Built Environment Forum Scotland
@thebefs.bsky.social
BEFS informs, debates & advocates on opportunities & challenges facing Scotland's built environment. Historic Environment Scotland supported. 🔗 https://www.befs.org.uk
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Hello Bluesky! Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is Scotland’s umbrella body for the built environment—historic & contemporary. We draw on expert voices to inform debate & advocate on strategic issues, challenges & opportunities. Supported by HES. Learn more: www.befs.org.uk/
🌍 New opportunity: communities can now submit an Expression of Interest for the UK Inventory of Living Heritage. From crafts and oral traditions, to food and performing arts, nominations are open across the UK. Learn more and take part 👉
Expression of Interest (EOI) | Start Your Submission
The first step to adding your living heritage to the UK inventories. Use this short form to register interest, access support, and join workshops.
livingheritage.unesco.org.uk
February 6, 2026 at 4:00 PM
🌍 New opportunity: communities can now submit an Expression of Interest for the UK Inventory of Living Heritage. From crafts and oral traditions, to food and performing arts, nominations are open across the UK. Learn more and take part 👉
📣 Consultation open: Historic Environment Scotland is seeking views on Fair Work across the historic environment. Employers and organisations in receipt of government funding are invited to share their awareness and approach. Take part here 👇
Fair Work Across Scotland's Historic Environment
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by Historic Environment Scotland
haveyoursay.historicenvironment.scot
February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM
📣 Consultation open: Historic Environment Scotland is seeking views on Fair Work across the historic environment. Employers and organisations in receipt of government funding are invited to share their awareness and approach. Take part here 👇
As the 2026 election approaches, sector manifestos are sharpening focus on the existing built environment. The Chartered Institute of Building in Scotland has published From Ambition to Delivery, setting out practical actions on housing, climate change and building safety. 📘 www.ciob.org/industr...
February 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM
As the 2026 election approaches, sector manifestos are sharpening focus on the existing built environment. The Chartered Institute of Building in Scotland has published From Ambition to Delivery, setting out practical actions on housing, climate change and building safety. 📘 www.ciob.org/industr...
BEFS Bulletin 390 is out 📣 Sector strategies, manifestos, and funding implications for places of worship, plus the latest built environment news, policy updates, consultations and opportunities. Take a look 👇
BEFS Bulletin 390: Sector strategies, manifestos, and funding implications for places of worship
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
www.befs.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 5:14 PM
BEFS Bulletin 390 is out 📣 Sector strategies, manifestos, and funding implications for places of worship, plus the latest built environment news, policy updates, consultations and opportunities. Take a look 👇
NEW consultation alert!
Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance is now open.
The consultation seeks views on fire safety standards, compliance plans and responses to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report.
Closes 10 April 2026 🗓️
Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance is now open.
The consultation seeks views on fire safety standards, compliance plans and responses to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report.
Closes 10 April 2026 🗓️
January 27, 2026 at 3:01 PM
NEW consultation alert!
Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance is now open.
The consultation seeks views on fire safety standards, compliance plans and responses to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report.
Closes 10 April 2026 🗓️
Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance is now open.
The consultation seeks views on fire safety standards, compliance plans and responses to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report.
Closes 10 April 2026 🗓️
BEFS Member Historic Churches Scotland is recruiting a new Director ⛪
A senior leadership role guiding the conservation and future of Scotland’s most at-risk historic churches, with a strong focus on communities, fundraising and strategy.
Details and application info 👇
🔗
A senior leadership role guiding the conservation and future of Scotland’s most at-risk historic churches, with a strong focus on communities, fundraising and strategy.
Details and application info 👇
🔗
Historic Churches Scotland - Director
Historic Churches Scotland is seeking a new Director at an exciting and pivotal stage in the charity’s development
www.befs.org.uk
January 27, 2026 at 12:01 PM
BEFS Member Historic Churches Scotland is recruiting a new Director ⛪
A senior leadership role guiding the conservation and future of Scotland’s most at-risk historic churches, with a strong focus on communities, fundraising and strategy.
Details and application info 👇
🔗
A senior leadership role guiding the conservation and future of Scotland’s most at-risk historic churches, with a strong focus on communities, fundraising and strategy.
