Government Announces Members of the Building Control Independent Panel

The Government has confirmed the appointment of five experts to the newly formed Building Control Independent Panel. This move follows a recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel, a proposal accepted by the Government, which called for a review of how Building Control is delivered in England.

Leading the Review

Dame Judith Hackitt has been appointed as chair of the panel. Known for her leadership of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, Dame Judith has played a crucial role in driving reform across the built environment. An engineer by background, she currently advises both the UK and Australian Governments on building standards and serves on the International Building Quality Council.

Joining Dame Judith on the panel are four professionals with significant experience in Building Control regulation and practice: Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

Together, the panel will conduct a comprehensive and impartial review of the existing Building Control model. Their work will include an assessment of the Inquiry Panel’s recommendations, such as the need to address commercial incentives in the system, and the exploration of potential alternative models.

The panel’s findings are expected to be submitted to the Government by the end of the year.

A Focus on Safety

Commenting on the announcement, Alex Norris MP, Minister for Building Safety and Fire, said:

“The appointment of the Building Control Independent Panel is a significant step forward in our response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel’s findings. We need a Building Control system that puts safety first and supports our plans to accelerate remediation. It must also help to deliver 1.5 million safe and high-quality homes over the length of this Parliament and be equipped to meet the demands of a modern construction sector.”

He added:

“The Building Control Independent Panel’s work will play a vital role in shaping a safer and more accountable building industry. I look forward to receiving the recommendations made as this important work is taken forward.”

Dame Judith Hackitt commented:

“The Building Control Independent Panel stands ready to work diligently on this important review. We will operate at speed, but we address this issue with an open mind and a determination to further raise standards.”

Background and Purpose

The Building Control system exists to uphold critical safety standards set out in legislation, ensuring that buildings meet essential requirements for fire safety, structural integrity and more. However, in light of the concerns raised during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, particularly regarding conflicts of interest, the newly appointed panel will examine whether reforms are necessary to restore confidence in the system and raise performance across the board.

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