CABE’s Hywel Davies OBE appointed Deputy Chair of Building Advisory Committee

Dr Hywel Davies OBE, Head of Technical Insight at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, has stepped into a key leadership role at the Building Advisory Committee, strengthening ties between industry expertise and the UK’s building safety regime.

The appointment to a senior leadership role at the Building Advisory Committee marks a significant moment for both the committee and the wider building safety sector, particularly given his ongoing work with the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has confirmed that Hywel, who serves as Head of Technical Insight at CABE, will take on the role of Deputy Chair of the Building Advisory Committee (BAC). His appointment comes alongside Dr Barbara Lane, who has been named as the committee’s first Independent Chair.

Hywel is no stranger to the committee, having been involved since its inception. His longstanding engagement with building regulation policy includes previously chairing the Building Regulations Advisory Committee between 2020 and 2023. His continued involvement at a senior level is expected to strengthen the link between professional bodies like CABE and the regulator’s advisory framework.

In his role at CABE, Hywel has been closely involved in shaping technical guidance and promoting professional standards across the built environment. His new position as Deputy Chair of the BAC places him at the heart of efforts to support the Building Safety Regulator in improving safety standards, identifying emerging risks, and ensuring guidance keeps pace with the complexity of modern construction.

Speaking about his appointment, Hywel said he was “pleased to be appointed Deputy Chair” and highlighted the committee’s “critical role” in supporting the regulator’s work to improve the building safety regime.

The appointment comes at a time of transition for the BAC, as it seeks to enhance its role as a key advisory body under the Building Safety Act. Working alongside other groups such as the Industry Competence Committee and the Statutory Residents’ Panel, the BAC is expected to play an increasingly influential role in shaping policy and practice.

BSR leadership welcomed the appointment, noting that Hywel brings extensive experience from his career in the built environment and his work with CABE. His expertise is expected to help guide the committee through a period of strategic development, with a shared ambition to deliver meaningful improvements in building safety across the UK.

With his dual perspective from both CABE and regulatory advisory work, Hywel is positioned to act as a crucial bridge between industry professionals and policymakers, reinforcing efforts to create safer buildings and restore public confidence in the sector.