The employment of Building Control staff by one Council on behalf of others was provided for by an Order in Council. There were five groups, plus Belfast City Council. The reasons for introducing such an innovative system were:-

a) To provide uniformity of application and enforcement of the Regulations

b) To provide economics in re-sourcing and flexibility in use of staff

c) To provide specialist advice

d) To provide a training and development mechanism

e) To entice quality staff through the provision of a staffing and career structure

As constituent Councils had little control over the Building Control function and no input into staff appointments the Local Government branch of the Department of the Environment introduced a new Order in Council in 1994. The main effect of the 'Order' was to transfer district staff employment to the Councils within which they were working, with a core staff retained at each Group.

The legislation recognises the important contribution a Group system makes to the delivery of a uniform and consistent service. It requires, therefore, that the Group Committees co-ordinate the service both within and between groups. Co-ordination includes matters such as standards of inspection, statistical date and enforcement of statutory provisions.

For more information on other Councils and Groups please go to www.buildingcontrol-ni.com