As part of our 2026 Trends series, we’re exploring the key themes set to shape the property management landscape over the next 12 months. In Part 1, we’re focusing on an industry wide priority – Safety & Risk Management.
At the end of 2025, we updated our company wide Health and Safety strategy, strengthening our resources, policies, systems, and processes to create a forward thinking, risk based approach that keeps residents at its core.
With Health and Safety now firmly established as an industry wide priority, the sector should focus on:
Robust building data and governance
Recognising that every building is unique and must be understood on its own terms. Accurate, comprehensive building data must be logged, retained, and regularly updated to support effective decision making.
Horizon scanning for future change
With regulatory requirements continually evolving, anticipating what is ahead is essential. This includes the introduction of Personalised Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) in April 2026 and forthcoming changes from the Welsh Government as it progresses its Building Safety Bill through Parliament.
Using technology as part of the solution
Real time safety management and monitoring systems can support the golden thread and statutory duties, enabling property managers to identify, control, and mitigate risk more effectively.
Prioritising colleague engagement
Embedding safety across the organisation requires regular updates on best practice guidance, ensuring every colleague understands their statutory responsibilities and the importance of fostering a positive safety culture.
Keeping customers at the heart of decision making
Building resident confidence is essential. This includes strong engagement strategies that empower residents to be part of the solution, and ensuring customer facing colleagues have access to safety professionals to address any questions and concerns.
Strengthening client collaboration
Encouraging more meaningful conversations with clients and building partnerships around shared safety objectives.
FirstPort has recently joined the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM), reinforcing its commitment to promoting best practice in risk and safety management across its operations and the wider property management sector. Through this collaboration, we’ll work closely with IIRSM to share knowledge and contribute to industry wide discussions on risk and safety management.
