We've been asked about business continuity by customers during the current virus pandemic.

In response we've fully implemented our contingency plan with all Building Control staff working from home using our agile working platform, and remain contactable using their existing land line numbers, mobile phones, emails and using Skype and video conferencing capability. We're strictly following the government guidelines to protect our staff and our customers, and doing all we can to avoid the further spread of infection.

In line with many of our customers and partners we've cancelled face to face meetings, however we would ask you to take advantage of our Skype and video conferencing facilities as we're keen to ensure that you continue to have full access to our service and expertise.

All employees, including our Site Building Control Surveying team, are following the recommended preventative actions according to official advice.

In order to further reduce the risk of infection to both our staff and yourself we're operating a paperless office, and would be most grateful if all correspondence, plans, specifications and certificates can be sent in a paperless format.

We're also no longer accepting cheques as a payment method and would suggest that you make a phone card payment or one of the other methods, using BACS etc. If you have any queries please telephone business support on 01743 258710.

Furthermore we've also implemented a risk-based approach to our site inspection service, and will continue to offer a quality service and audit your projects at the various agreed key stages throughout the project by undertaking a limited number of risk-based key stage site inspections, combining this with the use of Skype, video or digital technology to audit at other stages. We see this as a necessary move to limit the risk of spreading infection or putting you or the home owner at any unnecessary risk.

Please request a site audit/inspection as normal, but this may require that you download our app onto your Apple iPhone or android-type device, but this can be done quickly and easily by following the simple instructions issued at the time of your audit request, or by speaking to a member of the team who will guide you through the process. This should simplify the site inspection process for you and your client, and allow you to continue with your project without any unnecessary delay or risk.

To complement this approach we'll provide you with a copy of all our site audits so that you, the client or builder will have a record of the status of the works, and advice given to assist you in meeting the building regulations and what information may be required or works to be completed to allow us to issue a completion certificate for the project and reduce any delay.

I'm confident that this addition to our service will help all our customers and enhance the existing service, ensuring that we continue to deliver a quality service to you at all times.

I appreciate that these are difficult times, so if you have any queries or wish to discuss a future or current project please don't hesitate to contact me or a member of our team on 01743 258710. We'll be delighted to assist or provide free advice.

Regards,
Phil Russell
Building Control Manager
Shropshire Council
Tel 07990 087940 or email phil.russell@shropshire.gov.uk.