The outgoing interim chief construction adviser has urged the industry to report fire and structural issues to a confidential reporting system for professionals.
In her final report in the role, issued late last week (10 September), Thouria Istephan said the Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK) was an important part of the wider drive to improve safety standards since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.
She said: “We must continue to monitor risks and learn from near-miss events, as well as continue to push for buildings to be made safe.
“Ultimately, we must be constantly vigilant. Too many people live in unsafe buildings. We must address this, as well as make sure that regulations appropriately respond to any safety risks that emerge.”
Wider risk factors than just height
Istephan said the industry must be mindful of risk factors beyond just the height of buildings, “such as the presence of sleeping accommodation and vulnerable residents in a building influencing any response”.
Her report added that improvements in safety culture and delivery needed to be led by clients and that behaviours were essential, as were developing standards and “smarter regulations”. She said: “This starts at the top through clients and funders, who often set the tone on projects, but also extends to all those who work in the built environment.”
Istephan took up the interim role in September 2025 and was formerly a partner at architect Foster + Partners, which served on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry panel.
The permanent role will now grow into a wider post, also combining wider scientific advice and will be part of a wider scientific advisory network across government.
