What is The Golden Thread & why is it crucial to construction professionals?
The Golden Thread refers to a relatively new precautionary measure to ensure that all documentation for design decisions, repair work, inspections and compliance amendments are stored digitally in a centralised repository.
This has become particularly prevalent among those engaged in the construction of residential projects, as it was devised in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower cladding incident. No developer, contractor or sub-contractor wishes to be held responsible for potentially fatal accidents; Golden Thread is a way of ensuring that all documentation is in place to prove which steps were taken and how issues were addressed in the construction and ongoing maintenance of each building.
The Golden Thread can be broken down in three stages, or gateways:
Gateway 1
Gateway 2
Gateway 3
Upon completion of the building, the construction company must present all documentation to the regulator to demonstrate accurately that all details of the building plan were actioned and verified. These documents must be provided in digital form.
How is this achieved?
- Digitally archive the original safety and design plans – the paper versions of which are typically difficult to locate – along with any other vital documents that pertain to the specifications of the building
- Typically using the standard BS 8644-1 for the digital management of fire safety information
- Record any and all changes made to the building over the course of its lifetime, which can be checked against the original plans Facilitate the sharing of information between designers, builders and the owners of the building.
Book a demo to see how Next Field can help:
If your organisation is engaged in the construction or maintenance of residential properties, then this is a process that would be good to have sooner rather than later.
How Next Field can ensure golden thread fulfillment
Collect all documentation from the construction site in one place

Generate reports with one click and send it out

Digital checklists ensure quality in the work