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The UK government is set to commence the recruitment process for a new Chief Construction Advisor, a role reinstated to oversee initial regulatory reforms and guide industry-wide improvements. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the appointment process will begin shortly and follow public sector recruitment protocols, with the selected individual expected to be in place by the end of the year.
Revival of the Role After a Decade
This marks the return of the Chief Construction Advisor position for the first time since its abolition in 2015 by the Conservative government under David Cameron. At that time, Peter Hansford, former president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, held the role. Initially created in 2009 under Gordon Brown’s Labour government, the position was first occupied by Paul Morrell, who was later succeeded by Hansford in 2012.
Role and Responsibilities
The Chief Construction Advisor is expected to be based within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, led by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. This reinstatement follows recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report, emphasising the need for a dedicated advisor to provide expert guidance on construction policies and regulatory frameworks.
Driving Regulatory Reform
Beyond advising the government, the Chief Construction Advisor will lead industry-wide reform efforts, ensuring a shared sense of accountability across the sector. The government aims to break away from traditional one-directional regulatory approaches and foster greater industry collaboration.
“The model of one-way, government-driven activity, not based in a sense of collective responsibility and accountability, has not worked. Industry feels accountable too. The Chief Construction Advisor will lead this process of shared responsibility, welcoming those in industry who are already driving positive change and holding to account those who continue to lag behind.”
The new appointee’s first significant task will be to design the framework for a single construction regulator, a body proposed to streamline regulatory oversight by consolidating multiple functions currently spread across various government departments. This regulator will be formally introduced in 2028, with more details to be outlined in a regulatory reform prospectus scheduled for publication this autumn.
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With the UK government reinforcing its commitment to building safety, regulatory efficiency, and industry-wide collaboration, this is the perfect time to secure forward-thinking leaders.
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