CROSS-UK named as the official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System for building safety until 2028

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in its role as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), has appointed CROSS-UK (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety until at least 2028.

As part of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower fire, the 2022 Building Safety Act introduced strengthened legislation covering building safety and construction products. This includes a requirement for an official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS). While the system is a critical part of the HSE’s mission to improve building safety, it must be operated independently of both the regulator and the Government.

CROSS-UK has been operating the system on an interim basis since April 2023 and is seen as a success story by the industry – a practical way of recognising risks, promoting culture change, and improving public safety. Following a competitive tender process, CROSS-UK has been appointed to run the service until at least 2028.

Although appointed by the regulator, CROSS remains entirely independent, providing a trusted, confidential way for professionals in the construction industry and those responsible for managing buildings to voluntarily report safety concerns.

What is CROSS UK?

CROSS provides a confidential platform for professionals to report safety concerns, near-misses, and insights from across the built environment. Reports are anonymised, reviewed by experts, and shared with the industry to promote learning and improve standards.

Established in 2005 by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), CROSS-UK has been supported by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) since 2021.

Philip White, Director of Building Safety, Health and Safety Executive said:

“Everyone deserves a safe and accountable built environment, and as the official operator of the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System, CROSS will play a key role in making that happen. This public interest appointment promotes openness, learning, and culture change – exactly what’s needed to raise standards, improve building safety, and prevent future tragedies.”

Yasmin Becker, Chief Executive Officer, Institution of Structural Engineers said:

“CROSS is an important and trusted function of the building safety regime, now confirmed as the Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System until 2028. The HSE’s decision means there will be much needed continuity for the voluntary reporting of building and fire safety issues. The Institution of Structural Engineers is pleased to continue supporting CROSS-UK as part of our commitment to structural safety.”

Dr. Janet Young, Director General, ICE said:

“One of the fundamental principles of the Institution of Civil Engineers is to provide the knowledge and services civil and infrastructure engineers need to build, operate, and maintain infrastructure that is safe and fit for purpose. Supporting CROSS is an important part of this work. Having CROSS selected as the official voluntary occurrence reporting system by the Health and Safety Executive is a testament to the essential role the service plays in public safety.”

Steve Hamm, Chief Executive Officer, Institution of Fire Engineers said:

“The Institution of Fire Engineers was honoured to support the expansion of CROSS to include fire safety reporting in 2021. The sector had never previously had such a facility but the benefits for the consumers of the information as well as the contributors were easy to comprehend and get behind. This news is a positive next step as we collectively strive towards continuous improvements to building safety.”

Paul Livesey, Head of Operations, CROSS said:

“CROSS-UK is honoured to be appointed as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety under the Building Safety Act until 2028. CROSS has always championed the power of sharing knowledge to prevent future failures, and this appointment reinforces the critical role of confidential reporting in driving a safer built environment. We encourage all construction professionals to contribute by reporting concerns and near-misses. Each report can make a difference.”

Making a report to CROSS is simple and quick. Read more about the process and submit a report online.

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