reviewed by a panel of independent experts. Insights are shared across the industry to raise awareness, prevent future incidents, and drive continuous improvement in building safety practices.
Steve Hamm, Chief Executive Officer, Institution of Fire Engineers adds: “The Institution of Fire Engineers was honoured to support the expansion of CROSS to include fire safety reporting in 2021. The sector had never previously had such a facility but the benefits for the consumers of the information as well as the contributors were easy to comprehend and get behind. This news is a positive next step as we collectively strive towards continuous improvements to building safety.”
Promoting a Safer Built Environment
By empowering professionals to speak up, CROSS-UK is fostering a culture of openness and accountability. The organisation is widely recognised for its role in identifying emerging risks, supporting the sector’s ongoing transformation, and ultimately protecting lives.
Yasmin Becker, Chief Executive Officer, Institution of Structural Engineers said: “CROSS is an important and trusted function of the building safety regime, now confirmed as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System until 2028. The HSE’s decision means there will be much needed continuity for the voluntary reporting of building and fire safety issues. The Institution of Structural Engineers is pleased to continue supporting CROSS-UK as part of our commitment to structural safety.”
With its renewed mandate extending to 2028, CROSS-UK is poised to continue playing a crucial part in the UK’s mission to build safer, more resilient structures. It serves as a model for how collaborative reporting, when combined with expert analysis and industry-wide dissemination, can enhance safety standards and prevent catastrophic failures in the built environment.
Paul Livesey, Head of Operations, CROSS, concludes: “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.”
Making a report to CROSS is simple and quick. Read more about the process and submit a report online.
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