These are unprecedented times.
In light of the government’s recent announcements, we want to outline how Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) will continue to deliver its services to ensure the safety of all staff and clients, until further notice.
DBCP Business Continuity
As much as possible all our services will be delivered remotely, with the exception of limited construction site and dangerous structure inspections. All our staff are now working from home during this period.
Rest assured, we have operational plans in place to enable DBCP’s service to continue during these uncertain times and ensure its resilience beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Delivery of our services during COVID-19 is outlined below:
Application Submission and Processing
All applications can be submitted via our website, email or by telephone as normal. Payment can be made via the website or by contacting our office staff, on the main DBCP number.
All our staff are working remote and dealing with all enquiries via the website, email and phone as normal.
General Correspondence
We continue to operate normal business hours – Monday – Friday 08:00 to 16:30.
Due to current restrictions there is a risk to both the delay and opening of any postal items which may not be able to be opened due to travel restrictions. To avoid any delays, we recommend using our website to make enquiries or calling us. If you have recently posted any mail, please send an electronic copy to your usual DBCP contact or email info@dbcp.co.uk and a member of our team will assist you as soon as possible.
Site Inspections
It was confirmed that workers on construction sites have been told (24 March) they can continue to work but must observe Site Operating Procedures and social distancing. In line with this, DBCP will undertake site inspections on a limited basis. In most cases remote inspections will be undertaken and a discussion with a DBCP Building Inspector to discuss this is advised. (See remote inspections below).
Remote Inspections
In line with the government’s announcement on 23 March 2020 which banned all public gatherings of more than two people and travel unless essential, wherever possible we will be undertaking inspections remotely using live video (e.g. Facetime) and photographs. Once we receive your application, our Building Inspectors will arrange directly with you the photography and video required.
Dangerous Structures
Undertaking inspection of dangerous structures is a statutory duty of Derbyshire Building Control Partnership.
Where you identify a dangerous structure, you should alert us immediately, either by telephone or email. In addition to information about the structure, you must also inform us of the following:
- If anybody who is at the property is self-isolating under the current rules prescribed by the Government
- If anyone at the site (property owner or builder) has travelled from overseas within the last 2 weeks
- If anyone at the property has tested positive for the Coronavirus
- If anyone at the property is considered elderly or vulnerable
An DBCP Building Inspector will confirm with you an inspection date and time which ensures the safety of all concerned.
If you are concerned about any aspect of building control, you can contact DBCP’s team of experts for free advice on 0333 880 2000.
Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time. DBCP will resume normal service once the government lifts restrictions.
Please refer to the website and our social media channels (Twitter and Linkedin) for regular updates to our service provision in line with government announcements.
Neil Johnson
Managing Director at Derbyshire Building Control Partnership