Featuring Ian Boulton, Specialist Building Control Advisor.

When you ask Ian Boulton what keeps him motivated after nearly four decades in building control, he pauses just long enough to smile.

“Every week, I learn something new. It never becomes boring.”

That curiosity and commitment have carried him from a trainee role in a rural council to his current position at Salus, where he manages technically demanding projects that require confidentiality, trust, and a steady hand.

A Career Built on Curiosity

Ian’s path into building control wasn’t planned.

“In the 1980s, I was renovating a small house in Norfolk,” he recalls. “Through that, I met the local building control officer — and it sparked something. A few weeks later, I saw an advert for a trainee post, applied, and got it.”

The local authority funded his qualifications — an ONC, HNC and a degree — while he gained on-site experience under senior surveyors.

“It’s a job where you’re helping people achieve compliance, not just enforcing rules. That balance between technical accuracy and practical problem-solving really appealed to me.”

He later moved to a larger city authority, managing a diverse portfolio of projects. “By that point,” Ian says, “I’d learned how to handle everything from small domestic schemes to major commercial builds. But after more than a decade in management, I was ready for a new challenge.”

A Different Kind of Challenge

That challenge came when Ian joined Salus in 2018.

“Initially I was working on a range of commercial and industrial schemes,” he says. “But gradually, I began supporting projects that required a more specialist approach — ones where attention to process, precision, and confidentiality are absolutely critical.”

Those projects demand not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to interpret multiple standards, collaborate across disciplines, and maintain complete discretion.

“You’re often working within very structured procedures. It’s about ensuring that quality and compliance come together smoothly. The goal is always the same: to deliver buildings that are safe, functional, and fully compliant — whatever the environment.”

Trust, Teamwork, and Getting It Right First Time

When asked what makes this kind of work successful, Ian doesn’t hesitate.

“Trust,” he says. “These projects rely on it. You build trust through knowledge, consistency, and communication.”

He explains that collaboration runs through everything Salus does.

“We’ve developed strong relationships with contractors and consultants. They know we’re approachable, but thorough. Getting it right first time saves everyone time, money, and stress — and that’s what Salus is built on.”

Internally too, teamwork plays a huge part.

“There’s a lot of collaboration across our surveyors,” Ian adds. “We share experience, discuss approaches, and learn from each other. Everyone’s open to questions, which makes a big difference when you’re dealing with complex or fast-changing standards.”

A Mindset of Lifelong Learning

For Ian, one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is the constant opportunity to learn.

“Building regulations evolve all the time,” he says. “You have to stay sharp, because what you learned last year might already be out of date. That keeps you engaged.”

He sees that same mindset throughout Salus. “There’s a culture of continuous improvement here — not just ticking boxes, but genuinely trying to raise standards. It’s what keeps the job fresh.”

Looking Forward

As regulatory frameworks grow more sophisticated, Ian believes adaptability will be key.

“Building control is moving toward greater specialisation and accountability. The organisations that thrive will be those that combine technical excellence with a willingness to evolve.”

And for him personally?

“At this stage of my career, I still love what I do. It’s satisfying work — helping create safe, compliant buildings that stand the test of time. That’s what matters.”

Three Words

Asked to sum up Salus in three words, Ian doesn’t hesitate:

• Proactive.
• Collaborative.
• Professional.