Part 2: The Regulator and its functions Enforcement Section 23: Authorised officers: offences Background
This section mirrors similar provisions supporting staff of other regulatory bodies such as the Food Standards Agency, Financial Conduct Authority and the Health and Safety Executive. These offences aim to protect staff of the Building Safety Regulator or those working on the Building Safety Regulator’s behalf, as well as residents and those subject to the regulator’s jurisdiction.
	This is because obstruction could potentially disrupt or sabotage the operations of the Building Safety Regulator, which could adversely impact the safety of individuals in the building. In addition, those seeking unauthorised entry to dwellings could impersonate staff of the Building Safety Regulator to assist them in doing so.
Example 1: Site obstruction
The Building Safety Regulator has agreed an inspection plan for the construction of a higher-risk building with the relevant building owner and main contractors. When the officer arrives on the site, they find that they are obstructed from entering the building. The individual carrying out that obstruction can be prosecuted under this section.
Example 2: Impersonation
A person impersonates an authorised officer and contacts a building owner to obtain confidential information with intent to deceive, such as personal or financial details and resident information, for criminal purposes. This will engage the criminal offence and the person can be prosecuted.