Former Grenfell Inquiry expert witness appointed as first independent chair of BSR advisory committee

Former Grenfell Inquiry expert witness Barbara Lane has been appointed as the first independent chair of the Building Advisory Committee within the Building Safety Regulator.

Lane, a chartered engineer and Arup fellow who made regular appearances during the Grenfell inquiry’s second phase between 2017 and 2024, will provide expert advice and support to the regulator (BSR).

Hywel Davies, current head of technical insight at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, has been appointed as the committee’s deputy chair.

Davies also chaired the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, the predecessor to the new Building Advisory Committee (BAC), from 2020 to 2023.  

The Health and Safety Executive said the two appointments mark the start of an “important transition for the committee”.

Lane said: “Taking on this independent role is part of my ongoing commitment to create a safe and equitable built environment, one that works for everyone.  

“I believe that the committee can be a powerful force for good across the sector, building on the harsh lessons learnt from the Grenfell fire.  

“My aim is to try and remedy the shortcomings exposed in our building standards to protect and improve the lives of millions throughout the country.” 

Davies added: “The committee has a critical role to play supporting BSR in its work to improve the building safety regime, identify risks to building users, and provide consistent and timely standards and guidance that can meet the complex challenges we face today.” 

Charlie Pugsley, the BSR’s acting chief executive, said Lane and Davies “bring a wealth of expertise garnered from successful careers working in the built environment and will make a real difference to the positive impact of BSR, the committee and regimes under the Building Safety Act. 

“Their combined knowledge and skills will be invaluable to informing and supporting our mission to ensure safer homes and buildings for all.” 

The BAC will work alongside the Industry Competence Committee (ICC), chaired by Jon Vanstone and the Statutory Residents’ Panel, which is currently in the process of recruiting its own independent chair.