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Golden Thread Of Building Safety Act

Golden Thread of the Building Safety Act explained by BESA

Understanding The Golden Thread: Summary

The Grenfell Tower tragedy, claiming 72 lives in June 2017, led to Dame Judith Hackitt's ground-breaking report, which led to the Building Safety Act. One key recommendation is the 'Golden Thread' concept which must be followed by higher risk buildings (HRB). These are typically buildings with at least two residential units which are at least 18 metres in height or have at least 7 storeys.

The Golden Thread mandates that those involved in a building's life cycle, from design and construction to ongoing maintenance during occupation, create and maintain a comprehensive, electronic record of all safety-critical information. A digital database should be created that is easily accessible to authorised personnel, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the building's lifespan. 

By empowering building managers and stakeholders with easy access to crucial information, the Golden Thread facilitates informed decision-making on a day to day basis, simplifies regulatory compliance, and ultimately prioritises building safety at all times. It demonstrates to building residents that their building is safe and is being kept safe.

What Is The Golden Thread In Construction?

Golden Thread of the Building Safety Act explained by BESAThe Golden Thread is the information needed to comply with the building regulations. At handover, it is evidence that the completed building meets the building regulations in the form of a comprehensive, accurate, electronic record of the finished building. It is issued to the accountable person of the building’s occupier for use throughout the lifetime of the building.


The Golden Thread sets out the requirements on the dutyholders who are responsible for the design and construction of the HRB. It is a collation of the information that was needed to meet the building control gateways, providing a record of the applications, approvals and the final completion certificate.

The Principal Contractor is responsible for managing the collection and storage of the Golden Thread details relevant to the construction works. This includes using a digital system set up by the client that stores the building information and ensures it is accurate and up to date and also includes any design changes that were made during the build.

Following handover, the Golden Thread provides easy access to crucial details like design plans, building methods, legal documents, maintenance logs, safety evaluations and change history. Stored securely and digitally, the Golden Thread serves as the single source of truth for all stakeholders.

There are two key components:

  • Building work information: design details, materials, construction processes, and compliance with regulations. It includes changes made to the design; processes and materials used and how these were managed and approved. It shows what has been built and how it complies with the building regulations. It enables the building occupier to fully understand how to operate and maintain the building.
  • Maintenance information during the lifetime of the building: records of inspections, repairs, modifications, and anything impacting building safety during the lifetime of the building. This enables the Accountable Person to manage the building safely.

What Is The Golden Thread Used For?

The information within the Golden Thread is that which is required to support the whole HRB building control process. It changes and evolves throughout the construction process and must detail the information required to meet the building control application and approval process, together with any changes made throughout construction. It includes the evidence collected to support the completion certificate application and handover to the Accountable Person at Building Completion.

The Golden Thread Information includes:

  • Details from the design phase , demonstrating that the design complies with the building regulations, showing what was to be built and how it was to be compliant.
  • Evidence in the construction phase that the approved design was achieved and met the building regulations.
  • At handover and completion, a comprehensive and accurate record of evidence is provided that shows the completed building complies with the building regulations.

Beyond simply storing information, the Golden Thread offers a multi-faceted approach to building safety control process, serving as:

  • A risk management: it helps assess and manage building safety risks to prevent hazards such as fires and collapses.
  • A safety record: it demonstrates following rules consistently, establish trust and accountability by showing that regulations have been followed throughout the building's existence.
  • A bridge of transparency: the Golden Thread facilitates easy information sharing with all stakeholders, promoting accountability in building safety.
  • A foundation for informed decisions: having accurate and readily accessible information empowers stakeholders to make smart decisions regarding design, construction, maintenance, and safety.
  • A proactive risk mitigation: recording safety assessments, mitigation measures, and maintenance records helps proactively manage and minimise safety risks.

In emergencies, the Golden Thread becomes a lifeline. This readily available information, including building layout, systems details, and safety features, empowers first responders to act swiftly and effectively.

