The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has appointed Peter Baker as chief inspector of buildings to lead the new Building Safety Regulator
The current director of building safety and construction, Peter Baker will take up the post with immediate effect.
In his role as the chief inspector of buildings, Peter Baker will head up the Building Safety Regulator to deliver the new regime for high-risk buildings, oversee work to increase competence of all professionals working on buildings and ensure effective oversight of the entire building safety environment.
Baker will also be the first head of the building control profession, and lead the work to provide independent, expert advice to industry, government, landlords and residents on building safety.
‘A world-class risk-based regulatory system’
Peter Baker said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the first chief inspector of buildings and for the opportunity to play a lead role in bringing about the biggest change in building safety for a generation.
“I look forward to working with Government, industry, partner regulators and residents to shape and deliver a world-class risk-based regulatory system for the safety and standards of buildings that residents can have confidence in and that we can all be proud of.”
Sarah Newton, HSE’s chair, commented: “I would like to congratulate Peter on his appointment as the new chief inspector of buildings.
“Peter has a long track record of working in partnership with industry and other regulators to bring about behavioural and culture change that improves people’s safety.
“His deep understanding of assessing and managing hazards and risk makes him ideally suited to shape and lead the implementation of the new building safety regime.”
Dame Judith Hackitt, independent adviser to Government on Building Safety and Chair of the Transition Board, added: “I am delighted to hear of Peter Baker’s appointment as the new chief inspector of buildings.
“With his impressive background experience in regulating both major hazards industries and construction he brings a wealth of experience to this important new role.
“I very much look forward to working with Peter as the new Building Safety Regulator is established as we move to establish a new regime where people can be confident that their homes are safe and fit for purpose.”
