Government will appoint Chief Construction Adviser by November

The government has confirmed that it is to appoint a chief construction officer by November.

The announcement comes after a lengthy consultation, following a recommendation by the Business and Enterprise Committee made over a year ago that the post be created.

The Chief Construction Adviser will be independent and report to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and HM Treasury Ministers.

Their responsibilities will include:

• Chairing a new Construction Category Board, which will build on the existing Public Sector Construction Clients Forum (PSCCF), to oversee the implementation and further development of best value Government construction procurement.
    
• Chair an enhanced sustainable construction strategy delivery board to help ensure policy regarding the industry is effectively co-ordinated.
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• Assess the key barriers to growth in the UK’s Low Carbon construction sector to ensure the UK industry is well placed to serve developing needs and markets.
  
• Work with the industry, through the Strategic Forum for Construction, to deliver the industry improvement agenda, including the Construction Commitments.
• Promote innovation in the sector, working closely with the Technology Strategy Board and other funding bodies.
• Co-ordinate the Whitehall response to reports featuring construction.

Ian Lucas, the Business Minister with responsibility for construction, said:

“We have taken our time to get the role right to ensure that it fits well with a range of new and existing initiatives.   But I have heard the calls from the Construction Industry loud and clear since my appointment in June.  We are now pressing hard ahead with recruiting. I want to see a high quality individual in place by November”.   

Ian Pearson, the Economic Secretary, said: 

“This role will provide a central “focal point” for the construction sector acknowledging the value of this sector and the importance of delivering a sustainable and low carbon economy that remains competitive.  The Chief Construction Adviser will help ensure that Government secures maximum value for money in its procurement of construction and thus support the aims of the Operational Efficiency Programme”.