In 2018, Dame Judith Hackett championed the concept of the ‘Golden Thread’ of information to preserve a building’s original design intent as part of her review: Building a Safer Future. Now enshrined in the Building Safety Act, this Golden Thread of information is about transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. With product information having gained increased significance, Kyle Alexander, Project and Engineering Manager of IG Masonry Support explores the implications for masonry support solutions and how this concept applies to various stages of construction, from initial design and product specification to construction methods and regulatory compliance.
The Building Safety Act has far-reaching implications across all stages and elements of a project. It covers design, product specification, construction methods, regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, quality control and safety measures. As part of this is a crucial new compliance element: the “Golden Thread” which was devised as a way of ensuring that anyone involved on a project has the right information, or ‘single source of truth’, in order to understand the building and the steps needed to keep both the building and the occupants safe both now and in the future.
Specific to a building, the Golden Thread will hold the information that those responsible and accountable for the building require, and prove that the completed building and later work meets the requirements of the relevant Building Regulations. Having the Golden Thread means that the people responsible for the building and other relevant parties such as contractors will have reliable, accurate and easily accessible up to date information.
By bringing all the information together in one place, this core record-keeping process tracks a building’s design, construction, and operation. It requires managing, documenting, and making information about the building accessible to ensure understanding and safety. This information management ensures accuracy, currency, security, clarity, and availability to those who need it. This will help drive improved accountability.
Commitment to the Golden Thread
With growing scrutiny on product information, manufacturers like IG Masonry Support are increasingly focused on helping stakeholders maintain a reliable and accessible Golden Thread of information. Duty holders, including consultants and contractors, need reliable information about the products they specify and install.
To help those accountable deliver the Golden Thread of information, IG Masonry Support has implemented a multi-faceted approach to meet and exceed the Golden Thread expectations. The company maintains rigorous ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems accreditation through continual assessment of the company’s internal information management system to ensure its robustness.
It also provides comprehensive product information which includes detailed specifications, performance and accreditation data, installation instructions, and maintenance guidelines – all of which are easily accessible on its website and specification platforms. This information is currently under review by the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI).
Furthermore, the manufacturer meticulously maintains accurate records and documentation, systematically preserving precise technical data, comprehensive certifications, and detailed test reports to support duty holders in establishing and maintaining essential product information throughout a building’s lifecycle.
The company also provides extensive training and educational resources, offering in-depth guidance to specifiers and contractors on the comprehensive installation, appropriate use, and ongoing maintenance of its products. Its robust technical support includes assisting contractors and helping them navigate complex compliance requirements, selecting the right products and integrating them into projects, interpreting intricate technical data, and providing responsive support for any queries or challenges encountered during the construction process.
Culture change
The Golden Thread is about having the right information to ensure safer buildings and more accountable construction practices. By creating a seamless flow of information from design through to construction and operation, it ensures that all stakeholders—from architects to contractors—have access to accurate, up-to-date data that is critical for maintaining safety and compliance.
As the Building Safety Act continues to shape industry standards, product manufacturers such as IG Masonry Support will play a crucial role in supporting this shift. Through its commitment to rigorous information management practices, transparency, and ongoing product support and education, it is helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of building safety and regulatory compliance.