Storing The Building's Information

Golden Thread of the Building Safety Act explained by BESANo one-size-fits-all solution exists for storing the Golden Thread, but digital storage is a must. Here are some commonly used storage methods:

  • Building Information Modelling (BIM): software that makes a digital copy of a building, helping with 3D visualisation and finding clashes for better planning and coordination.
  • Document Management Systems (DMS): these software solutions streamline the management of electronic documents, offering features like version control and powerful search functionalities for efficient information retrieval.
  • Cloud Storage Platforms: these platforms provide a centralised repository for storing building documents and other information, ensuring easy access from any device with an internet connection.

When choosing a storage solution, consider factors like project complexity, budget, and stakeholder needs to find the best fit for your Golden Thread implementation.

What Are The Golden Thread Rules?

The Building Safety Act introduces the Golden Thread requirements to ensure the accurate creation, maintenance, and sharing of prescribed information about higher-risk buildings. Several pieces of secondary regulations define how this information should be managed and what must be included in the Golden Thread.

Key principles of the Golden Thread include:

  • Formal Responsibility: Clients and contractors are legally obligated to create, maintain, and share building safety information.
  • Centralised Information Hub: The Golden Thread serves as a single source of truth for building safety information, eliminating inconsistencies. The information must be in a format that is kept secure, accessible and understandable to those who need to use it.
  • Duty Holders: Designated individuals are accountable for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Regular updates are required to keep the Golden Thread accurate and reliable over time.

Effective implementation requires training and educating staff about their roles and responsibilities in managing building information. Learn more about these critical roles and responsibilities here.

When Does The Golden Thread Start?

The Golden Thread must be created before building work begins and maintained throughout the design and construction phases, incorporating the regulatory Gateways to ensure compliance at critical milestones. After the building is completed, the Golden Thread should be handed over to the building's principal accountable person (PAP). They will use it to maintain records and implement any necessary modifications. The information within the Golden Thread must be updated throughout the entire lifecycle of the building.

Who Is Responsible For The Golden Thread?

Golden Thread of the Building Safety Act explained by BESAThe responsibility for maintaining and access the Golden Thread shifts throughout the building's lifecycle:

During Design and Construction:

  • Clients: individuals or organisations commissioning the project.
  • Principal Designers: individuals or organisations overseeing the design process.
  • Principal Contractors: individuals or organisations managing the construction process.

During the Occupation Phase:

  • Duty holders and the Accountable Person: this can be an individual, partnership, or corporate body responsible for building management and safety. They may have a team, or other individuals assigned specific responsibilities within the Golden Thread management.

How To Prepare And What To Do Regarding The Golden Thread

Proactive preparation paves the way for a successful Golden Thread implementation. Here are essential steps your organisation can take:

  • Assess digital readiness: evaluate your infrastructure and personnel expertise to identify potential gaps. Invest in training and technology upgrades if needed.
  • Define a collaborative workflow: work with stakeholders and contractors to establish clear procedures for gathering, updating, and managing information within the Golden Thread.
  • Formalise policies and procedures: clearly define roles, responsibilities, access controls, and protocols for maintaining accurate information.
  • Implement quality control: establish regular reviews and verification procedures to ensure the Golden Thread reflects the building's current state.
  • Foster open communication: proactively engage clients and designers to secure their support and collaboration throughout the implementation process.

By taking these steps, organisations can effectively prepare for the Golden Thread and contribute to a safer built environment.

The Golden Thread Of Information: What You Will Need To Manage

Golden Thread of the Building Safety Act explained by BESAThe Golden Thread includes important information across key categories, but specifics depend on project details, local regulations and applicable building regulations.

  • Design details: architectural drawings, specifications, fire safety plans, and material data sheets, forming the blueprint for building construction.
  • Construction documentation: progress reports, quality assurance documents, and any relevant permits ensure a well-documented construction process.
  • Operational information: fire risk assessments, fire and structural safety, user manuals, and equipment instructions equip building occupants with essential information for safe operation.
  • Maintenance history: records of inspections, repairs, and replacements provide a clear picture of the building's upkeep and potential concerns.

Project teams can ensure they are prepared and create a plan to effectively utilise the Golden Thread by considering key factors outlines above. This will ultimately improve maintenance of buildings in the long run, building a safer future.

Other Resources related to the Golden Thread

BESA works with many industry experts to ensure you have the latest information and guidance. Below are resources from gov.uk to ensure you have as much support as possible when navigating the Golden Thread:

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