Caxton Builders – Insights into our industry leading quality and safety
At Caxton Builders, safety and quality are at the heart of our operations. Our dedicated QA team works closely with our site teams and supply chain partners to ensure the highest quality standards, which are continually recognised by our clients as industry leading.
That commitment is regularly recognised by our clients, including:
– Leading the Health and Safety Performance League at Glasswater Locks for St Joseph Homes
– Quality Award for Edward Street Hospital, presented by VINCI Building UK
– Safe Contractor of the Month, awarded three out of four consecutive months at Camp Hill by Elements Europe
It’s a simple approach – uphold the highest standards to ensure the safety of our teams, and colleagues on site whilst ensuring exceptional build quality. Chloe Yafai, QA Manager at Caxton Builders tells us about her role and a typical day in the life of a QA Manager.
Aligning on priorities
“Each morning begins with a walk-through and discussion with the site supervisor to review the day’s activities and agree where QA focus is needed. That could include anything from cavity barrier checks and façade inspections to ITP sign-offs and fire protection works. These conversations make sure quality assurance is embedded into the day’s programme”.
Live inspections and spot checks
Once the project progresses, Chloe carries out real-time inspections. These include:
– Checking brickwork and mortar mixes against approved samples
– Inspecting placement of cavity barriers, wall ties, DPCs, insulation and fire stops
– Verifying sequencing and workmanship against specifications and technical drawings
The aim is always the same – identify issues early, support the team, and the job progressing without compromising quality and safety.
FIRAS oversight – getting fire protection right
Chloe explains the importance of FIRAS Accreditation. “This accreditation assures our clients that we uphold the highest safety and quality standards. Achieving FIRAS certification demonstrates our technical capability and ongoing commitment to fire safety in the built environment.”
– Certified operatives are completing installations
– Only approved materials are used
– Accurate installation records – including operative registration numbers and photographic evidence – are kept up to date
We’ve recently strengthened our fire safety capabilities further by achieving FIRAS accreditation for the installation of linear gap seals – giving our clients added confidence in our compliance and delivery. Read more about linear gap seal FIRAS accreditation.
Ongoing coordination and documentation
Throughout the day, QA documentation is kept fully up to date. That includes:
– Inspection Test Plans (ITPs)
– FIRAS reports and logs
– Daily QA reports and photographic records
– Non-conformance reports (NCRs) and close-outs
Our team also works closely with the main contractor’s QA or site leads to plan joint inspections, coordinate audits and stay aligned on expectations.
On-site support and training
Our QA team isn’t just there to identify issues – they’re there to help prevent them. If issues arise, we work with the relevant teams to provide feedback, guidance or on-the-spot training. It’s about helping people deliver their best work – safely and consistently.
End-of-day wrap-up
As the day wraps up, Chloe pulls together reports summarising the day’s inspections, sign-offs and outstanding actions. This supports transparency across the wider site team and helps flag potential risks.
Recognition for our quality and safety
Everything our QA team does ensures a safer environment and quality build – and it’s work that’s being recognised. Whether it’s topping health and safety performance leagues, winning quality awards from main contractors, or being named Safe Contractor of the Month across multiple sites, we’re proud that our standards continue to stand out in the industry.