Details and application info 👇
🔗
In case you missed it 📑
The Scottish Government has withdrawn national planning advice, including PAN2/2011 (Planning & Archaeology) and PAN71 (Conservation Areas). Sector concerns remain around clarity and decision-making.
More detail in the SG blog 👇
🔗
The Scottish Government has withdrawn national planning advice, including PAN2/2011 (Planning & Archaeology) and PAN71 (Conservation Areas). Sector concerns remain around clarity and decision-making.
More detail in the SG blog 👇
🔗
Publications declutter - Planning and Architecture
Withdrawal of planning advice
blogs.gov.scot
January 27, 2026 at 9:20 AM
In case you missed it 📑
The Scottish Government has withdrawn national planning advice, including PAN2/2011 (Planning & Archaeology) and PAN71 (Conservation Areas). Sector concerns remain around clarity and decision-making.
More detail in the SG blog 👇
🔗
The Scottish Government has withdrawn national planning advice, including PAN2/2011 (Planning & Archaeology) and PAN71 (Conservation Areas). Sector concerns remain around clarity and decision-making.
More detail in the SG blog 👇
🔗
Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector!
Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents"
Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents"
January 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector!
Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents"
Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents"
⏰ Deadline approaching: BEFS is recruiting a Net Zero Lead
This new role will drive a co-ordinated, evidence-led approach to Net Zero, connecting sector research, building capacity, and championing the historic environment’s role in tackling the climate emergency.
This new role will drive a co-ordinated, evidence-led approach to Net Zero, connecting sector research, building capacity, and championing the historic environment’s role in tackling the climate emergency.
January 26, 2026 at 11:02 AM
⏰ Deadline approaching: BEFS is recruiting a Net Zero Lead
This new role will drive a co-ordinated, evidence-led approach to Net Zero, connecting sector research, building capacity, and championing the historic environment’s role in tackling the climate emergency.
This new role will drive a co-ordinated, evidence-led approach to Net Zero, connecting sector research, building capacity, and championing the historic environment’s role in tackling the climate emergency.
The Scottish Government’s 2026 to 2027 Budget has been published 📊
Built environment commitments include £7.6bn in capital investment, more carbon-free heating, and action on warm, affordable homes.
Read the full Budget 👇
🔗
Built environment commitments include £7.6bn in capital investment, more carbon-free heating, and action on warm, affordable homes.
Read the full Budget 👇
🔗
Scottish Budget 2026 to 2027
The Scottish Budget sets out the Scottish Government's proposed spending and tax plans for 2026-27, as presented to the Scottish Parliament
www.gov.scot
January 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
The Scottish Government’s 2026 to 2027 Budget has been published 📊
Built environment commitments include £7.6bn in capital investment, more carbon-free heating, and action on warm, affordable homes.
Read the full Budget 👇
🔗
Built environment commitments include £7.6bn in capital investment, more carbon-free heating, and action on warm, affordable homes.
Read the full Budget 👇
🔗
The Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament 🏗️
If passed, it would fund cladding remediation and apply to some new residential developments from April 2028.
Read BEFS’s response and statements 👇
🔗 Consultation response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
If passed, it would fund cladding remediation and apply to some new residential developments from April 2028.
Read BEFS’s response and statements 👇
🔗 Consultation response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
January 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament 🏗️
If passed, it would fund cladding remediation and apply to some new residential developments from April 2028.
Read BEFS’s response and statements 👇
🔗 Consultation response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
If passed, it would fund cladding remediation and apply to some new residential developments from April 2028.
Read BEFS’s response and statements 👇
🔗 Consultation response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
New blog in our Joining the Dots series 🧩
Dr Scott McGibbon from Pvotal Consultancy explores why skills policy is strategic infrastructure, and how aligned investment, procurement and training can unlock net zero, housing and placemaking ambitions.
Read 👉
Dr Scott McGibbon from Pvotal Consultancy explores why skills policy is strategic infrastructure, and how aligned investment, procurement and training can unlock net zero, housing and placemaking ambitions.
