P2-4 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Appoint Chief Construction Adviser

Recommendation

That the Secretary of State appoint a Chief Construction Adviser with a sufficient budget and staff to provide advice on all matters affecting the construction industry, including: a) monitoring all aspects of the department's work relating to the Building Regulations and statutory guidance; b) providing advice to the Secretary of State on request; and c) bringing to the attention of the Secretary of State any matters affecting the Building Regulations and statutory guidance or matters affecting the construction industry more generally of which the government should be aware. (113.9)

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Gov.uk progress report (1 Feb 2026), Thouria Istephan was appointed as interim Chief Construction Adviser in September 2025 for a 12-month, part-time period via a direct ministerial process. The report also states that the process for appointing a permanent Chief Construction Adviser has commenced, with an appointment expected in September 2026.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted
Accepted UK Government
26 Feb 2025

The government accepts this recommendation. We will appoint a Chief Construction Adviser to advise the Secretary of State, to monitor the department's work relating to the Building Regulations, statutory guidance and the construction industry more generally, and to bring industry together and hold it to account to help design and deliver the progress we must make together to realise effective reform and culture change. The Chief Construction Adviser will also provide direct input and convene industry engagement into the design and implementation of the single regulator.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Feb 2026

Thouria Istephan appointed interim Chief Construction Adviser September 2025 for 12-month period on part-time basis via direct ministerial process. Permanent Chief Construction Adviser appointment process commenced, with permanent appointment expected September 2026.

Source
Report Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report 04 Sep 2024
Responsible Bodies
UK Government Primary
Recommendation age 1.5 yrs
Last formal update 01 Feb 2026