Building Safety Regulator looking to appoint new members to advisory committee

The Building Safety Regulator is looking to appoint a range of built environment professionals to provide advice on building safety.

The regulator said it is searching for experts from actors including academia, design, construction, housing, risk management and regulation to join its Building Advisory Committee (BAC).

Established under the Building Safety Act 2022, the BAC provides independent advice and information to the regulator (BSR) to support policy decisions. 

It is also intended to anticipate emerging risks, enable safe innovation and provide technical support. The committee is currently chaired by Arup director Barbara Lane, a key expert witness to the Grenfell Inquiry.

The BSR said the recruitment drive is aiming to “broaden expertise and refresh membership” as both the regulator and building safety evolves. 

It is said to be seeking “dynamic individuals” who can contribute to improving outcomes across the built environment through independent advice, insight and constructive challenge. 

The appointments will run for a three-year term with committee members told to expect a time commitment of 15 days per year for the voluntary roles.

Lane said: “The building safety landscape is continuing to evolve, bringing new challenges, opportunities and expectations of the construction industry.

“Joining the Building Advisory Committee offers a unique opportunity to contribute to work of national importance and help shape the future of building safety. 

“You will engage with experts from a broad range of disciplines, demonstrating the rigorous approach that drives well-founded independent advice. This will ensure better regulatory outcomes and improvements in safety for everyone in the built environment. 

“The urgent need for both new homes and for work to remediate defective homes, requires a radical commitment to creating practical safety measures.”   

Charlie Pugsley, the BSR’s acting chief executive, said joining the BAC “offers a unique opportunity to utilise professional expertise for real-world challenges and to help shape the future of the built environment”.

He added: “”We are looking for new members who will bring fresh thinking, deep expertise and constructive challenge. 

“This will help to support BSR’s strategic aim of enabling the building of safe new homes, raising standards in existing homes, and helping to create a culture where safety and accountability, as well as transparency, are part of everyday practice in the built environment.”