Read 👉
Skills as Strategic Infrastructure: Building Scotland's Workforce for Net Zero
Kicking off 2026 as the sixth blog in our 'Joining the Dots' series, Dr. Scott McGibbon, Managing Director at Pvotal Consultancy, makes the case that skills policy is not an operational add-on but a delivery mechanism for achieving Scotland's net zero, housing, heritage, planning and placemaking ambitions. Exploring the connections between workforce development and policy objectives, Scott unpacks the fragmented skills landscape; from siloed workforce planning to procurement misalignment, and proposes concrete actions to turn policy signals into coordinated investment, procurement reform and regional training that secures Scotland's built environment for the long term.
www.befs.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM
New blog in our Joining the Dots series 🧩
Dr Scott McGibbon from Pvotal Consultancy explores why skills policy is strategic infrastructure, and how aligned investment, procurement and training can unlock net zero, housing and placemaking ambitions.
Read 👉
Dr Scott McGibbon from Pvotal Consultancy explores why skills policy is strategic infrastructure, and how aligned investment, procurement and training can unlock net zero, housing and placemaking ambitions.
Read 👉
Climate legislation is essential - but it must be holistic, aligned, & sustained beyond electoral cycles.
With 52.9% of Scottish housing pre-1946, we need policies that work for ALL building types, not one-size-fits-all approaches ❌
Read the BEFS Manifesto here:
With 52.9% of Scottish housing pre-1946, we need policies that work for ALL building types, not one-size-fits-all approaches ❌
Read the BEFS Manifesto here:
BEFS 2026 Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland
BEFS has drawn together a call to action for the next Scottish Government. Our Manifesto outlines how essential investment is key to unlocking substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health - unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.
www.befs.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Climate legislation is essential - but it must be holistic, aligned, & sustained beyond electoral cycles.
With 52.9% of Scottish housing pre-1946, we need policies that work for ALL building types, not one-size-fits-all approaches ❌
Read the BEFS Manifesto here:
With 52.9% of Scottish housing pre-1946, we need policies that work for ALL building types, not one-size-fits-all approaches ❌
Read the BEFS Manifesto here:
BEFS Bulletin 389 is out 📬
A busy start to 2026, with a brand new Joining the Dots blog, key news, policy updates, consultations, publications, vacancies and events from across Scotland’s built and historic environment sector.
Read it here 👉
A busy start to 2026, with a brand new Joining the Dots blog, key news, policy updates, consultations, publications, vacancies and events from across Scotland’s built and historic environment sector.
Read it here 👉
BEFS Bulletin 389: A busy start to 2026!
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
www.befs.org.uk
January 22, 2026 at 4:54 PM
BEFS Bulletin 389 is out 📬
A busy start to 2026, with a brand new Joining the Dots blog, key news, policy updates, consultations, publications, vacancies and events from across Scotland’s built and historic environment sector.
Read it here 👉
A busy start to 2026, with a brand new Joining the Dots blog, key news, policy updates, consultations, publications, vacancies and events from across Scotland’s built and historic environment sector.
Read it here 👉
Scotland's construction creates 50% of our waste - yet buildings contain valuable, reusable materials with embodied carbon we can't afford to waste.
Material Passports can unlock circular economy benefits ♻️ Read our full manifesto:
Material Passports can unlock circular economy benefits ♻️ Read our full manifesto:
BEFS 2026 Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland
BEFS has drawn together a call to action for the next Scottish Government. Our Manifesto outlines how essential investment is key to unlocking substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health - unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.
www.befs.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Scotland's construction creates 50% of our waste - yet buildings contain valuable, reusable materials with embodied carbon we can't afford to waste.
Material Passports can unlock circular economy benefits ♻️ Read our full manifesto:
Material Passports can unlock circular economy benefits ♻️ Read our full manifesto:
RICS Scotland Manifesto calls for urgent action on skills to deliver housing, infrastructure & net zero goals. With 10,000+ construction jobs needed by 2028, closer govt-industry collaboration is essential. Read more: www.rics.org/content...
#ScotlandManifesto #ScottishBudget
#ScotlandManifesto #ScottishBudget
January 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
RICS Scotland Manifesto calls for urgent action on skills to deliver housing, infrastructure & net zero goals. With 10,000+ construction jobs needed by 2028, closer govt-industry collaboration is essential. Read more: www.rics.org/content...
