What CIBSE reported

On 25 September, CIBSE published findings from polling at its Building Safety 2026 conference in London. Delegates identified project delays associated with the Higher-Risk Building Gateway process as their biggest challenge. Unclear responsibilities and competence requirements were also among the concerns raised.

CIBSE explicitly cautioned that this was a delegate poll, not a representative survey of the wider sector. A separate update on 29 September described its training, competence frameworks and guidance available to members.

Our project commentary

For a contractor developing an M&E package, the useful question is specific: who produces, checks and coordinates each item of design information, and when is it needed? A broad reference to contractor design leaves too much to resolve during construction.

Before work accelerates, review the appointment scope alongside the drawing register, specialist-package interfaces and outstanding technical queries. Record what is agreed and where an answer is still needed. Keep changes traceable to the relevant drawings and project decisions.

Start with the information gap

Engin supports Stage 4/5 contractor-side M&E design and construction-stage queries. Send the current drawings, your scope and the unresolved interfaces to discuss the support needed.

This is project-delivery commentary. Applicable statutory duties, specialist roles and approval requirements must be established for the individual project.

Sources and context

Source reporting is distinguished from Engin’s project commentary. This article is not project-specific design or compliance advice. Prepared with AI assistance and source checks. Editorial approach.

Make it useful on your project

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