The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has launched a recruitment process for an independent Chair of its Residents’ Panel, as part of efforts to strengthen resident involvement in the higher-risk buildings regime.

The role is designed to ensure that the lived experience of high-rise residents informs regulatory thinking, policy development, and decision-making within the building safety system.

The Building Safety Regulator Residents’ Panel brings together people living in higher-risk residential buildings to share experiences of building safety issues and provide feedback on how the regulatory system is operating in practice.

The Panel does not form part of formal enforcement processes but is intended to provide structured input into how regulation is developed and applied over time.

The new independent Chair will provide leadership and oversight of the Panel to ensure resident perspectives are effectively captured and communicated.

Role Focused on Leadership, Engagement and Lived Experience

The Chair must be a current resident of a high-rise residential building and will be expected to bring direct experience of the higher-risk building regime.

Key responsibilities will include leading quarterly Panel meetings, facilitating discussion in a safe and inclusive environment, and helping translate resident feedback into insight that can inform BSR policy and operations.

The role also involves working with the regulator while maintaining independence and ensuring resident views are clearly represented.

BSR said the appointment is intended to ensure the Panel reflects the perspectives of those directly affected by building safety regulation.

The regulator is seeking an individual with strong communication and facilitation skills, alongside an ability to build trust and support constructive discussion.

While experience in housing, regulation, resident advocacy or public service may be beneficial, BSR said the key requirement is the ability to listen, challenge appropriately and represent resident interests effectively.

Resident-Centred Approach to Building Safety Regulation

The recruitment forms part of the Building Safety Regulator’s wider approach to embedding resident experience within the regulatory framework for higher-risk buildings.

The initiative is intended to strengthen accountability and ensure residents play an active role in shaping how building safety standards are developed and applied.