Episode 3 | Robert Edis: Experienced Class 1 RBIs - Will They Ever Return To Building Control?

Episode 3 | Rob Edis: Experienced Class 1 RBIs - Will They Ever Return To Building Control? In the third episode of BRG | Future-Proofing Building Safety, BRG Co-Founder Paul Tomkies is joined by Rob Edis to explore another critical challenge facing the Building Control profession: how can the industry encourage experienced Registered Building Inspectors to return before re-registration in 2028, and what happens if it doesn't? Building on the discussions from our previous episodes around developing future talent and preparing for re-registration, this conversation focuses on an equally important part of the workforce equation: retaining experience, rebuilding capacity and ensuring the profession does not lose decades of valuable knowledge. Drawing on his experience within the Building Control profession, Rob shares his perspective on why many experienced RBIs have chosen careers outside Building Control, what opportunities have attracted them into other sectors and whether the current pathways make it realistic for those professionals to return. The discussion also considers whether alternative routes back into Building Control should exist for experienced practitioners and how competency can be maintained while encouraging talented professionals back into the industry. Paul and Rob explore the growing demand for Building Regulations Principal Designers (BRPDs), the impact this has had on the Building Control workforce and whether organisations are doing enough to retain and attract experienced inspectors. They also discuss the practical realities of the Building Safety Regulator's registration process, lessons learned from the first round of registration and what both Local Authorities and Private Registered Building Control Approvers can do to prepare for re-registration in 2028. Importantly, the conversation looks beyond the challenges. Rob shares his thoughts on how the profession can become more attractive, what changes could strengthen the current system and why proactive workforce planning over the next few years will be essential if Building Control is to maintain sufficient levels of competency and resilience. This episode offers valuable insight for Registered Building Inspectors, Building Control Managers, Directors, Local Authorities, Private Registered Building Control Approvers, regulators and anyone with a vested interest in the future of Building Control, Building Safety and professional competency. Join us as we continue asking the difficult questions, challenging conventional thinking and exploring the practical solutions needed to future-proof Building Safety.