Gateway 2 Approvals Are Speeding Up: What This Means for Hiring
The latest figures from the Building Safety Regulator show that more than two-thirds of gateway 2 decisions have been approved in the last three months, with median decision times now down to just 22 weeks. For businesses working on new builds, remediation, or refurbishment projects, this marks a significant shift. Projects can start sooner, timelines are more predictable, and the pressure to fill roles at the last minute is easing.
This is more than just regulatory news. It creates a strategic opportunity for companies to plan hiring and workforce deployment in a way that supports growth, reduces downtime, and strengthens project delivery.
Why Timing Matters Now
With approvals moving faster, companies have a clearer line of sight on when projects will actually get underway. That visibility allows teams to be assembled in advance rather than reactively, ensuring that critical roles are filled exactly when they are needed.
Specialist roles remain in high demand. Engineers, project managers, compliance specialists, and technical experts in remediation or complex builds are still relatively scarce, and securing them early can make the difference between a project running smoothly or encountering delays.
At the same time, faster approvals make it easier to strike a balance between permanent staff and flexible contractors. By anticipating workloads, businesses can adjust their resource mix to match demand, avoiding periods of overstaffing or having teams waiting idle.
Key Considerations for Workforce Planning
This period is ideal for businesses that want to scale effectively, but it requires a strategic approach. There are a few points worth keeping in mind:
Forecast hiring around project pipelines. Knowing when approvals are expected allows teams to be ready at the right moment, reducing downtime and helping projects stay on schedule.
Prioritise critical skills. Certain roles, particularly in high-demand areas such as remediation, refurbishment, or technically complex new builds, can be challenging to fill. Focusing on these first ensures essential work can start on time.
Build your permanent teams strategically. Planning hires in advance ensures that key roles are filled when projects start, giving your business the stability and expertise it needs to respond effectively to changes in project volume or unexpected approvals.
Act quickly to secure top talent. With approvals moving faster, the window to attract and retain skilled professionals before competitors do is narrower than it has been in previous years.
Why This Period Is Advantageous
Looking at the bigger picture, this acceleration in approvals is a rare opportunity. Projects that might previously have faced lengthy delays can now move forward with more confidence, giving businesses a chance to plan strategically rather than reactively.
This period allows companies to focus not just on filling roles, but on optimising their workforce for long-term growth. Teams can be positioned to deliver projects efficiently, supporting client expectations, quality outcomes, and business expansion simultaneously.
It also provides an opportunity to rethink workforce strategy more broadly. Companies can take stock of where they have gaps in expertise, plan succession for key roles, and ensure that staffing levels are aligned with not just immediate project needs but future growth ambitions.
Looking Ahead
The improvement in gateway 2 approvals signals a shift toward a more predictable and responsive regulatory landscape. Businesses that take advantage of this momentum can accelerate growth, reduce risks associated with staffing delays, and secure the specialist skills needed for complex or high-demand projects.
In practical terms, this means thinking ahead about when projects will start, which skills will be critical, and how teams can be structured to respond quickly. It is a chance to turn regulatory progress into a workforce advantage and position projects, and the business overall for success.
For companies that plan strategically, act early, and remain flexible, this is an ideal moment to strengthen teams, optimise resourcing, and align hiring with the opportunities created by faster approvals.