What is the key requirement for dutyholders under the Building Safety Act 2022?

• A. Having appropriate insurance coverage
• B. Fulfilling roles with sufficient time and budget
• C. Having Necessary Competence to Fulfill Roles
• D. Completing a safety induction for all staff

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that dutyholders must have the necessary competence to fulfil their roles. This means they have the right combination of knowledge, skills, training, and experience to carry out safety duties effectively. With competence, a dutyholder can interpret complex safety requirements, understand and manage fire and structural risks, implement and monitor safety arrangements, and make informed decisions about the building’s safety lifecycle. It also enables proper coordination with other dutyholders and clear communication with residents.

Insurance, adequate time and budget, or even staff safety inductions are important components of overall safety, but they don’t substitute for having people who can actually perform the required safety duties. Without competence, safety plans and governance can fail, even if other factors are in place.