It’s more than eight years since the Grenfell Tower fire – a national tragedy that shocked the construction industry. But who would have thought that the shock wave it created would rumble on for so long?
Over the years, in the wake of Dame Judith Hackitt’s review and the conclusion of Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s official inquiry, huge changes have been wrought – not least with the passing of the Building Safety Act 2022.
During this tortuous process it became clear that one of the main causes of the Grenfell Tower tragedy was “systematic dishonesty” and widespread incompetence throughout the supply chain.
Manufacturers, contractors and designers have since fallen over themselves in the rush to demonstrate their responsibility and professionalism. But now a sector of the cladding industry has gone even further – setting up an ‘institute of excellence’ in order to transform a trade into a profession.
As we report on page 7 of this issue, the Metal Cladding & Roofing Institute (MCRI) will require its members to pass health, safety and environment tests and complete 24 hours’ CPD each year.
As the Institute’s director Carlton Jones says, “the construction industry is rapidly changing” – and hopefully for the better. Meanwhile, the Grenfell shockwave continues to reverberate with the most seismic upheaval yet to come. Criminal prosecutions will eventually follow – taking us into 2027 and maybe beyond.