MOVERS & SHAKERS– Who’s who
at the top
On 30 September, a new interim Chief Construction Adviser was appointed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Government Appoints Building Safety Expert Post-Grenfell Inquiry
Appointment of Thouria Istephan
Thouria Istephan, an architect with extensive industry experience and knowledge of building safety standards, has been appointed to provide expert, independent advice to ministers and Government on building safety and regulatory reform.
Thouria will play a central role helping to shape the future of the built environment sector, ensuring that safety, delivery and accountability are central to decision-making, with residents’ voices at heart. Her appointment marks a key milestone, fulfilling the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.
Thouria Istephan, an architect with extensive industry experience and knowledge of building safety standards, has been appointed to provide expert, independent advice to ministers and Government on building safety and regulatory reform.
Thouria will play a central role helping to shape the future of the built environment sector, ensuring that safety, delivery and accountability are central to decision-making, with residents’ voices at heart. Her appointment marks a key milestone, fulfilling the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.
Meanwhile, a full Cabinet reshuffle was triggered by Deputy Prime Minister and Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner’s resignation following controversy over an underpayment of stamp duty on her home in East Sussex.
Strategic Leadership Changes in UK Housing and Building Safety Sector
Key Parliamentary Appointments in Housing and Building Safety – September 2025
Steve Reed, previously at DEFRA where he was criticised by animal rights campaigners for failing to deliver on animal welfare policies promised during the 2024 election, has replaced Rayner as Housing Secretary, and on 6 September, Samantha Dixon MBE MP took over from Alex Norris as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy). Her key responsibilities include:
- Building safety, Regulations, Building Safety Regulator and remediation
- Net Zero and energy efficiency
- Grenfell Inquiry response
- Grenfell Community, Tower and Memorial
- Fire policy and operations
For more Information, Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/interim-chief-construction-adviser-appointed
Steve Reed, previously at DEFRA where he was criticised by animal rights campaigners for failing to deliver on animal welfare policies promised during the 2024 election, has replaced Rayner as Housing Secretary, and on 6 September, Samantha Dixon MBE MP took over from Alex Norris as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy). Her key responsibilities include:
- Building safety, Regulations, Building Safety Regulator and remediation
- Net Zero and energy efficiency
- Grenfell Inquiry response
- Grenfell Community, Tower and Memorial
- Fire policy and operations
For more Information, Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/interim-chief-construction-adviser-appointed