The Engineering Council welcomes the publication of the Grenfell Tower Phase 2 report, the result of an extensive public inquiry into the systemic failings that contributed to the loss of so many lives back in 2017.

The Grenfell Tower fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of safety, ethics, and professionalism in all engineering and construction practices. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident, and we are determined to play our part as the regulator for the engineering profession in the UK to prevent such disasters from happening in future.

Since the publication of  Judith Hackitt’s Report, commissioned in the aftermath of the fire, the Engineering Council has been working with representatives from across the profession to provide a contextualised version of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC) to relate specifically to the competences required for professional engineers working on higher-risk buildings. This was published in November 2023 as UK-SPEC HRB.

The final report of the inquiry makes further recommendations to strengthen regulation and improve systems. It will take time to work through these in full and understand their implications. We remain committed to working with Government, professional engineering institutions and the wider profession to uphold and promote the highest standards of competence for all engineers and technicians.

For press enquiries:   
Helen Potts, Engineering Council – hpotts@engc.org.uk, 020 3206 0568

The Engineering Council holds the national Register of Engineering Technicians (EngTech), Incorporated Engineers (IEng), Chartered Engineers (CEng) and Information and Communication Technology Technicians (ICTTech). It also sets and maintains the internationally recognised standards of competence and ethics that govern the award and retention of these titles. By this means it is able to ensure that employers, government and wider society, both at home and overseas, can have confidence in the skills and commitment of registrants. For more information visit: www.engc.org.uk