The Client's Guide To The Building Safety Act (2026)

If you commission building work, the Building Safety Act defines you as the “Client”, with clear, non-transferable legal duties. The Client’s Guide to the Building Safety Act explains what the law requires, what good practice looks like, and how clients can make safer, better informed decisions throughout the life of a project.

Developed by BESA with support from strategic partners, the guide is designed specifically for non-domestic clients. It provides a clear and practical overview of client responsibilities, helping organisations understand how leadership, competence, accountability, procurement, and decision making all shape safe and compliant project outcomes.

The guide is particularly relevant to organisations commissioning housing, healthcare, commercial, and other building projects. It covers the client’s duties across all buildings, explains what changes for Higher Risk Buildings, and highlights why compliance cannot simply be passed down the supply chain.

Designed for clients, developers, asset owners, and senior decision makers, this guide supports better procurement, stronger governance, and safer project outcomes. It also helps clients ask better questions of their teams, improve the quality of Gateway submissions, and take a more informed approach to compliance under the Building Safety Act.

Key Features:

• Explains the client’s legal duties under the Building Safety Act
• Provides practical guidance for safer project leadership and decision making
• Covers competence, dutyholder appointments, and evidence based compliance
• Highlights additional duties for Higher Risk Buildings, including the Gateway process and Golden Thread
• Supports better procurement, risk management, and project outcomes

Published Date: 18/02/2026
Number Of Pages: 16
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