Building Control Officers

Local authorities in England and Wales are responsible for the administration of Building Regulations in accordance with national guidance. These authorities will have a Building Control department, staffed by Building Control Officers who carry out the day-to-day tasks of ensuring compliance with the Building Regulations.

Key advice for access groups: It is a good idea to invite building control officers to your group’s meetings to discuss plans for specific buildings. This will help the exchange of information and ideas.

Approved Inspectors

Approved Inspectors are companies or individuals authorised to carry out Building Control work in England and Wales. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is responsible for deciding all applications for Approved Inspector status. You can find out more about the CIC's role on the CIC website.

When an Approved Inspector is to be used for a project, he or she must serve the local authority with an Initial Notice so that the Chief Building Control Officers are aware of the scheme.

Since Approved Inspectors are not employed by local authorities, they are not required to liaise with local access groups or access officers. However, they are required to operate within a Code of Conduct drawn up by the CIC, and to meet the Disability Equality Duty of the Disability Discrimination Act.