The Building Safety Regulator has appointed a new Chair and Deputy Chair to its Building Advisory Committee as it looks to strengthen oversight of building safety standards.
Dr Barbara Lane (main picture) has been named as the committee’s first independent Chair, with Dr Hywel Davies OBE appointed as Deputy Chair.
The appointments mark a transition for the committee as it works alongside other bodies, including the Industry Competence Committee and the Statutory Residents’ Panel, to support the regulator’s role under the Building Safety Act.
The Building Advisory Committee provides technical advice and guidance to the regulator, with a renewed focus on ensuring standards evolve in line with risks across the built environment.
WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE
Dr Lane brings more than 30 years’ experience across the sector and is a Fellow of Arup. She also served as an expert witness during Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, contributing to the investigation between 2017 and 2024.
Dr Davies has been involved with the committee since its inception and is currently Head of Technical Insight at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. He previously chaired the Building Regulations Advisory Committee between 2020 and 2023.
The regulator said both appointments are part of a wider effort to align the committee’s strategic direction with its mission to improve building safety outcomes and strengthen regulatory impact.
IMPROVING LIVES
Dr Barbara Lane says: “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 committee can be a powerful force for good across the sector, building on the harsh lessons learnt from the Grenfell fire.
“My aim is to try and remedy the shortcomings exposed in our building standards to protect and improve the lives of millions throughout the country.”
Dr Hywel Davies OBE adds: “I am pleased to be appointed Deputy Chair, supporting Dr Lane in her new role.
“The committee has a critical role to play supporting BSR in its work to improve the building safety regime, identify risks to building users, and provide consistent and timely standards and guidance that can meet the complex challenges we face today.”
SAFER HOMES AND BUILDINGS
Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Building Safety Regulator, says: “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 BSR, the committee and regimes under the Building Safety Act.
“Their combined knowledge and skills will be invaluable to informing and supporting our mission to ensure safer homes and buildings for all.”
