RAAC Expert Sergio Cavalaro Named UK Chief Construction Adviser

Professor Sergio Cavalaro, the Loughborough University engineer who played a central role in Britain's RAAC crisis response, has been appointed the Government's chief construction and scientific adviser for a three-year term.

Cavalaro joins the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government full time. His brief: sharpen building safety regulation and raise standards across the construction industry.

The role carries particular weight because it delivers one of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's recommendations — placing independent construction and engineering expertise at the heart of government. Cavalaro said he would help drive through the remaining Grenfell inquiry recommendations, linking ministers and regulators with industry, researchers and residents.

Who is Sergio Cavalaro?

Cavalaro built his reputation on the front line of the RAAC response. He took a central role in assessing the lightweight concrete that triggered safety fears across schools, hospitals and other public buildings.

His expertise extends beyond crisis assessment. His earlier work helped inform measures that kept hospitals running during the pandemic and supported the subsequent national response.

He has also led initiatives spanning:

• Modern methods of construction
• Repair and remediation
• Materials and quality control

What does the role cover?

The advisory portfolio splits into two broad fronts. First, Cavalaro will advise on building safety, quality and resilience. Second, he will tackle the sector's productivity challenge — a persistent drag on UK construction output.

The position gives him a direct channel into government decision-making on regulation, at a moment when the industry faces sustained scrutiny of materials, workmanship and accountability following both the Grenfell fire and the RAAC scandal.

Who did he replace?

Cavalaro takes over from interim chief construction adviser Thouria Istephan, a former partner at Foster + Partners. The transition followed a month-long handover period.

Istephan held the post on an interim basis; Cavalaro's appointment converts the role into a full-time, three-year position within the ministry.

Why does the appointment matter?

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry identified a lack of independent technical expertise inside government as a structural weakness in the UK's building safety regime. Establishing a permanent chief construction and scientific adviser post addresses that finding directly.

Cavalaro's stated priority — connecting ministers, regulators, industry, researchers and residents — signals how the Government intends to implement the remaining inquiry recommendations. With a three-year mandate and a full-time ministry position, he now has the institutional footing to push that agenda through.