Building Control Procedure Guides
TRA has developed online Procedure Guides covering Development Control functions for a large number of authorities. More recently we have developed a parallel online Guide covering Building Control and this is now operational in two authorities.
In the case of Building Control, the TRA service is restricted to systematisation and codification of procedures as they exist in the client authority. Although in some cases we propose procedures which are not currently in existence if this seems appropriate and helpful, we do not carry out a review of the procedures as we do with Development Control.
It is possible that some of the existing procedures are documented, in which case they can usually be incorporated. More, usually, however procedures are not properly documented, in which case we look at procedures in practice (observing and discussing these with staff), and document these within the TRA system for the authority to formally adopt. In many instances we suggest appropriate wording for procedures, although anything critical (eg deadlines) is left for the authority to specify. The Guide is then handed over to the client authority as a "system" which thereafter can be updated, extended and modified by the authority's own staff, with only a limited amount of training which will be provided by TRA.
The Guide contents are designed to fulfil the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 for Building Control. The majority of the Guide specifies operational procedures. It also includes a section entitled Quality Management Procedures which details all the related systems support procedures as required by ISO 9001:2000; concerning, for example, management review, document control, procurement, training, procedural audit.
A demonstration version of the Guide is available online now, to give a very general idea of its scope, structure and operation.
If you would like to more information and a no-commitment discussion please contact Penny O'Shea on 01204 385678.