The Building Safety Regulator has announced the appointment of a new Chair and Deputy Chair to the Building Advisory Committee (BAC). Dr Barbara Lane has been appointed as the Committee’s first independent Chair, with Dr Hywel Davies OBE taking on the role of Deputy Chair. 

Dr Lane is a Fellow of Arup and a Chartered senior engineering executive with more than 30 years’ experience across a broad range of built environment sectors. Notably, she served as an expert witness during Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry between 2017 and 2024. 

Dr Davies has been a member of the Building Advisory Committee since its establishment and currently serves as Head of Technical Insight at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. He is also an active contributor to a number of industry groups and previously chaired the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, the BAC’s predecessor, from 2020 to 2023. 

These appointments mark an important point of transition for the Building Advisory Committee as it continues to strengthen its role in providing independent advice and support to the Building Safety Regulator. This work is undertaken alongside the Industry Competence Committee, chaired by Jon Vanstone, and the Statutory Residents’ Panel, which is currently recruiting an independent Chair. 

Dr Lane and Dr Davies are already working closely with the Building Safety Regulator to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. The Committee’s strategic direction is also under review to ensure it operates effectively in support of the Regulator and delivers maximum impact. 

Collectively, there is a clear ambition to drive meaningful change across the sector and to provide strong, informed influence on the regulatory framework established under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Powerful force   

Dr Barbara Lane stated: “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 Building Advisory Committee can be a powerful force for good across the sector, building on the harsh lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower fire. Ultimately, my aim is to try and remedy the shortcomings exposed in our building standards in order to protect and improve the lives of millions throughout the country.”

Dr Hywel Davies added: “I’m pleased to be appointed deputy chair and supporting Dr Lane in her new role. The Building Advisory Committee has a critical role to play supporting the Building Safety Regulator in its work to improve the building safety regime, identify risks posed to building users and provide consistent and timely standards and guidance that can meet the complex challenges we face today.”

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the Building Safety Regulator, observed: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both Dr Lane and Dr Davies to their new roles on the Building Advisory Committee. Together, they 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 the Building Safety Regulator, the Building Advisory Committee and regimes under the Building Safety Act 2022.”

Pugsley concluded: “Their combined knowledge and skills will be invaluable when it comes to informing and supporting our mission to ensure safer homes and buildings for all.”

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