The Building Safety team plays a vital role in helping Bristol City Council provide safe homes for residents. Established to strengthen our approach to building and fire safety, the team oversees compliance with an evolving regulatory environment and works to ensure risks are identified, managed and addressed across our residential housing stock.
Our work supports residents living in a wide range of homes, including low-rise and high-rise blocks, supported housing and other multi-occupied residential buildings. We work closely with colleagues, contractors, regulatory bodies and residents to help ensure buildings remain safe, compliant and well managed.
Whether assessing risks, implementing new legislation, engaging with residents or supporting major building safety programmes, the team provides the expertise and assurance needed to support the Council's responsibilities as a landlord.
Why the team exists
The Building Safety team was established in response to increased regulatory requirements and a greater national focus on building safety. We provide dedicated oversight and leadership to help ensure the Council can meet its legal responsibilities, manage building safety risks effectively and continue improving safety across its housing portfolio.
Our objectives are to:
- maintain compliance with relevant building safety and fire safety legislation
- identify, assess and manage building safety risks
- ensure safety actions and remedial works are delivered effectively
- support residents and ensure their concerns are listened to and addressed
- promote a proactive culture of safety and continuous improvement
- provide assurance that the Council's responsibilities as a landlord are being met
What we do
The Building Safety team leads on a broad range of building and fire safety responsibilities across our residential buildings.
Key areas of work include:
- managing compliance with building safety and fire safety legislation
- developing and maintaining building safety strategies, policies and procedures
- delivering and overseeing fire risk assessment programmes
- monitoring building safety risks and ensuring appropriate measures are implemented
- managing the performance and quality assurance of specialist consultants, assessors and contractors
- contributing to the development and maintenance of building safety cases and associated documentation
- supporting resident engagement and ensuring safety concerns are recorded, investigated and addressed
- working collaboratively with Avon Fire & Rescue Service and other external partners
- providing strategic, technical and operational advice to teams across the council
- supporting emergency planning, evacuation arrangements and procedures for vulnerable residents where appropriate
Through this work, the team helps create a consistent and proactive approach to managing building safety across our housing stock.
Roles in the team
We include specialist roles that contribute to different aspects of building and fire safety.
Building Safety Manager
The Building Safety Manager provides strategic leadership for our building safety responsibilities. They oversee compliance activities, manage complex safety programmes, lead on policy development and provide assurance that regulatory requirements are being met.
Fire Safety Manager
The Fire Safety Manager leads the Council's fire safety function, ensuring effective fire risk management across residential buildings. The role includes overseeing fire safety programmes, managing specialist contractors, supporting regulatory compliance and providing expert advice on fire safety matters.
Building Safety Officers
Building Safety Officers support the delivery of building safety activities across the housing portfolio. They help monitor compliance, coordinate safety actions, engage with residents, maintain safety records and work with contractors and colleagues to manage risks effectively.
Fire Safety Officers
Fire Safety Officers support the Council's fire risk management programme through inspections, monitoring remedial actions, supporting residents and stakeholders, and helping ensure fire safety requirements are understood and implemented.
Together, these roles contribute to the safety and wellbeing of thousands of residents across Bristol.
How we measure success
Success for the Building Safety team is measured through:
- effective compliance with regulatory requirements
- completion of statutory inspections, risk assessments and safety reviews
- timely delivery of safety actions and remedial works
- meaningful resident engagement and communication
- continuous improvement in safety processes and performance
- positive partnership working with regulators, contractors and stakeholders
Who thrives here
This is a great team for people who are:
- interested in safety, risk management and compliance
- confident interpreting legislation, guidance and technical information
- able to communicate effectively with residents and stakeholders
- able to balance technical expertise with practical problem-solving
- collaborative and committed to continuous improvement
- motivated by making a positive difference to people's lives
For senior and specialist roles, professional qualifications and experience within building safety, fire safety, compliance or related disciplines may be required.
Why join us
Working in Building Safety offers:
- a clear sense of purpose and public impact
- the opportunity to help shape the Council's approach to building safety
- exposure to complex and varied housing environments
- opportunities to influence policy, strategy and service improvement
- strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
- a supportive culture that values collaboration, learning and professional development
This is meaningful work that helps protect residents, supports safer communities and contributes to one of the our most important responsibilities: providing safe homes for the people of Bristol.