Following

Definition and Linguistic Application#

In the context of the UK cladding and remedial sectors, the term "following" functions as a sequential and causal marker within technical reporting, certification, and project management documentation. It is defined as "subsequent to or as a result of a previous action or instruction." While a common English preposition, its deployment in professional surveying—such as EWS1 (External Wall System) assessments or PAS 9980 appraisals—establishes a necessary chronological link between a specific observation, a regulatory mandate, and a subsequent remedial action.

The term serves to clarify the provenance of a decision-making process. For instance, a surveyor may note that a recommendation for remediation is issued "following" a borescope investigation that revealed combustible insulation within a cavity. In this capacity, "following" provides the evidentiary trail required for audit purposes, ensuring that actions taken regarding the building fabric are not arbitrary but are rooted in a documented precursor, such as an inspection, a legislative change, or a specialist’s instruction.

Context in Cladding Testing and Repair#

Within cladding testing and repair workflows, the term "following" is frequently utilised to denote the transition between assessment phases. The lifecycle of an external wall project in England and Wales typically involves several distinct stages: initial desk study, site-based intrusive inspection, laboratory testing of samples, and the eventual implementation of a remediation strategy. Documentation generated during these transitions relies on the term to anchor the validity of the next step.

For example, the procurement of specific replacement materials often occurs "following" the formal classification of existing materials via BS EN 13501-1 testing. Similarly, the appointment of a Principal Designer or Principal Contractor under the Building Safety Act 2022 framework often happens "following" the determination that the building constitutes a 'higher-risk building' (HRB). This usage ensures that the complex hierarchy of professional responsibilities is clearly mapped against the project timeline.

Interaction with Building Fabric and External Wall Systems#

When discussing the physical building fabric, "following" describes the relationship between the discovery of defects and the necessary adjustments to the system design. External wall systems (EWS) are complex assemblies comprising rainscreen panels, insulation, cavity barriers, fire stops, and substructures. The performance of these systems is interdependent; therefore, the modification of one element "following" a survey can have implications for the entire assembly.

If a survey identifies a lack of vertical cavity barriers, the subsequent installation of these barriers must be integrated into the existing system. The technical literature might state that the system design was amended "following" the identification of non-compliant detailing at the floor slab level. In this technical sense, the term relates to the reactive nature of building fabric maintenance, where the existing state of the building dictates the scope of the subsequent engineering solution.

Regulatory and Process Context in England and Wales#

The regulatory landscape in England and Wales, governed primarily by the Building Safety Act 2022 and the updated Building Regulations, places significant weight on the sequence of actions. The "Golden Thread" of information is a central concept here, requiring a continuous record of decisions. The term "following" is instrumental in maintaining this thread, as it links the 'as-built' reality with the 'as-remediated' outcome.

In the context of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), specific notices or stop notices may be issued "following" a failure to demonstrate adequate progress or safety management. The term thus gains a legal dimension, where the sequence of regulatory intervention and the building owner's response must be meticulously recorded to demonstrate compliance with the statutory duties imposed on Accountable Persons (APs) and Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs).

Implications for Building Owners and Managers#

For building owners, managing agents, and Resident Management Company (RMC) or Right to Manage (RTM) directors, understanding the implications of "following" is vital for risk management and financial planning. Decisions regarding the funding of cladding repairs, including applications to the Building Safety Fund (BSF) or the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS), are typically made "following" a technical assessment that confirms eligibility.

A common scenario involves the issuance of a Section 20 notice under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. This legal requirement for consultation with leaseholders often occurs "following" the receipt of a definitive scope of works from a chartered engineer. Managers must be precise in their communication, ensuring that leaseholders understand that the financial commitments and works schedules are results that follow specific professional advice or legislative requirements, rather than being discretionary choices.

Common Misunderstandings and Nuances#

A frequent misunderstanding involves the conflation of chronological sequence with automatic causality. While an action may occur "following" an inspection, it does not always imply that the inspection was the sole driver. For instance, a building may undergo cladding replacement "following" a change in the owner's insurance requirements, even if the existing system was previously deemed adequate under a different risk framework.

Another nuance involves the distinction between "following" and "in accordance with." While "following" denotes a sequence (Action B comes after Action A), "in accordance with" denotes adherence to a specific standard or instruction (Action B matches the requirements of Document A). In technical reports, a surveyor may state that remedial works were carried out "following" a survey and "in accordance with" the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Confusing these terms can lead to ambiguities in liability and the interpretation of professional duties.

Related Terminology and Technical Synonyms#

In the professional discourse of the cladding industry, several terms are closely related to "following" and are often used to refine the description of sequential events:

• Subsequent to: Used to denote a strictly chronological order without necessarily implying a direct causal link.
• Consequent upon: Often used in legal and insurance contexts to indicate a direct result or a mandatory outcome of a preceding event or discovery.
• Pursuant to: Used when an action is taken to carry out a specific legal requirement or a formal instruction from a regulatory body.
• Contingent upon: Used when a future action (such as the handover of a building) can only occur if a previous action (such as the issuance of a completion certificate) is successfully concluded.

By maintaining precision in the use of these terms, professionals ensure that the technical and regulatory history of a building’s external wall system is transparent, traceable, and robust for the purposes of future audits, property transactions, and ongoing safety management.