Building Safety Act

We are committed to ensuring the safety of all our residents by maintaining a safe living environment.

This guidance and Resident Engagement Strategy relates to all our Derwent Students and uLiving sites.

What is the Building Safety Act 2022?
The Building Safety Act 2022 is legislation in England and Wales, aimed at establishing a robust framework to ensure the safety of buildings. The act introduces new measures for the management of fire and building safety that guarantee the safety of occupants within high-rise residential buildings.

Key Features of the Building Safety Act
The legislation introduces specific guidelines crafted for tall buildings, defined as those surpassing 18 meters in height or featuring 7 or more floors. These tailored regulations address distinct safety considerations linked to taller constructions.

Compliance with Documentation Requirements
In alignment with the Building Safety Act, there exists a requirement to maintain meticulous, up-to-date documentation detailing the design, construction, maintenance, and any modifications made to a building. These record-keeping obligations are designed to enhance transparency and accountability in relation to building safety.

Commitment to Resident Safety
Derwent Students is dedicated to going the extra mile to furnish you with crucial information and take every conceivable precaution to ensure your safety during your time with us.

Resident Engagement Strategy

Engage, Educate and Encourage
Our Resident Engagement Strategy, based on the principles of Engage, Educate, and Encourage, actively engages residents, educates them with relevant information, and fosters an environment where they are encouraged to express concerns freely.

The primary goal of this initiative is to involve residents in conversations concerning building safety, cultivating a cooperative approach to sustaining a safe living space.

Residents are urged to stay informed about these measures and actively participate, collaborate and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the community.

Any queries or concerns from residents are welcomed through the various communication and input channels provided.

Our Key Strategy Aims

Engage with Our Residents

  • Regularly engage with our residents through our website and other digital platforms, such as email and social media.
  • Encourage residents to participate in discussions and activities related to safety.
  • Cultivate a sense of community by involving residents in decision-making processes and any changes to this strategy.

Educate Our Residents

  • Regularly update residents on safety measures, protocols, and any changes in the legislation affecting their accommodation or this strategy.
  • Distribute educational material through a variety of channels, such as emails, flyers, meetings (online and in-person) or social media.
  • Provide educational materials to deepen residents' understanding of safety issues.

Encourage Residents to Voice Their Concerns

  • Foster an environment for residents to voice concerns in a way that suits their needs.
  • Establish a system that encourages residents to express safety-related concerns, anonymously and confidentially.
  • Swiftly respond to and address reported concerns, demonstrating a commitment to resident safety.
  • Multiple avenues, including property site staff, email, and a portal account, are provided for reporting concerns or asking questions.

Derwent Students Responsibilities

Community and Clarity

We commit to:

  • Swiftly inform residents of any issues with a property’s structural, fire, electrical, or safety systems and provide details on resolution plans.
  • Regularly share fire safety and prevention information.
  • Undertake regular Fire Risk Assessments to identify and alleviate potential hazards.
  • Ensure the proper functioning of safety systems and promptly respond to faults, undertaking necessary repairs.
  • Implement appropriate risk management measures during safety system repairs.
  • Remove potential fire hazards from communal areas and ensure clear escape routes.
  • Clearly identify emergency exit routes and provide evacuation plans.
  • Prioritise resident safety in property-related decisions.

Resident's Responsibilities

Understanding and Cooperation

Residents are entrusted with:

  • Ensuring awareness of escape routes.
  • Promptly evacuating the building during a fire alarm.
  • Contacting emergency services (999) if safety is perceived to be at risk.
  • Reporting identified or suspected faults with safety systems.
  • Communicating concerns about property safety to management.
  • Abstaining from tampering with or damaging safety equipment.
  • Maintaining cleanliness in personal spaces to prevent fire hazards.
  • Avoiding the accumulation of rubbish in the property.
  • Staying well informed of building safety information shared by the property team.

Contact Us

If you require further information or have any concerns, please contact your site team: