Current adviser Thouria Istephan to leave at end of September without a month to hand over as originally expected
The government’s chief construction and scientific adviser will now be appointed by the end of the year, Building Design understands.
The current interim chief construction advisor Thouria Istephan comes to the end of her 12-month term on 30 September.
The Foster + Partners partner had told Building Design in an interview in April that she anticipated passing the baton to her successor with “at least a month-long handover”. But this will not now happen as an appointment has yet to be made just over a fortnight before her departure.
The role is being expanded to also include being scientific advisor and will be full-time for three years.
In her final report as interim adviser, former Fosters parter Istephan said behaviours will be “an essential factor in a functioning safety culture”.
She added: “It is important that all those who operate in the built environment are curious and hold themselves accountable for improving their performance.
“This includes ensuring that you are competent to perform your duties. This starts at the top through clients and funders, who often set the tone on projects, but also extends to all those who work in the built environment.”
The appointment of a chief construction advisor was a key recommendation of the Grenfell Inquiry.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “The recruitment for a chief construction and scientific adviser is proceeding and we will announce the outcome in due course.”
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