#ScotlandManifesto #ScottishBudget
#ScotlandManifesto #ScottishBudget
Scottish Budget 2026/27 highlights built environment commitments including carbon-free heating, £7.6bn capital investment & warm, affordable homes. Increased investment in just transition, culture & apprenticeships. Read more:
Scottish Budget 2026 to 2027
The Scottish Budget sets out the Scottish Government's proposed spending and tax plans for 2026-27, as presented to the Scottish Parliament
www.gov.scot
January 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Scottish Budget 2026/27 highlights built environment commitments including carbon-free heating, £7.6bn capital investment & warm, affordable homes. Increased investment in just transition, culture & apprenticeships. Read more:
Historic Houses is recruiting a Director of Policy & Public Affairs. Senior policy specialist with heritage experience? This could be for you. London-based, closing 19 Jan. More details:
Historic Houses - Director of Policy & Public Affairs
Are you a senior policy and public affairs specialist with a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills and a strong interest in heritage and cultural policy?
www.befs.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Historic Houses is recruiting a Director of Policy & Public Affairs. Senior policy specialist with heritage experience? This could be for you. London-based, closing 19 Jan. More details:
Thank you to all our Members, Associates and partners for your continued engagement and support for BEFS work this year.
Wishing everyone a restorative festive break 🎄
We’ll be back with our first bulletin of 2026 on 21 Jan. Subscribe to the Bulletin here:
Wishing everyone a restorative festive break 🎄
We’ll be back with our first bulletin of 2026 on 21 Jan. Subscribe to the Bulletin here:
Built Environment Forum Scotland
Built Environment Forum Scotland Email Forms
befs.us10.list-manage.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Thank you to all our Members, Associates and partners for your continued engagement and support for BEFS work this year.
Wishing everyone a restorative festive break 🎄
We’ll be back with our first bulletin of 2026 on 21 Jan. Subscribe to the Bulletin here:
Wishing everyone a restorative festive break 🎄
We’ll be back with our first bulletin of 2026 on 21 Jan. Subscribe to the Bulletin here:
Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector! Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities:
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents
December 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector! Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities:
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents
The 2024 Historic Environment Audit revealed huge data gaps - from volunteering numbers to emissions to social impact.
We can't protect what we don't measure 📊
Investing in data collection & research = better decisions for Scotland's heritage. Read our full manifesto:
We can't protect what we don't measure 📊
Investing in data collection & research = better decisions for Scotland's heritage. Read our full manifesto:
BEFS 2026 Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland
BEFS has drawn together a call to action for the next Scottish Government. Our Manifesto outlines how essential investment is key to unlocking substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health - unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.
www.befs.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The 2024 Historic Environment Audit revealed huge data gaps - from volunteering numbers to emissions to social impact.
We can't protect what we don't measure 📊
Investing in data collection & research = better decisions for Scotland's heritage. Read our full manifesto:
We can't protect what we don't measure 📊
Investing in data collection & research = better decisions for Scotland's heritage. Read our full manifesto:
BEFS has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Compulsory Purchase Reform, supporting stronger tools to bring vacant & derelict historic assets back into use.
👉 Read the BEFS response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
👉 Read the BEFS response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
December 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
BEFS has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Compulsory Purchase Reform, supporting stronger tools to bring vacant & derelict historic assets back into use.
👉 Read the BEFS response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
👉 Read the BEFS response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
In case you missed it: community-led reuse took centre stage at the 2025 SURF Awards for Community Regeneration. From town-centre living to youth spaces, retrofit & culture, these projects show the power of community spirit.
👉 SURF category winners:
👉 SURF category winners:
2025 SURF Award Winners Revealed - SURF
The outcomes of the prestigious 2025 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were announced tonight (04/12/25) at a...
surf.scot
December 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In case you missed it: community-led reuse took centre stage at the 2025 SURF Awards for Community Regeneration. From town-centre living to youth spaces, retrofit & culture, these projects show the power of community spirit.
👉 SURF category winners:
👉 SURF category winners:
Last month BEFS Director Hazel Johnson gave evidence on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. Read BEFS submissions in the Stage 1 report — supporting the levy in principle, small-scale exemptions & wider use of funds.
Oral: www.scottishparliame...
Written: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
Oral: www.scottishparliame...
Written: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Last month BEFS Director Hazel Johnson gave evidence on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. Read BEFS submissions in the Stage 1 report — supporting the levy in principle, small-scale exemptions & wider use of funds.
Oral: www.scottishparliame...
Written: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
Oral: www.scottishparliame...
Written: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
A milestone reached for tenement maintenance!👇
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.
December 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
A milestone reached for tenement maintenance!👇
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.