Building Control Independent Panel members announced by Government

The Building Control Independent Panel will be chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, whose leadership of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety has already helped to shape vital reforms across the sector.

An engineer by profession, Dame Judith currently serves as an advisor on building standards to both the UK and Australian Governments and is a member of the International Building Quality Council.

Dame Judith will be joined by four experts with extensive experience in the regulation and use of the Building Control sector: Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball. 

The members’ collective expertise will support a thorough and independent review of the current Building Control model, including an appraisal of the Inquiry Panel’s recommendations to consider the issue of commercial incentives from the system and exploring alternative options and approaches.

The Building Control Independent Panel is expected to provide a report for the Government towards the end of this year.

Putting safety first

Alex Norris MP, the Minister for Building Safety and Fire, observed: “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.”   

Norris 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 responded: “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.”

The Building Control system is there primarily to oversee key safety standards set in legislation and ensure that buildings are checked and safe in areas such as fire and structural safety. Following concerns raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Panel, notably so around conflicts of interest in the system, the Building Control Independent Panel has been appointed to look at whether changes are required.