A Building Safety Manager (BSM) is a statutory role created by the Building Safety Act 2022 for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) - defined as buildings that are 18 metres or higher, or have 7 or more storeys, and contain at least two residential dwellings. The BSM is appointed by the Accountable Person and is responsible for the day-to-day management of building safety, maintaining the safety case, engaging with residents, and acting as the primary point of contact with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). The role was established following the Grenfell Tower fire as part of a wholesale reform of building safety regulation in England.
What they do
- Manage building safety risks on behalf of the Accountable Person
- Maintain and update the building safety case
- Manage the golden thread of building information
- Engage with residents and operate the residents engagement strategy
- Liaise with the Building Safety Regulator
- Manage fire safety, structural safety and maintenance contractors
- Prepare and submit Building Assessment Certificate applications
- Investigate and report safety occurrences
When you need one
A Building Safety Manager is legally required for all higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022. Buildings that meet the HRB definition must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator and a BSM appointed.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Building Safety Manager day rate | £300 - £600 / day |
| BSM annual retainer | £15,000 - £40,000 |
| Building safety case preparation | £5,000 - £25,000+ |
| Building Assessment Certificate preparation | £3,000 - £15,000 |
| Safety case review | £2,000 - £8,000 |
| Hourly rate | £80 - £150 / hr |
Costs vary significantly by building size, complexity and the state of existing safety documentation. Buildings with incomplete or missing historical information (the golden thread) will require more extensive and costly safety case preparation.
Qualifications to look for
The Building Safety Institute is the professional body established specifically for Building Safety Managers under the Building Safety Act 2022. BSI membership demonstrates engagement with the competency framework. Check membership at buildingsafetyinstitute.org.
Building Safety Managers come from diverse professional backgrounds - fire engineering, building surveying, facilities management and construction management. Whichever primary professional background the BSM has, they must also demonstrate competence against the Building Safety Act 2022 competency framework.
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced entirely new requirements. Confirm that any BSM you appoint has up-to-date training in the Act's requirements, the golden thread of information, and the Building Safety Regulator's guidance.
How to find a reputable Building Safety Manager
Frequently asked questions
What is the Building Safety Act 2022?
Legislation enacted following the Grenfell Tower fire that establishes a new regulatory framework for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) - defined as buildings 18 metres or higher, or with 7 or more storeys, containing two or more dwellings. The Act creates the Building Safety Regulator (within HSE), introduces mandatory building registration, requires the appointment of an Accountable Person and Building Safety Manager, and establishes a Building Assessment Certificate regime.
Who is the Accountable Person?
The person or entity with legal obligations under the Building Safety Act for a higher-risk building - typically the freeholder, long leaseholder with responsibility for common areas, or a management company. The Accountable Person must register the building with the Building Safety Regulator, appoint a Building Safety Manager, maintain a safety case, and engage with residents. Failure to meet Accountable Person duties is a criminal offence.
What is a building safety case?
A structured set of evidence demonstrating that the building's fire and structural safety risks are identified, understood and managed to as low a level as reasonably practicable. Required for all higher-risk buildings and must be kept up to date by the Building Safety Manager. The safety case is reviewed by the Building Safety Regulator as part of the Building Assessment Certificate process.