Cladding Remediation Explained: What Every RMC Director Needs to Know

Cladding remediation is one of the biggest challenges facing residential buildings today, yet for many Resident Management Companies, Right to Manage companies and managing agents, the process can feel overwhelming.

From FRAEWs and funding applications to contractor procurement, resident communication and navigating the Cladding Safety Scheme, there are countless moving parts and significant financial, legal and practical responsibilities along the way.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Channing alongside experts from The DALA Group and Archway Facade Management to break down what really happens behind the scenes of a cladding remediation project and why having the right team around you can make all the difference.

Together we discuss:

• The journey from an FRAEW through to completed remediation works

• The transition from the Building Safety Fund to the Cladding Safety Scheme and what it means in practice

• Why the CSS process is far more complex than simply completing an online application

• The biggest mistakes RMC and RTM directors make at the start of remediation projects

• The respective roles of consultants, managing agents, contractors and specialist partners

• Funding, cashflow and how financial risk is managed throughout multi-million-pound projects

• Why contractor due diligence goes far beyond choosing the lowest price

• The importance of Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) when appointing project teams

• How good communication can dramatically improve the resident experience during lengthy remediation works

• Why scope creep can delay projects and increase risk

• The common causes of delays and how they can often be avoided

• How Homes England works with the Cladding Safety Scheme and what successful applications have in common

• The practical advice every RMC director should hear before embarking on a remediation project

Whether you’re a managing agent, RMC director, surveyor, consultant or simply trying to understand how these projects work, this episode provides practical insight into one of the most significant challenges currently facing the residential property sector.

As always, Beyond Four Walls is about looking beyond the buildings to the people living and working within them, because successful remediation isn’t just about replacing unsafe cladding. It’s about protecting homes, supporting residents and delivering projects with confidence, transparency and empathy.

Connect with our guests

Learn more about:

• The DALA Group - https://thedala.group/
• Archway Facade Management - https://www.archwayfm.com/
• Jonathan Channing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanchanning?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Beyond Four Walls, leave a review and share it with colleagues who work in residential property. It really helps more people discover the podcast.

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

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This week on Beyond Four Walls, I'm joined by three inspiring women from The DALA Group: Maddy Lawrence, Charlotte Howlings and Davinia Potterton.

Engineering and construction have traditionally been male-dominated industries, but the landscape is changing. More women are entering the sector, challenging perceptions and proving that there is no single route into a career in engineering.

In this episode, we go beyond job titles and technical roles to explore the people behind the professions. We discuss what first attracted Maddy, Charlotte and Davinia to the industry, the lessons they've learned along the way, and what continues to inspire them in their work.

Together, we talk about:

• What it's really like working in engineering and construction today

• The parts of the industry we should celebrate more often

• How attitudes towards women in the sector have evolved

• The importance of confidence, resilience and finding your voice

• What employers can do to better support future talent and diversity

• Why representation matters and how we encourage more young people, particularly girls, to consider careers in engineering

• The advice they would give to the next generation entering the profession

This conversation isn't just about being a woman in engineering. It's about opportunity, leadership, wellbeing and creating an industry where people from all backgrounds can thrive.

Whether you work in property, construction, engineering or simply enjoy hearing the stories of people making a difference in their professions, this episode offers an honest and insightful look at an industry that is continuing to evolve.

Because behind every building, every project and every innovation are people and their stories.

And that's exactly what Beyond Four Walls is all about.

#BeyondFourWalls #WomenInEngineering #WomenInConstruction #TheDALAGroup #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #PropertyManagement #Engineering #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionIndustry #WherePropertyMeetsPeople

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

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...

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, I sit down with James Roll from The DALA Group to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the property sector today: balancing compliance and building safety requirements with the lived experience of residents.

As building safety legislation continues to evolve, managing agents, surveyors and contractors are increasingly required to undertake intrusive surveys to understand how buildings have been constructed and whether they meet current safety standards. But behind every survey is a resident whose home is being disrupted.

James shares his perspective on why communication, empathy and transparency are just as important as the technical work itself. We explore how explaining what is happening, why it’s necessary and what residents can expect can make a significant difference to the overall experience.

We also discuss innovation within the sector and how The DALA Group identified a common frustration when carrying out intrusive investigations and subsequent remedial works. Rather than leaving buildings with multiple visible metal access plates following inspections, they developed a bespoke vent plate solution designed to blend more sympathetically with the building’s appearance while still allowing future access where required.

During the conversation we cover:

• Why intrusive surveys are often necessary to understand hidden construction details

• The importance of resident engagement and clear communication throughout the process

• How managing agents can help residents feel informed and supported during disruptive works

• The challenges of balancing safety, compliance and customer experience

• The development of The DALA Group’s bespoke vent plate solution

• Why aesthetics matter when carrying out building safety investigations and making good afterwards

• Lessons learned from working with residents, managing agents and building owners across the UK

This episode is a reminder that whilst compliance and safety must remain the priority, the way we deliver these projects matters too. Residents deserve to understand what is happening in their homes, and thoughtful innovation can help minimise the lasting impact of necessary investigations.

