The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is inviting applications from fire safety specialists and other built environment professionals to join its Building Advisory Committee (BAC), helping to shape the future of building safety across England.

Established under the Building Safety Act 2022, the BAC provides independent, evidence-based advice to the BSR, supporting informed decision-making and improvements to building safety standards.

The Committee brings together expertise from across the built environment to identify emerging risks, support innovation and strengthen approaches to building safety. Its work aims to ensure that the safety of residents remains central to regulatory decisions and industry practice.

The latest recruitment drive will broaden the Committee's expertise and strengthen its ability to respond to evolving challenges across the sector.

Strengthening industry expertise

Chaired by Dr Barbara Lane, a leading fire safety engineer with almost 30 years of experience in engineering and building safety, the BAC plays an important role in providing independent technical advice and constructive challenge to the regulator. Dr Lane also served as an expert witness during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The BSR is seeking applications from professionals across a range of disciplines, including fire safety, construction, building control, engineering, housing, academia and risk management.

By drawing on expertise from across the building lifecycle, the Committee aims to support a more joined-up approach to identifying and managing building safety risks.

The recruitment of a fire safety specialist is particularly relevant to the fire safety sector, providing an opportunity for practical industry experience and technical knowledge to inform the Committee's advice and recommendations.

The successful applicant will contribute expertise in fire safety risks, resilience and engineering practice, helping to ensure that fire safety considerations are appropriately reflected in wider discussions on building safety.

Roles available

The BSR is currently seeking applications for the following positions:

Academic (built environment): Providing research-led expertise and evidence-based insight into building safety, sustainability and performance.

Building contractor (construction): Bringing practical experience of residential and commercial construction, including new-build, refurbishment and remediation projects.

Building control (private): Providing expertise as a registered building inspector working within a Registered Building Control Approver.

Building services engineer: Contributing knowledge of building services design, performance and operation.

Construction industry practitioner (supply chain): Providing insight into construction supply chains, collaboration and industry engagement.

Fire safety specialist: Bringing practical expertise in fire safety risks, resilience and fire engineering.

Inclusive design practitioner: Contributing expertise in accessibility and inclusive design within the built environment.

Local authority housing provider: Providing experience in the management and delivery of local authority housing, including higher-risk buildings.

Private sector higher-risk buildings representative: Bringing experience of managing occupied higher-risk buildings in the private sector.

Public sector registered building inspector (Class 3H): Providing expertise from a local authority building control perspective.

Risk management professional: Contributing expertise in identifying, assessing and managing organisational and large-scale safety risks.

Structural safety specialist: Providing technical knowledge of structural safety, resilience and engineering practice.

An opportunity to influence building safety

Successful applicants will be appointed to the BAC for a three-year term, with an expected commitment of approximately 15 days per year.

Positions are voluntary, although reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out Committee duties will be reimbursed.

The recruitment provides an opportunity for experienced professionals, including those working in fire safety, to contribute their knowledge and help inform the future direction of building safety regulation.

The FIA recognises the importance of ensuring that fire safety expertise is represented in discussions that influence building safety policy and practice. Bringing together knowledge from across the sector is essential to supporting proportionate, evidence-based regulation and improving safety outcomes.

Fire safety professionals with relevant experience are encouraged to consider the opportunity to contribute to the BAC's work.

Next phase of development

Dr Barbara Lane said: “The building safety landscape is continuing to evolve, bringing new challenges, opportunities and expectations of the construction industry. Joining the BAC offers a unique opportunity to contribute to work that’s of national importance and help shape the future of building safety.”

Further, Dr Lane stated: “Successful candidates 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.” 

In conclusion, Dr Lane noted: “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, acting CEO of the Building Safety Regulator, observed: “The BAC is both practical and influential and offers a unique opportunity to use professional expertise for real-world challenges and help shape the future of the built environment.”

Pugsley continued: “Building on the appointment of Dr Lane as the independent chair of the BAC, we are now looking for new members who will bring fresh thinking, deep expertise and constructive challenge to the fore.” 

Pugsley concluded: “This will help to support the Building Safety Regulator’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.”

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