New Government Chief Construction Adviser

Paul Morrell OBE has been appointed to the new role of Government Chief Construction Adviser. Previously senior partner of construction consultants Davis Langdon, and also former deputy chair of CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment), Paul Morrell brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors to this broad role.

As CCA, Mr Morrell will lead the Construction Innovation and Growth Team. His first task will be to lead the Low Carbon Construction Review, announced by Lord Mandelson on 18 September and due to report its initial findings in spring 2010. This is part of the challenge to bring the industry together to identify how best to deliver the 2022 carbon reduction commitments, to meet the broader challenges of the low carbon future, and to capture the many new opportunities it will bring.

The CCA is an independent role, but will report jointly to BIS and HM Treasury Ministers. The remit of the role includes:

• Chairing the new Construction Collaborative Category Board, which will build on the existing Public Sector Construction Clients Forum (PSCCF), to drive the implementation and further development of best value Government construction procurement.
• Chairing an enhanced sustainable construction strategy delivery board to help ensure policy regarding the industry is effectively co-ordinated.
• Assessing 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.
• Working with the industry, through the Strategic Forum for Construction, to deliver the industry improvement agenda, including the Construction Commitments.
• Promoting innovation in the sector, working closely with the Technology Strategy Board and other funding bodies.
• Co-ordinating the Whitehall response to reports featuring construction.

  For further information please contact BIS Construction Sector Unit (020 7215 0826; E-mail: terence.boniface@bis.gov.uk; website: www.bis.gov.uk).