Ministers and civil servants told not to attend events with seven Grenfell firms

Ministers and civil servants have been told not to be seen with the seven companies criticised most severely in the Grenfell Inquiry.

Public engagement guidance adopted last autumn, but published earlier this week, tells top officials “not to attend certain public events” with these businesses “unless for very specific reasons”.

The ban extends to roundtables, site visits, lobbying meetings, events sponsored by the companies, and events in which a minister or official would be sitting on the same panel. 

It also advises that officials not attend meetings directly with individuals who were criticised by the inquiry or who were executives at one of the seven named companies between 2009 and 2018.

The list of firms affected by the guidance includes product manufacturers like Arconic, Saint-Gobain, and Kingspan. The other four are Exova, Harley Facades, Rydon and Studio E.

The guidance names a long list of brands and subsidiaries of these firms that are included in the guidance.

It states that proper due diligence to fulfill the policy includes, but is not limited to: “Checking speaker lists, asking for confirmation of who is sponsoring an event, asking organisers who is on a panel and checking online (for example, LinkedIn) the details of any speakers or key individuals”.

Firms have been contacted for comment.

The guidance was released alongside a rash of publications related to building safety and fulfilling the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry.

The government this week launched a consultation on the creation of a new college of fire and rescue, which seeks views on the functions such a college could fulfill, as well as potential delivery and funding models.

It also announced plans to work with the building control sector to reform the system “to protect future growth and maintain standards”.

Meanwhile, a call for evidence was issued for a new building professions strategy, which it aims to publish in 2027. The strategy will provide a “clear view” on what skills, experience and accountabilities are required at each stage of the construction process.

“The Grenfell tragedy should never have happened, and we remain committed to learning and acting on its failings,” said Samantha Dixon, minister for building safety, fire and democracy.

“High standards, responsibility and safety must underpin the whole building process, upheld by everyone across the profession. 

“The measures announced today are an important step to cementing these standards and delivering on our commitment of safe homes fit for the future.”