Vistry Group is demonstrating its commitment to building safety by being one of the very first companies to begin a special charter journey.
The Building a Safer Future (BSF) Charter, backed by Dame Judith Hackitt, a leading figure in building safety, promotes an urgent, positive culture and behaviour change in the safety of the built environment. It focuses on putting people’s safety first in how companies plan for, design, build, maintain, and look after the safety of the buildings people live, work or play in and protect those that use them.
Vistry is working to ensure that the five commitments of the BSF Charter, that demonstrate commitment to protecting life by putting safety first ahead of all other building priorities, is at the heart of everything it does as an organisation. The charter has just launched its ‘Charter Champion’ company initiative to help companies drive the systemic culture change required.
Sally Drew, group safety, health & environmental director at Vistry, said: “We are extremely proud to be one of the first organisations to support the Building a Safer Future Charter. Through robust self-assessment, verification and continuous improvement, we are committed in playing our part within the wider construction industry to improve safety leadership and positive culture change.”
Vistry will engage in a robust self-assessment, benchmarking and independent verification process to identify and develop continuous improvement plans to advance its overall approach and performance on leadership and culture in relation to building safety.
The charter has been endorsed by Dame Judith Hackitt, chair of the Industry Safety Steering Group (ISSG). She said it was an “important programme which offers a real market differentiation opportunity”. The process has also been highlighted by the ISSG as a key mechanism for leading the culture change required for industry, in their report for the Secretary of State and the Minister for Building Safety, published last year.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governments, as well as the HSE have also backed the initiative.
Amanda Long, chief executive of the BSF Charter, said: “I am delighted to welcome the first companies, and particularly Vistry Group on their journey to achieving Charter Champion company status. These organisations are demonstrating real sectoral leadership and taking an important step in driving forwards the systemic culture change in relation to major hazard safety that is required across the built environment sector and through the entire value chain.
“The resounding message across the built environment sector is don’t wait for regulation, action should be taken urgently to tackle the culture surrounding building safety. The Building a Safer Future Charter is a practical and immediate way to demonstrate a commitment to this vital issue and begin the change required. It should be a priority for everyone.”
For more information about the charter and how to get involved, visit https://buildingasaferfuture.org.uk/charter-champions-benchmarking-about/.
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Notes to editors:
Formed in January 2020, Vistry Group brings together the energy and talents of Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Vistry Partnerships (formerly Galliford Try Partnerships). With developments from Northumberland to Cornwall and Cheshire to Norfolk, Vistry Group is one of the top five housebuilders in the UK by volume. A real powerhouse of a business, creating fantastic opportunities for our people, our customers, our clients, our contractors and our shareholders. The Group came together following the successful acquisition by Bovis Homes Group PLC from Galliford Try Plc of Linden Homes and their Partnerships & Regeneration businesses. For more information, visit www.vistrygroup.co.uk.