Building Safety 2.0. Why technology is critical to keeping properties compliant and occupants safe

The new reality: complexity, accountability, and pace

Modern property portfolios are more complex and dynamic than ever before. Multiple sites, varied asset types, third-party contractors, and overlapping responsibilities make managing safety and compliance a distinct challenge. Regulatory frameworks - from the Building Safety Act to fire, health and safety regulations - are constantly evolving and maintaining oversight across it all is not only time-consuming but it also leaves property professionals more exposed to scrutiny and liability than ever before. 

When used effectively, digital platforms can provide this essential 360° visibility over all aspects of risk, compliance and safety management; transforming it from a reactive, resource-heavy task into a proactive, integrated part of daily operations.

Centralising compliance for control and clarity

One of the biggest challenges for property professionals is managing fragmented compliance data across disparate systems and spreadsheets. This makes it difficult to maintain visibility and accountability, especially during regulatory audits or investigations.

Technology helps consolidate this data into a single, accessible platform, bringing together risk assessments, fire strategies, maintenance schedules, and audit trails. This not only reduces administrative burden but enables real-time insight into compliance status across a portfolio, helping teams spot and act on issues before they escalate into safety catastrophes.

Evidence matters more than ever

Accountability today demands more than good intentions; it requires clear evidence. In the eyes of regulators, being able to demonstrate what decisions were made, when, by whom, and why is essential.

Digital platforms that offer document versioning, user permissions, and audit trails provide a robust evidential foundation. They help duty holders and accountable persons demonstrate that they’ve taken appropriate, proportionate actions to keep their properties - and their occupants - safe, thereby reducing risk of incidents and avoiding non-compliance, reputational harm, and/or regulatory enforcement.

From reactive fire-fighting to proactive risk management

Technology’s value goes beyond documentation. Smart systems with automation and workflows can proactively identify gaps; such as expired certifications or overdue assessments, and notify the right people to take corrective action.

By using dashboards and predictive analytics, property teams can shift from reactive to proactive management, anticipating and mitigating risks before they become liabilities. This approach is vital to meeting the high bar now expected by regulators and insurers alike.

Collaboration is key

Compliance isn’t a solo effort. Property professionals must work in tandem with asset owners, contractors, and external assessors to maintain building safety. An effective digital compliance system allows for secure, role-based access so responsibilities are clearly defined, communication is streamlined, and everyone is working from a single source of truth.

A real-world example

Livingcity Asset Management recently partnered with Ark Workplace Risk and utilised the QUOODA® risk, compliance and safety platform to support their compliance journey at X1 Tower in Liverpool. As one of the UK’s tallest residential buildings, effective collaboration and digital risk management were essential - and ultimately played a central role in securing one of the UK’s first Building Assessment Certificates. As Daniel Bright, Associate Director of Livingcity put it: “The QUOODA® platform gives us the ability to track compliance in the simplest way and report to clients in real time. What previously took hours and hours of manual time is now done instantly. This has proven to be invaluable to our team.”

Looking ahead: building for resilience

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, technology will remain a critical tool in enabling property professionals to protect occupants, stay compliant and mitigate risk. From mobile-enabled site inspections to automatic regulatory updates and intelligent reporting, digital tools are becoming increasingly aligned with the challenges property professionals face on the ground.

Ultimately, the organisations that choose to leverage technology will be the ones able to uphold stakeholder trust and maintain competitive advantage, those that don’t risk falling behind.

Shaunna Thornton, Director- Risk, Compliance and Safety Management, Ark Workplace Risk.