Independent Scottish law firm BTO Solicitors is encouraging organisations operating in the construction sector to ensure they are maximising their compliance with building standards ahead of a special event on the topic organised by Local Authority Building Standards Scotland (LABSS) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Taking place at Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee today, ‘The Devil is in the Detail’ will see BTO consultant Ann O’Connell, a specialist in Construction Law accredited by the Law Society of Scotland, deliver a session on the importance of considering building standards when it comes to project contracts and procurement conditions.

Commenting on the issues, Ann said: “Scotland’s building standards system is a series of regulations created by the Scottish Government focused on improving the health and safety of buildings, conserving fuel and power within buildings and promoting sustainable development.

“However, to maximise the success of the system, it is vital that local authorities effectively enforce the regulations, ensuring their partners, contractors and suppliers are complying with them to the highest possible degree. This all begins at the procurement stage, when requirements relating to the building standards should be intrinsic to the brief, responses to the brief, and the specific terms of the contract which is ultimately awarded. My session on Monday will expand on these topics, offering valuable guidance to parties on both sides of the tender process.”

The event aims to promote the compliance of building standards in Scotland through joint working between local authority verifiers and their industry partners. A series of presentations by industry experts will provide an overarching view on compliance with building standards as well as detailed insight into the importance of detailing and the implications of poor installation.

The seminar was formally opened with a keynote speech from the minister for local government and housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, and will close with a delegate workshop allowing an exchange of views and discussion on the issues raised.

Other contributors include the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government, Structural Engineers Registration Ltd, Glasgow Caledonian University and Dundee and Angus College.