If you’re involved in block management, building safety, surveying or resident engagement, this is an episode not to miss.

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

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...

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, I’m joined by Steve Evans from DALA Fire and Risk for a really honest and important conversation about where the built environment currently stands on fire safety, building safety and accountability post-Grenfell.

This wasn’t about headlines or soundbites. It was about the uncomfortable realities the industry still needs to confront.

We discuss whether the balance has shifted too far toward risk aversion, why competency on site still remains one of the biggest concerns across the sector and whether guidance is genuinely being interpreted in the spirit it was intended.

Steve shares his thoughts on:

•  The ongoing competency gap in construction and fire safety 
•  Why passive fire protection still matters more than many realise 
•  Whether “stay put” is still a valid strategy 
•  Smoke control systems and the reality of real-life fire conditions 
•  The challenges surrounding façade fire risk and PAS 9980 
•  Why the “golden thread” risks becoming more paperwork instead of usable information 
•  Commercial pressure versus genuine safety culture 
•  The role of ethics, leadership and responsibility in the future of building safety 

We also discuss one of the biggest questions facing the industry:

Are we creating genuinely safer buildings, or simply producing more documentation?

This episode is essential listening for anyone working in block management, fire safety, construction, surveying, compliance or the wider built environment.

A huge thank you to Steve Evans and DALA Fire and Risk for such an open and insightful discussion.

The DALA Group - Integrated Fire Safety & Building Compliance

DALA Fire & Risk - The DALA Group

Contact Steve on [email protected]

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

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...

Today on Beyond Four Walls, I’m joined by Alex Tan, Group Sales Director at Andrews Property Group, for an honest conversation about leadership, wellbeing, collaboration and the realities of building a career in the property industry whilst balancing family life and personal growth.

Known by many as The Property Mum, Alex shares her journey through estate agency, the lessons she has learned along the way, and how her leadership style has evolved throughout her career. We discuss the importance of creating positive workplace cultures, supporting teams through change, and why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in leadership positions.

This episode also explores the wider property sector and the need for greater collaboration between industries, businesses and professionals. From wellbeing initiatives and mentoring, to confidence, resilience and creating opportunities for others, Alex brings warmth, honesty and practical insight to the conversation.

Whether you work in property, lead a team, run a business or are simply interested in the human side of leadership, this episode is full of thoughtful discussion and relatable experiences.

Topics covered include:

• Alex’s journey into property and leadership
• Balancing career progression with motherhood and family life
• Building strong team culture in estate agency
• Wellbeing and mental health within the workplace
• The importance of collaboration across the property sector
• Supporting and developing people within teams
• Lessons in resilience, confidence and leadership
• The future of leadership in property

🎙️ Beyond Four Walls is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

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...

📌 Episode Description

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, I’m joined by Dorian and Ant Attree, Managing Director of The DALA Group, for a really honest conversation about building safety and what’s actually happening across the sector right now.

We talk about the reality behind the legislation and the increasing pressure on property managers, many of whom are now sitting at the centre of complex and evolving legal duties. Despite the volume of reports, surveys and advice being produced, there is still a lack of clarity around what actually needs to be done.

We explore why fragmentation across consultants continues to create confusion, delays and unnecessary cost, and why more information doesn’t always lead to better outcomes. Instead, the focus needs to shift towards clear ownership, joined-up thinking and proportionate, evidence-led decision making.

Ant shares his perspective from a delivery standpoint, highlighting the challenges clients face when they are left trying to navigate multiple reports that don’t align or provide a clear path forward. Dorian brings a broader view on how the industry can improve processes and raise standards.

We also touch on PAS 9980, the risks of over-specification, and why funding should be considered from the outset rather than as an afterthought.

A consistent theme throughout this episode is simple: the industry isn’t short of regulation, it’s short of clarity in how it’s applied.

🎧 What We Cover

•  Pressure on property managers 
•  Lack of clarity in building safety 
•  Fragmentation across consultants 
•  Proportionate, evidence-led decisions 
•  Funding as a strategic driver 
•  The shift from advice to accountability

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-four-walls-the-podcast-with-jodie-fraser/

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...

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, I’m joined by Greg Elliot from 30Seconds Group.

Greg works closely with managing agents across the UK, focusing on resident engagement and communication 

Having experienced life as a leaseholder himself, Greg brings a perspective that not everyone in the industry has — the view from the other side. Together, we talk about the disconnect that so often exists between leaseholders and managing agents, and why it can feel so difficult to bridge.

We discuss the role of legislation, the pressure of compliance, and the challenge of communicating decisions that aren’t always fully understood. We also explore why, despite both sides having their own representative bodies, there’s still very little alignment when it comes to priorities and expectations.

Greg also shares a more personal side of his story, opening up about why endometriosis is a topic close to him. 

