Panel formed to review statutory building regulation guidance

The UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced the appointment of six members to the Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance panel.

The government said the panel will support its response to the Phase 2 recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, specifically the need to review statutory guidance that supports compliance with Building Regulations.

The panel will provide expert input into the structure, production and presentation of the Approved Documents, which set out examples and explanations to support compliance with functional requirements.

According to the Ministry, the Building Safety Regulator was commissioned in December 2024 to lead the fundamental review.

The new panel will provide an interim update in early 2026 and a final report by summer 2026.

Building Safety Minister outlines goals of review

Minister for Building Safety Alex Norris said the panel was central to ensuring guidance remains clear and effective.

Norris said: “The appointment of this panel is an important step in our response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Guidance which supports compliance with Building Regulations must be clear, accurate, and practical, and subject to regular updates to ensure it remains effective.

“The work of the panel will support our delivery of 1.5 million new homes, by making compliance easier, improving safety and quality in construction, and ensuring greater confidence in the building safety system.

“I look forward to receiving the panel’s recommendations.”

The Ministry confirmed that the panel will operate in an advisory capacity.

It added that further updates, including the Terms of Reference, will be published in due course.

Approved Documents under scrutiny after Grenfell

The Ministry stated that Building Regulations set the minimum legal standards for construction work in England and are supported by Approved Documents which give guidance on compliance.

Following concerns raised by the Grenfell Inquiry about the clarity and adequacy of this guidance, responsibility for reviewing and updating the documents was transferred to the Building Safety Regulator in April 2023.

This transfer was made in line with the Building Safety Act 2022, which mandates the Regulator to monitor safety and standards across the built environment.

The December 2024 commissioning of the fundamental review followed a call for urgent reform by the Inquiry.

The newly appointed panel has been established to inform the review process.

Backgrounds of appointed panel members

The panel includes six members with expertise across planning, architecture, digital standards, housebuilding and fire safety.

Dinah Bornat, architect and Director of ZCD, brings experience in people-centred development and urban design.

Dan Rossiter, Built Environment Sector Lead at the British Standards Institute, has worked extensively in technical documentation and digital information management.

Danielle Michalska-Morris, Director of Research and Technical Innovation at Taylor Wimpey, will contribute knowledge in low carbon design and building services.

Rachel Ferguson, Senior Development Manager at Pocket Living, has experience in affordable housing, planning policy and estate regeneration.

Professor Luke Bisby, Chair of Fire and Structures at the University of Edinburgh, was an expert witness in the Grenfell Inquiry and provides insight on structural fire safety.

Dr Hywel Davies, former Technical Director of CIBSE, previously chaired the Building Regulations Advisory Committee and brings broad technical experience.

Timelines and next steps for the review

According to the Ministry, the panel is expected to deliver an interim update in early 2026.

A final report is scheduled for publication in summer 2026.

The review is expected to influence how future guidance is written, structured and applied across sectors.

The panel’s work forms part of a wider effort to improve safety, clarity and accountability in the UK building regulation system.

Further announcements will include the panel’s full terms and working approach.

Government appoints expert panel for building regulation review: Summary

The UK government has appointed a six-member panel to support a review of guidance linked to Building Regulations.

The panel was formed in response to the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

The Building Safety Regulator will lead the review.

The review focuses on how statutory guidance, known as Approved Documents, is produced and structured.

An interim update is expected in early 2026.

A final report is scheduled for summer 2026.

Minister Alex Norris said the panel supports efforts to build 1.5 million new homes.

Dinah Bornat, Dan Rossiter, Danielle Michalska-Morris, Rachel Ferguson, Professor Luke Bisby and Dr Hywel Davies were named to the panel.

The panel will serve in an advisory capacity.