FIS launches drylining design engineer competency framework to elevate industry
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, contractors, manufacturers, and training providers, the framework establishes a clear benchmark for the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours required of drylining design engineers. As construction projects grow increasingly complex, the need for qualified and competent design professionals has never been greater. This new framework aligns with broader industry initiatives around competency, including post-Grenfell regulatory reforms, and reinforces the importance of robust design processes in ensuring building safety. The framework outlines core competencies across several key areas, including: Commenting on the launch, FIS Technical Director James Parlour said: “Competency frameworks are required urgently across the industry, and we are grateful to our members for helping to identify and fulfil this critical gap where competency in delivering what seems to be a relatively narrow function is holding up the design of the entire interior system due to its wide ranging interfaces with other packages. It is also a prominent area of risk where contractors design portion is often defined and constrained poorly, and competent design management is key to mitigating this risk for the supply chain.” The development of this competency framework reflects FIS’s ongoing commitment to raising standards and driving continuous improvement across the sector. It adds to a growing suite of installer competency frameworks that are already available from FIS, including: The Competency Framework is available to download from the FIS website at https://www.thefis.org/membership-hub/publications/competency-frameworks/drylining-design-engineer-competency/ To underpin the Competence Frameworks, CITB, in partnership with Build UK and fire industry experts, have developed a free Fire Safety in Buildings e-learning course to improve an individual’s knowledge of fire safety measures in buildings. The course is suitable for anyone working in the design, construction, or maintenance of buildings, with a specific focus on installers and can be accessed here https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/training-offers-for-members/fis-training-modules/fire-safety-in-buildings/ For further information or for any questions please contact FIS at info@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide launched at inaugural ARL Rental Living Tech Conference
The Association for Rental Living has launched a ground-breaking AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide at its inauguralRental Living Tech Conference. A first for the sector, the new guide acknowledges that AI is already embedded in Build to Rent operations, meaning governance, rather than adoption, is now the critical area of focus. Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living – the membership body for all institutionally backed, professionally managed purpose-built rental living sectors – launched the guide following a consultation with the organisation’s membership that began in late 2025. Brendan comments: “From repairs triage and chatbots to pricing and analytics, AI is already influencing resident experiences and operational decisions across the rental living sector. We’ve reached an inflection point in 2026. The Renters’ Rights Act and the EU AI Act high-risk provisions, due in August, along with active CMA enforcement, mean that poorly governed AI now carries immediate legal and reputational risk. In contrast, well-governed, responsible AI has become a competitive advantage” The AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide acknowledges that governing AI has become far more than just a compliance exercise. Operators that govern AI transparently and fairly will be better positioned with residents, investors and regulators than those that treat AI as an unexamined tech add‑on. In recognition of this, AI governance now forms part of sector standards, with new digital, data and AI provisions in the BTR Alliance Code of Practice for BTR Operators, launching later this month, embedding AI oversight into mainstream operational, compliance and verification frameworks. AI is already in use across the rental living sector, with many operators using it was part of their property management, CRM, maintenance and communications software. However, this is often without explicit oversight or board visibility, creating a significant accountability risk. The Association for Rental Living’s Brendan Geraghty comments: “”The AI did it” is not a defence and regulators are explicit that legal responsibility for AI decisions sits with the operator, not the vendor or the algorithm. With the rapid growth of agentic AI, where autonomous AI agents undertake multi-step workflows, the risks (as well as the opportunities) notch up.” The new guide, available to ARL members, makes it clear that proportionate, risk‑based governance is essential. Low‑risk AI use cases (repairs, document intelligence, comms) offer fast, proven returns, but high‑risk AI (screening, affordability checks, arrears scoring, biometrics and pricing) demands enhanced controls, human oversight and formal approval. Without appropriate governance measures in place, the risk of data leakage, consumer law breaches and embedded bias in decision-making amplifies significantly. Brendan continues: “Residents must remain at the centre of AI deployment. To ensure this, the new AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide includes an innovative AI Ladder, offering a four-stage proportionate framework and practical pathway for every operator. It enables organisations of all sizes to progress from basic AI awareness to mature, trusted deployment without over‑engineering and with transparency and explainability at its core.” The guide was launched at the Rental Living Tech Conference in London, organised by the Association for Rental Living and attended by 100+ delegates from across the sector. The first dedicated technology conference for rental living, it included sessions on the role and impact of AI on NOI, operations and customer experience, with live demonstrations and practical insights from expert speakers bringing the content to life. Attended by proptech innovators, tech leaders, operators, investors, digital service providers, and rental living professionals, the conference explored how technology is transforming every aspect of rental housing, from resident experiences to operations, data, AI, connectivity and sustainability. ARL members keen to move from AI hype to disciplined execution can download the new AI in Build to Rent – Practical Guide at www.theARL.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Control centre milestone as Taylor Woodrow lands £856m HS2 depot contract
Taylor Woodrow has secured an £856 million contract to deliver HS2’s flagship train depot and control centre in Birmingham. The contractor will carry out the major works at Washwood Heath in joint venture with Aureos Rail. The 70-hectare site, formerly home to LDV van manufacturing and Metro-Cammell, is set to become one of the most important operational hubs on the HS2 network. The contract covers construction of HS2’s rolling stock maintenance depot, as well as the network integrated control centre. Once complete, the facility will oversee day-to-day railway operations, including train dispatch, driver communications and wider network management. Around 500 construction jobs are expected to be supported during the build programme. The Washwood Heath depot will include a main maintenance building, carriage wash, automatic vehicle inspection facility, overnight train stabling sidings and a dedicated test track. It will play a central role in keeping HS2 services running safely and efficiently once the line becomes operational. The award is one of the first major contracts to be approved under the reset of the HS2 programme, led by Mark Wild, as ministers look to simplify delivery and bring costs under tighter control. HS2 said the contract had undergone additional scrutiny from Wild and an independent review panel, following lessons learned from earlier civil engineering packages, the Stewart Review and Crossrail. Construction partner BBV, the joint venture between Balfour Beatty and VINCI, has already completed significant remediation and enabling works on the heavily contaminated brownfield site. Taylor Woodrow and Aureos Rail will now work with HS2 and the future operator to finalise designs before the scheme progresses into full construction, testing and commissioning. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
wienerberger UK & Ireland strengthens product information standards with latest CCPI asssessment for roofing products
Building envelope solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has achieved independent Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment for their Roof Tiles & Fittings product set. This latest assessment builds on wienerberger’s milestone from Spring 2025, when it became the first UK manufacturer to secure CCPI assessment for its UK-manufactured bricks and pavers. With more product groups now progressing through the assessment process, the business continues to advance its ambition to be the trusted expert partner for clients, specifiers, and supply chain stakeholders. The CCPI framework is designed to raise standards across construction product information and marketing, ensuring the industry moves toward product data that is accurate, consistent, accessible, and easy to understand. In addition to driving consistency in product information, CCPI assessment helps manufacturers stay aligned with forthcoming regulatory requirements, ensuring they remain agile as the industry continues to evolve. As wienerberger prepares to put additional product groups from its wall, roof, heating, and water management portfolio forward for assessment, the business continues to prioritise independently validated product information as part of its commitment to supporting responsible decision-making for those designing, supplying, and building with its solutions. Paul Instrell, Chief Commercial Officer at wienerberger UK & Ireland, said: “Since achieving CCPI assessment for our UK-manufactured bricks and pavers last year, we’ve continued to see growing interest in adoption across our customer base. Extending CCPI assessment to our roof product portfolio is an important step in demonstrating our dedication to clarity, transparency, and trust in product information. The CCPI plays a critical role in raising standards and we are pleased to be part of that progression.” For more information about wienerberger UK & Ireland, please visit www.wienerberger.co.uk. To learn more about the CCPI and how to achieve verification, visit www.cpicode.org.uk or contact enquiries@cpicode.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Study Inn Wins Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at RESI Awards 2026
