The Flexible Space Association launches new H&S Forum

The Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) has officially launched a new Health & Safety Forum to support employees of member companies responsible for workspace safety standards. Debuting at WeWork’s London flagship, the initiative aims to foster collaboration and best-practice sharing amid evolving UK legislative and policy developments. This move is particularly significant for the flexible workspace sector as it navigates increasing work-related health challenges and a shifting regulatory landscape under the Building Safety Act.

The inaugural meeting of the FlexSA Health & Safety Forum took place on March 25 at WeWork’s 10 York Road flagship in London, marking a new chapter for the industry body's focus on operational standards. Building on the success of the decade-old Compliance Forum, this new group is specifically designed for professionals within member companies who manage health and safety protocols. The forum serves as a dedicated platform for discussing upcoming policy changes and legislative shifts that could impact flexible workspace operators across the United Kingdom.

The launch comes at a critical time for the UK workforce, with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data estimating that 1.9 million workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2024/25, leading to approximately 40.1 million lost working days. Rafael Perez, Global Health and Safety Senior Director at WeWork and chair of the inaugural meeting, emphasized that health and safety are fundamental to the sector's reputation and success. Jane Sartin, Executive Director of FlexSA, noted that the forum allows members of all sizes to share experiences and raise standards across the industry.

Looking ahead, the forum will address significant regulatory changes, including the formal separation of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) from the HSE in January 2026. Established under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR aims to enforce higher safety standards and accountability across the built environment, pushing facilities managers into more strategic safety assurance roles. To ensure accessibility for operators nationwide, FlexSA has announced that the second meeting of the Health & Safety Forum will be held virtually.