It’s a reminder that behind every role, every email, and every decision, there are real people — often carrying far more than we can 

🎧 What we cover:

• Life as both a leaseholder and an industry professional
• Why the disconnect between leaseholders and managing agents exists
• The impact of legislation and compliance on communication
• What good resident engagement actually looks like
• The role of technology in supporting communication
• Mental health, invisible challenges, and the importance of understanding

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregelliot?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

https://www.30secondsgroup.com/

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-four-walls-the-podcast-with-jodie-fraser/

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In this conversation, Jodie Fraser and Shelley explore the mindset that builds real resilience — not the social media version. They talk about managing stress, recognising burnout, and the difference between toxic positivity and authentic growth. The discussion highlights how leadership, kindness, and emotional awareness form the foundation of strong mental health and sustainable success.

Takeaways

• Resilience is about bouncing back and adapting through challenges.
• Vulnerability in leadership builds deeper trust and stronger teams.
• Toxic positivity prevents genuine connection and healing.
• Recognising stress and burnout early is essential for recovery.
• Life experiences shape our ability to stay resilient over time.
• Supportive workplace cultures enhance wellbeing and performance.
• Being kind and authentic to others improves personal fulfilment.
• Self-care, diet, and hydration are crucial to sustaining resilience.
• You don’t have to connect with everyone — focus on your core people.
• True resilience is built by embracing imperfections and learning from setbacks.

Keywords

resilience, mental health, leadership, vulnerability, stress management, workplace culture, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, support systems, personal development, authenticity, self-care, kindness, burnout prevention

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Why resilience matters
 06:18 – Defining real resilience
 14:42 – Burnout, boundaries, and emotional honesty
 21:57 – Toxic positivity vs. genuine optimism
 28:20 – The link between resilience and authenticity
 33:40 – How leaders can foster supportive cultures
 41:15 – Final reflections: growth through vulnerability

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

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...

In this episode, Jodie Fraser and Shelley unpack the idea of time freedom — how to reclaim control of your schedule, energy, and focus. They challenge productivity myths, share practical strategies for delegation and communication, and explore how small mindset shifts can transform your relationship with time. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most.

Takeaways

• Time freedom comes from alignment, not control.
• Being busy doesn’t mean being productive.
• Perfectionism fuels procrastination and wasted effort.
• Delegation empowers both teams and leaders.
• Understanding your energy cycles boosts focus and output.
• Strategic communication reduces unnecessary noise and stress.
• Time blocking helps structure your day for efficiency.
• Boundaries prevent burnout and improve decision-making.
• Reflection helps identify patterns in productivity.
• Sustainable success depends on balance and prioritisation.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: What is time freedom?
 05:43 – The myth of productivity culture
 12:28 – Understanding your energy peaks
 19:10 – The role of communication in time management
 25:34 – Breaking free from perfectionism
 33:15 – Time blocking and prioritisation
 39:48 – Delegation as a leadership skill
 46:12 – Preventing burnout through better boundaries
 52:40 – Reflection and closing insights

Keywords
time management, productivity, burnout, delegation, procrastination, perfectionism, communication, boundaries, self-awareness, energy management, leadership, focus, work-life balance, wellbeing

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

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...

In this episode of Beyond Four Walls, I’m joined by Darren Emedo for a conversation that goes far beyond the day-to-day of property management.

We talk a lot in this industry about service, value and retention — but rarely do we stop and ask what actually makes people stay? Darren brings a fresh (and honest) perspective on what sits underneath it all: trust, communication and human behaviour.

This is one of those conversations that will feel very familiar if you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking “they weren’t even listening” — or found yourself trying to explain something logical to someone who’s already emotionally checked out.

We explore why that happens, what we can do differently as leaders, and how shifting our approach can completely change the outcome of difficult conversations.

💭 What We Cover

• Why retention isn’t about price — and never really has been
• What trust-based retention actually looks like in practice
• The moment communication breaks down (and how to spot it early)
• Why logic doesn’t land when emotion takes over
• How to handle difficult or “triggered” clients with confidence
• The difference between managing people and truly leading them
• Creating a culture where feedback isn’t feared
• Practical ways to improve stakeholder communication in property
• Lessons from Darren’s own journey and experiences

🔑 Key Takeaway

If there’s one thing to take from this episode, it’s this:

People don’t stay because everything is perfect — they stay because they trust you when it’s not.

And that trust is built long before the difficult conversations happen.

🎧 Why This Episode Matters

For anyone working in block or estate management, this episode is a reminder that technical knowledge will only take you so far.

How you communicate.

How you show up under pressure.

How you make people feel.

That’s where the real work — and the real impact — happens.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-emedo-11b75510b?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Thank you so much for listening to Beyond Four Walls. If you’ve been inspired by today’s conversation and you’d like to share your own story, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast.

I’d also like to say a special thank you to my podcast producer, Shirley Ludford, at Swindon 105.5 – Swindon’s award-winning community radio station. It’s run by an incredible team of volunteers who are passionate about giving a voice to the local community. You can find out more about the station at www.swindon1055.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might find it helpful.

Please follow me at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-four-walls-the-podcast-with-jodie-fraser/

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...