Stellar speaker line-up confirmed for Building Control Conference

A heavyweight line-up of industry leaders, policy influencers and technical experts is set to take to the stage at next month’s Built Environment – Building Control Conference, promising a timely and authoritative examination of regulation, competence and building safety reform.

Taking place in March at the University of Hertfordshire, the conference will bring together professionals from across building control, engineering, design and construction at a pivotal moment for the sector, as the practical implications of post-Grenfell reform continue to unfold.

Among the headline speakers is Dame Judith Hackitt, whose independent review of building regulations and fire safety reshaped the regulatory landscape following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. A leading voice on culture, competence and accountability, Hackitt is expected to reflect on progress made to date – and the challenges that remain in embedding safer practices across the built environment.

Lord Andy Roe, Chair of the Building Safety Regulator, will offer insight into the regulator’s evolving role and expectations of dutyholders under the new regime. His contribution is expected to be of particular relevance to building control professionals navigating the practical realities of the Building Safety Act.

The conference programme also features Paul Morrell, former UK Government Chief Construction Adviser, who will explore product regulation and systemic reform, and Gill Kernick, Transformation Director at Arup, whose work focuses on learning, culture and safety leadership.

A regulatory update will be provided by Hywel Davies, CABE's Head of Technical Insight; and Andrew Lawrence, an Arup Fellow with extensive experience in structural safety and resilience, will provide an in-depth session on RAAC, punching shear and the new Eurocodes.

Fire safety and digital transformation will be addressed by Aman Sharma of Totus Digital, while Sally Godber will provide practical guidance on energy performance, retrofit and the Future Homes Standard.

Sessions will cover a broad range of pressing issues, including construction product regulation, PAS 9980 and external wall risk assessment, structural safety challenges such as RAAC, and emerging performance standards. Designed to combine policy perspective with practical application, the event offers delegates the opportunity to engage directly with those shaping the future regulatory framework.

With significant regulatory change still bedding in, organisers say the conference aims to support building control professionals by providing clarity, shared learning and high-quality CPD at a critical point for the industry.

The conference forms part of the Built Environment Series and offers delegates up to six hours of CPD, alongside opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

With special rates available to CABE members, you can register for your place here.