Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser

On 6 October 2026 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government annonced the appointment of an independent Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) as the Building Safety Levy came into force.

Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, was appointed on a three-year term. The new position is strategically positioned as part of the wider scientific adviser network across government, recognising the important role of both the construction and scientific sectors for building safety reform.

The CCSA will provide independent construction, engineering and scientific advice on the safety, quality and resilience of buildings, as well as on productivity across the built environment sector. The CCSA will also support the delivery of the remaining Grenfell Inquiry recommendations and regulatory reform, acting as a bridge between government, regulators, industry, professional and trade bodies, academia and residents. He will take on the role on a full-time basis, working closely with the Interim Chief Construction Adviser, Thouria Istephan, to ensure a thorough handover period.

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."

Sergio Cavalaro said: "I am delighted to join MHCLG as Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser. I am committed to working with the Building Safety Regulator and across the wider sector to improve the safety, quality, resilience and productivity of the built environment. I look forward to providing independent advice and constructive challenge, while contributing to cross-government priorities through the network of Chief Scientific Advisers."

The Building Safety Regulator Chair, Lord Roe said: "In the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), we welcome the appointment of Sergio to this critical role. I look forward to engaging him on the work of the BSR so that we can benefit from his extensive experience in the built environment."

Professor Sergio Cavalaro is a civil engineer with a PhD in construction engineering. He has supported government and industry on issues of national significance and has extensive knowledge of regulatory systems in the UK and internationally. Notably, he played a central role in the structural evaluations of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), advancing the sector’s understanding, informing measures to keep hospitals operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, and contributing to the subsequent national response. He has also led collaborative initiatives to advance modern methods of construction, repair and remediation approaches, materials and quality control methods that are now helping to improve safety, quality and productivity in buildings and infrastructure.