We consulted residents living in our only High Risk Building (HRB) in Bracknell to understand how they want to receive building‑safety information and how they want to be involved in decisions about their homes. This forms part of Abri’s responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022 and ensures that our Resident Engagement Plan for this building is shaped by residents’ views.
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.
A total of 102 households were invited to take part in the consultation. We received 10 responses, providing useful insight into how residents want building‑safety information to be communicated and how they expect to be involved in decision‑making.
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
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)
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
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 in our Bracknell HRB will directly shape how Abri communicates, involves and supports residents.
This insight has informed our tailored Resident Engagement Plans, 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.