Featuring Steven Cooper, Regional Director – North

In a field where the smallest details can have life-or-death consequences, it’s no surprise that building control is constantly evolving. For Steven Cooper, with over 40 years of experience in the industry, those changes aren’t just technical—they’re cultural, strategic, and deeply personal.

We sat down with Steven to talk about his journey, the seismic shifts brought on by regulatory change, and how Salus is navigating this new era of accountability.

From Building Sites to Boardrooms

Steven’s path in building control spans more than four decades, beginning in local government before moving into the private sector. “I haven’t done anything else,” he says with a laugh. “I started over 40 years ago doing this and don’t know how to do anything else, to be quite frank.”

His role has grown alongside the industry. From his early days inspecting foundations to his current leadership as a Regional Director, Steven’s career mirrors the sector’s transition from hands-on craftsmanship to strategic compliance management.

Today, he oversees teams across the Midlands and the North, including offices in Hinckley, Redditch, and beyond. His role is to translate the company’s strategic direction into actionable operations, aligning with both business goals and external regulatory shifts.

“We’ve Gone Full Circle”

Perhaps the most striking insight Steven shares is how the industry has come full circle.

“When I started, the regulations were quite prescriptive. Then the government moved toward setting a broad framework, with the expectation that the industry would find ways to meet that starting with the guidance the Government provided. But after Grenfell, we’re going back. There’s been a return to absolute compliance.”

Gone are the days when inspectors would become involved in how solve an issue. Instead, their role is now closer to what it once was: identify non-compliance, and leave it others to find the solutions.

“The people designing and building need to know how to comply. The Building Inspector cannot identify the issue and then go on to provide the solution,” Steven says. “We’re back to being regulators.”

The Human Side of Regulation

Change on this scale doesn’t just affect workflows—it affects people. The introduction of personal registration for building inspectors meant that all professionals had to prove their competence, often under pressure and with tight deadlines.

Steven and his team leaned into support. “We gave our staff the tools, the confidence, the time. It was easier for some than for others and it was quite stressful time for all. But everyone got there in the end—with varying degrees of comfort.”

Salus implemented systems to ensure that Class 1 Inspectors could still work under supervision. “It had an impact on company time, but it was necessary. We made sure nobody got left behind.”

A Culture of Support, Not Supervision

When asked how Salus handled the shift culturally, Steven is clear: it wasn’t top-down. It was collaborative.

He credits open communication, frequent director check-ins, and a shared understanding of the end goal. “We weren’t just implementing change—we were interpreting signals from regulators and turning that into day-to-day action. That’s no small thing.”

This people-first approach speaks volumes about Salus’s internal culture. Change was handled not just as a compliance issue, but as a leadership opportunity.

Looking Ahead: Evolution Over Revolution

The work isn’t done. “There’s still a lot to implement,” Steven notes. “We’re bringing in more changes this September—things like completion notifications and expanded documentation. It’s going to take a couple of years before the industry fully catches up.”

But in Steven’s view, this slow pace isn’t a weakness—it’s necessary. “You can’t change a whole industry overnight. And frankly, that’s a good thing. It gives us time to embed good habits, not just tick boxes.”

Final Thoughts: Calm in the Compliance Storm

Steven’s leadership is calm, considered, and deeply grounded in experience. His perspective on regulation isn’t alarmist—it’s pragmatic. The industry may be changing, but he believes it’s returning to its roots.

“We’re regulators again. That’s the role now. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about ensuring the right questions are being asked.”

And that’s exactly what Salus is doing.

Steven Cooper

Regional Director – North

C.Build E, FCABE, IEng

M: 07500 776 358
Email

Steven is the Regional Director for the North and he manages the Associate Directors at our  Catterick, Redditch, and Hinckley offices. Steven is a highly respected Registered Building Inspector who supports our teams with technical interpretations.