Meet our expanding building safety team
Our Health and Safety department has grown rapidly in recent times, partly due to the increase in work around the Building Safety Act regulations. The team now has 27 members who are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety around the developments that we manage.
Joe Leggett and Toyosi Mohammed have both recently joined the team as Senior Building Safety Co-ordinators working on building safety cases. Here we find out a bit more about their roles and how they got into working in the building safety sector.
What have you done in your career so far and how did you come to join R&R’s building safety team?
Joe: I began my career in the aviation industry and moved into the housing sector after Covid, working for a housing association and then as a property manager for a temporary accommodation provider. I was drawn to the role at Rendall & Rittner, which I started at the beginning of September, because it brings together my experience of focusing on safety standards in aviation with my knowledge of residential property.
Toyosi: I have experience of managing estates for property management companies and then I worked in quality assurance with Islington Council, ensuring that residential blocks met regulatory standards. I joined Rendall & Rittner over a year ago, first in the landlord certification team before transitioning to the building safety team. This role aligned perfectly with my background and provides the opportunity to contribute to an evolving field.
What does your role involve?
Toyosi: My role revolves around facilitating the entire process of creating safety case reports for high-rise buildings. I serve as the vital link between contractors, property managers, and building owners, ensuring all necessary documentation is compiled accurately and efficiently. I manage the flow of information and act as a key touchpoint to ensure deadlines are met and the quality of reports is upheld to regulatory standards.
Joe: It is our responsibility to compile the safety case reports, which are a requirement of building safety regulations under the Building Safety Act. The reports can be complex and cover all of the safety measures implemented to make sure a building is safe to occupy. We are the first point of contact for any issues about these, liaising with the on-site team and other parties involved.
What do you like about your role?
Toyosi: What I find most rewarding is the fact that my work directly impacts the safety and well-being of residents. Knowing that I contribute to ensuring homes are safe for occupants gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Additionally, I’m constantly learning and expanding my knowledge in building safety, an area that is becoming increasingly significant as regulations evolve.
Joe: It is fast-paced and no two days are the same. I enjoy the collaborative nature of the work - I get to meet and speak to many colleagues from across the business, who are all very helpful and supportive.
What are the challenges you face in your job?
Toyosi: One of the primary challenges is navigating the evolving nature of building safety regulations, especially with limited precedent or detailed feedback from regulators. The regulatory framework is still taking shape, and the ambiguity sometimes poses challenges in interpreting and implementing the guidelines. However, I see these challenges as opportunities to innovate and learn.
Joe: The team is still learning about the requirements from the regulators because there hasn’t been enough feedback. The deadlines for submitting documentation are also quite tight, which adds extra pressure.
What do you like most about working at Rendall & Rittner?
Joe: The professionalism of the company is impressive. As a new starter, the welcome I received was like nothing I’ve experienced in previous roles, and I quickly felt part of the team even though we all work remotely. R&R clearly invests in its staff and has excellent systems in place for training and development for example through its e-learning platform. The fact that so many of my colleagues have had lengthy careers with R&R gives the incentive to know that I can progress within the company.
Toyosi: Rendall & Rittner truly invests in its people, and that is reflected in the supportive culture within the company. From the extensive training and development opportunities to the collaborative work environment, it’s clear that R&R prioritises employee growth and well-being. I’m fortunate to work with colleagues who are not only experts in their fields but also generous with their knowledge and support.
