Government appoints Sergio Cavalaro Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor at MHCLG

The appointment is strategically positioned as part of the wider scientific advisor network across Government, duly recognising the important role of both the construction and scientific sectors when it comes to building safety reform.

This development responds to one of the recommendations in the Public Inquiry report being implemented by Government following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in June 2017 when the fire that occurred took the lives of 72 people and exposed profound failings in the building safety regime.  

The Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor will provide independent construction, engineering and scientific advice on the safety, quality and resilience of buildings, as well as on productivity right across the built environment sector.

Vital role

Baroness Blake, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience, commented: “Delivering safer buildings and protecting residents from costs remains our priority as we drive forward our building safety reforms. The Building Safety Levy is a key part of that mission.”

Further, Baroness Blake stated: “I’m thrilled to confirm the appointment of the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. Sergio will play a vital role in shaping our reforms to ensure that safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.”

The Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor will also support the delivery of the remaining Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry recommendations and regulatory reform, acting as a bridge between Government, regulators, industry, professional and trade bodies, academia and residents.

Cavalaro will take on the role on a full-time basis, working closely with the interim Chief Construction Advisor, namely Thouria Istephan, across the next month to ensure a thorough handover period.

Improving safety and resilience

Speaking about his new role, Sergio Cavalaro explained: “I’m delighted to join the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in the role of Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. I’m wholly committed to working with the Building Safety Regulator and across the wider sector to improve the safety, quality, resilience and productivity of the built environment.”  

In conclusion, Cavalaro noted: “I look forward to providing independent advice and constructive challenge, while also contributing to cross-Government priorities through the network of Chief Scientific Advisors.”

The aforementioned Building Safety Levy – itself a tax on new eligible residential developments over ten units – came into force on 1st October.  

The funds raised through the Building Safety Levy will support important building safety works, forming a key part of the Government’s approach to ensure the industry contributes towards fixing building safety defects, while at the same time protecting leaseholders and taxpayers.

The Building Safety Levy is expected to raise circa £3.4 billion over the next ten years, thereby providing vital funding for the removal of dangerous cladding and keeping residents safe.

These confirmed updates form a key part of the Government’s mission to improve the building safety system and enable everyone to feel confident in the safety of their own home.

Cross-Government network  

Professor Angela McLean, the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, said: “Congratulations to Professor Sergio Cavalaro on being appointed as the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor at the MHCLG. He has led scientific research on several key areas related to the built environment. I look forward to working with him as part of the cross-Government network of chief scientists, where his expertise will be of great value.”

Building Safety Regulator chair Lord Roe stated: “At the Building Safety Regulator, we welcome the appointment of Sergio to this critical role. I look forward to engaging him on the work that we’re conducting so that we can benefit from his extensive experience in the built environment.”