Policy paper

Statement from the interim Chief Construction Adviser

Updated 26 February 2026

Applies to England

Today (25 February 2026), I am issuing a statement as interim Chief Construction Adviser (CCA) after nearly 5 months in the role. I was appointed on 30 September 2025, and my role is to provide independent challenge, scrutiny and advice to the government on building safety and regulatory reform.

The role was recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, on which I participated as a panel member, and I recognise my responsibility as interim Chief Construction Adviser. The Inquiry found the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 72 innocent lives, was the:

culmination of decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility in the construction industry^{[footnote 1]}.

Since the tragedy, many buildings have been found to be unsafe, with thousands having unsafe cladding requiring remediation work.  I see my independent role as an important voice to support advice to the government on key matters with building safety, and regulatory reform.  

My role is independent and I am not an industry representative. I also recognise that others have important views to contribute. As such, I am keen to bring in wider views to support my independent advice. From first-hand experience, I know improving safety practices is an opportunity for business to demonstrate their competence and consistent high-quality standards to prospective clients. It is also as an ethical responsibility for all of us who work in the built environment to put the people who live and work in buildings at the centre of what we do.

I have agreed a set of priorities for my term with the Building Safety Minister. I intend to provide a fuller report on my work towards the end of term. As well as this, I will also ensure I handover effectively to my successor. I note the government has stated today in the Annual Report on the Government’s Progress to Implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations that they plan to appoint a Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) by the end of the year.

The priorities for my term

In choosing my priorities, I have been informed by the evidence of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the subsequent failures identified in the broader housing stock. The depth of failure exposed by the Inquiry and its associated recommendations, as well as the subsequent identification of unsafe cladding and wider safety issues in thousands of buildings, are important factors which inform my advice to government. I am keen to support systematic reform where it is required.

In reflecting on the evidence of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, central government and the wider construction industry must not forget the losses so many people have suffered. We owe it to the bereaved, survivors and wider Grenfell community, as well all those who currently live and work in unsafe buildings, to deliver a system that learns from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fixes unsafe buildings, and builds a safer future. We must make lasting and progressive change that improves the safety and quality of both new and existing buildings. In doing this, we must place occupants and users of buildings at the centre of our thinking. We must consider their needs both in and outside of the building, so that the place people live and work in is a safe environment.  

Reflecting on this evidence, my engagement with a range of stakeholders in this role and my practical experience as an architect, the following are priorities for my term:

• reform of regulation for construction products
• standards for the construction of buildings and professionals involved in construction
• how evidence is gathered and learning from near misses
• supporting the development of the permanent CCSA role

I have decided to focus on these areas as they represent foundations of the built environment where I believe I can have the greatest impact. Ensuring we address issues existing in current buildings and that new buildings are built to consistently high standards relies on effective regulation and enforcement as well as culture and behaviours within the construction industry. I will play my role to support progress.

To date, I have engaged across government and the built environment. I have regular engagement with the Building Safety Minister. I have engaged with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government officials, built strong working relationships with Andy Roe, Chair of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), and Charlie Pugsley, Chief Executive Officer of the BSR, and engaged with Andrew Curran who is the Chief Scientific Adviser at the Health and Safety Executive. Outside of government, I have engaged with industry and other stakeholders both in private conversations and in other forums such as member calls of the Construction Leadership Council and BuildUK. I have met with Dame Judith Hackitt to discuss her previous and current work on building safety and regulatory reform. I have also engaged with Paul Morrell to reflect on his experience in holding the previous role of Chief Construction Adviser and his work on the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime.

My next steps

For the remainder of my term, my focus will be on progressing my priorities and providing my independent advice to help shape government policy. I also intend to expand my engagement. I look forward to engaging with resident groups such as the BSR Residents’ Panel as well as attending relevant events to participate in public debate on building safety and regulatory reform. I will use this engagement to gather perspectives to shape my advice and constructively challenge where further progress could be made.

At the end of my term in September 2026, I intend to provide a report outlining the work I have done in my term as interim Chief Construction Adviser. It is a privilege to play my part to drive improvements in building safety and regulatory reform. Whilst my time is limited, I am committed to preparing the foundations for an incoming CCSA and use this opportunity to champion proportionate and progressive approaches and initiatives.  

Thouria Istephan

Interim Chief Construction Adviser

1. Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report, Volume 1, Chapter 2, Point 2.4, Page 9. ↩