Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has collaborated to establish common definition of ‘Statutory’ in workplace and facilities management.
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… varied interpretations of statutory requirements have led to compliance issues…
BSRIA writes:
BSRIA is pleased to announce its role in a major collaborative effort to establish a standard definition of ‘statutory’ within the workplace and facilities management (WFM) sector. This initiative, in partnership with SFG20 (part of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA)), the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), and the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), aims to standardise the interpretation and application of statutory requirements across the industry.
The agreement, facilitated by IWFM’s Procurement and Contract Management Special Interest Group (SIG), addresses the need for consistency in WFM contracts. Historically, varied interpretations of statutory requirements have led to compliance issues and potential risks of non-compliance. The agreed definition of ‘statutory’ encompasses anything required by primary legislation, such as Acts of Parliament, and secondary legislation, like Statutory Instruments. It also includes specific activities outlined in government guidance and Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) from agencies like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as well as industry standards and guidance from professional bodies. This unified definition aims to raise standards, reduce ambiguity in contractual specifications, and ensure properties consistently meet statutory requirements. BSRIA is honoured to contribute to this important initiative, supporting the industry in achieving clear and consistent compliance standards.
The full statement defining ‘statutory’ is as follows: ‘The term ‘statutory’ denotes anything required by primary legislation such as Acts of Parliament and secondary legislation such as Statutory Instruments (including Regulations). When working to achieve statutory compliance, primary and secondary legislation often focuses on general outcomes rather than prescribing specific activities. The specific activities required to meet statutory compliance may, therefore, be included in government guidance and Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) published by agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), or other industry standards and/or guidance (BSI standards, publications by trade associations and professional bodies, etc). In the absence of a traceable reference to legislation, following industry standards and/or guidance may assist in discharging duties under the statutory requirements. For example: in relation to electrical installations, The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 led to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. This, in turn, is supported by the HSE issued guidance note HSR25 which also references British Standard 7671, which is supported by an on-site guide.’
