Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case StudyJune 2025

Sentinel Clerk of Works – Advancing Building Services Expertise Through BSRIA Membership and Training 

Sentinel Clerk of Works Ltd provides specialist inspection and quality assurance services across the construction sector. Their core responsibility is ensuring compliance, safety, and quality throughout the build process. Committed to continual improvement, Sentinel identified a strategic opportunity to strengthen its capabilities in building services by joining BSRIA’s Corporate Membership Scheme and enrolling in a bespoke Learning & Development programme.

Objectives

Through this initiative, Sentinel aimed to:

  1. Strengthen staff expertise in mechanical and electrical (M&E) building services.
  2. Enhance service delivery by integrating cutting-edge industry knowledge into day-to-day operations.

The Solution

1. BSRIA Corporate Membership

Becoming a BSRIA member granted Sentinel access to a wide range of technical guides, research publications, and industry intelligence. This membership supports the team in staying up to date with evolving standards, legislation, and best practices. It also opened valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals—enabling collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

2. Bespoke Learning & Development Programme

Tailored to Sentinel’s needs, the training covered essential areas such as:

  • Mechanical and electrical systems
  • Commissioning and pre-commission cleaning
  • Water services and fire safety systems

The programme was designed to complement existing knowledge while bridging knowledge gaps, giving staff the confidence to assess complex M&E installations both in drawings and on-site.

Impact

“The BSRIA programme has allowed us to train our staff to assess mechanical and electrical installations with confidence. Where clients previously needed two clerks of works - one for fabric and architectural finishes, another for M&E – we can now deploy a single, multi-skilled professional.

This not only reduces costs for clients on small to medium projects but also improves project oversight and coordination. It has made the allocation of projects to staff easier to manage where one member of staff can cover the whole project.

Our team found the training accessible, engaging, and well-paced. Tutors were approachable and able to dive deeper into technical areas as needed. It’s helped demystify industry jargon and made our colleagues more adaptable and confident across all aspects of a project.”

— Bruce Malcolm, Managing Director, Sentinel Clerk of Works Ltd

Conclusion

Sentinel’s partnership with BSRIA reflects its commitment to excellence, innovation, and value-driven service. By investing in its people and aligning with industry-leading knowledge providers, Sentinel has elevated its capability to deliver holistic, high-quality clerk of works services. This approach not only strengthens internal performance but ensures long-term competitiveness in an evolving construction landscape.