Study Inn has been named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at the Property Week RESI Awards 2026, widely regarded as one of the most distinguished accolades in the UK’s residential property market. The award highlights operators who are truly setting the standard, delivering exceptional resident experiences, driving innovation, and going beyond expectations in an increasingly competitive market. The judges commented: “Study Inn truly sets the benchmark in student accommodation, delivering exceptional service backed by outstanding resident satisfaction scores. With an innovative all-inclusive model and a market-leading wellbeing offer, they have created a best-in-class student experience.” Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations at Study Inn, commented: “We continually evolve our offering to meet the needs of our guests, and this award is an endorsement of our intense focus on making sure every resident feels safe, supported and truly at home. It’s a testament to our team’s commitment in delivering our brand standards.” The RESI Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and leadership across the UK residential property industry, recognising developers, investors, and operators who are making a meaningful impact. For Study Inn, this recognition reinforces its position as the leading serviced accommodation operator in the student sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Enhanced procurement support accelerates project delivery for Scotland’s public sector
Public sector organisations across Scotland are set to benefit from a more flexible and streamlined procurement process, following enhancements to one of their key added value services. The expanded Call Off Service devised by the Scottish Procurement Alliance has been designed in direct response to partner feedback, making it easier for public bodies to access expert procurement support, reduce internal workload, and deliver projects more efficiently through SPA solutions. By supporting key stages of the procurement process, from developing tender documentation to publishing notices and managing mini competitions, the service ensures full compliance with procurement regulations while significantly easing the administrative burden on already stretched teams. Crucially, the removal of previous framework restrictions means public sector partners can now access this support across a broader range of SPA solutions providing greater flexibility and faster access to the expertise required to move essential projects forward. Daniella Bryans, Senior Procurement Officer at SPA, said the changes reflect a clear commitment to improving outcomes for public sector organisations: “Throughout the years, our Call Off Service has assisted numerous partners, enabling us to develop substantial expertise in delivering and managing projects from initiation right through to contract award and delivery. “By widening the scope of the service, we can offer more flexible support to our public sector partners. By utilising the service, partners reduce pressure on their internal teams whilst still ensuring compliance. Ultimately the services helps our partners to award contracts and deliver projects more efficiently.” She added that the benefits extend beyond process improvements, driving stronger project outcomes overall: “When procurement is well-supported, public sector organisations are able to focus more on doing what they do best, rather than needing to manage complex procurement processes. “At the same time, contractors receive clear documentation and well-defined specifications, which leads to better bids, a more competitive process and ultimately stronger outcomes for the organisations delivering these projects.” While the enhanced service is designed to support public organisations, it also creates a more structured and accessible pipeline of opportunities for appointed companies across Scotland. In addition to expanding the Call Off Service, SPA has further strengthened its technical offering with construction industry expert Alan Webster joining them as Technical Support Officer. With more than 30 years of experience, Alan brings extensive knowledge of delivering large-scale housing developments, public building refurbishments, and specialist projects, including those involving Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). His background includes working closely with public sector organisations on hospitals, schools, retrofit programmes and major refurbishment works. In his role, he supports partners throughout the project lifecycle, offering guidance from early engagement through to delivery, including attendance at pre-start and progress meetings and advising on technical specifications. “Having spent many years delivering projects on the ground, I understand the pressures public sector organisations face and the importance of getting procurement right from the outset,” Alan said. “Clear communication and strong support at each stage helps ensure projects are delivered efficiently and successfully.” SPA believes that combining enhanced procurement support with practical, real-world expertise will further strengthen outcomes for public sector organisations across Scotland. As demand continues to grow across housing, retrofit and infrastructure, the expanded Call Off Service will play a key role in helping partners deliver projects at pace while still ensuring value, compliance and quality are maintained. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals