Sergio Cavalaro, professor of infrastructure systems at Loughborough University’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, is the new adviser
The new chief construction and scientific adviser (CCSA) will serve for the next three years, as the Building Safety Levy comes into effect.
With his experience and academic expertise, Sergio is well positioned to help the government make decisions based on expertise.
He takes over from the interim CCSA
Sergio takes over from Thouria Istephan, who spent the last year as interim CCSA following recommendations from the Grenfell Inquiry’s closure. She laid out her final report last month, in which she highlighted her role in advising in four key areas:
- Reforming construction product regulation
- Improving building and professional standards
- Learning from safety risks and near misses
- Establishing the permanent Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) role
Sergio will now step into the more permanent role and build on these, as well as establish his own policy directions.
The role of CCSA is part of a wider network in government, bringing together the scientific and construction sectors as they work towards building safety reform.
Minister for building safety, fire and resilience, Baroness Blake, said: “Delivering safer buildings and protecting residents from costs remains our priority as we drive forward our building safety reforms, and the Building Safety Levy is a key part of that mission.
“I’m also thrilled to confirm the appointment of the chief construction and scientific adviser – Sergio will play a vital role in shaping our reforms to ensure safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.”
Half of the official Grenfell recommendations have been completed
Alongside Thouria’s report, the sixth progress report on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations was released, highlighting that nine recommendations had been completed since the last report, bringing the number of completed recommendations to 30, and leaving 31 in progress.
It also stated that all of the recommendations are expected to be completed by the end of 2029, with some taking more time due to requiring new legislation to be introduced in parliament.
Remediation progress was also touched upon, with work having begun on 54% of residential buildings over 11 metres tall, and work having been completed on 39% of these buildings.
Work is ongoing on social housing reforms, transparency and oversight, the Single Construction Regulator, construction products reform, approved documents, and more.
Read more on both Thouria’s report and the progress report here.
