What is a HRB?
A high-risk building (or "higher-risk building" - HRB) in England is generally defined under the Building Safety Act 2022 as a building at least 18 metres in height or having at least 7 storeys, which contains at least two residential units.
Across our Slough buildings, 187 households were invited to take part. A total of 18 residents responded across the two HRBs, offering valuable insight that will directly shape how we communicate, consult and involve residents in building‑safety decisions.
Who Took Part
- Consultations covered two High Risk Buildings in Slough, representing:
- 93 households in one building
- 94 households in another
- A total of 18 responses were received across both buildings.
- Response rates were:
- 8% in one building
- 10% in the other
- Most residents received the consultation digitally, with a smaller number receiving postal surveys.
What Residents Told Us
Residents want clearer building‑safety information tailored to their needs
Across both Slough HRBs, residents said they want straightforward, accessible information about:
- How their building is constructed
- Abri’s building‑safety responsibilities
- Their own responsibilities
- Servicing cycles (lifts, sprinklers, water systems)
- Short, easy‑to‑read summaries of Fire Risk Assessments
- Building‑safety works taking place
- Who contractors are and what they are doing
This included additional requests such as:
- Better security information
- Clarity on CCTV monitoring
- Information about communal‑area maintenance concerns
- Support with communication channels (including audio formats, large print and easy‑read versions)
Overall, Slough residents want clear, reliable and proactive information that makes safety measures easy to understand.
Residents prefer a mix of communication channels, especially printed notices
Commonly preferred channels across the buildings included:
- Posters and newsletters on noticeboards
- Letters or newsletters posted directly to homes
- The Abri website
- MyAbri
- In‑person sessions where needed
- Online sessions for convenience
Some residents also requested:
- Email updates
- Community social‑media groups
- Clearer regular updates when issues arise
This indicates the need for a blended communications approach, balancing digital channels with visible, building‑based notices.
Residents want updates when something changes, not just yearly
Residents across Slough HRBs said they want updates:
- When something changes in the building
- When something directly affects them
There was little consensus beyond this, with some preferring 6‑monthly or yearly updates. Several residents also requested accessible formats such as:
- Easy‑read versions
- Large print
- Audio recordings
- Translations
This reflects a need for information that is both timely and accessible.
Residents want meaningful consultation and action based on their feedback
Across both buildings, residents clearly stated that Abri should:
- Consult residents when there are choices or options
- Take the majority view where appropriate
- Capture feedback on contractor works
- Take visible action based on residents’ experiences
Comments also highlighted:
- The need for faster responses to concerns
- Interest in meetings or opportunities to discuss issues directly
- The importance of considering specific needs (e.g., residents with disabilities)
- Requests for clearer communication around decisions such as fire‑strategy changes.
Overall, residents want an honest, responsive and consultative approach from Abri.
Stronger interest in building‑specific resident panels
Residents were asked about joining:
- A cross‑building panel for all Abri HRBs
- A building‑specific panel
Findings show:
- Some interest in cross‑building panels
- Higher interest in building‑specific panels, where discussions focus on local issues affecting their home and environment.
Residents said they would be more likely to participate when meetings relate directly to the challenges and needs of their own building.
What Happens Next
The insights shared by residents across our two Slough High Risk Buildings will directly shape how Abri communicates, involves and supports residents.
This insight has informed our tailored Resident Engagement Plans for each building, ensuring residents voices have been heard and help to shape the strategy for their own building.
This consultation is a crucial part of meeting our duties under the Building Safety Act 2022 and ensuring residents have confidence in the safety and management of their homes.