The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) this week welcomes Government plans to appoint an independent Chief Adviser to Government on Construction, responsible for coordinating Government policy and action for the built environment.

The appointment comes as a result of sustained calls from built environment and construction professionals, including the RIBA, who contributed to a consultation in March, calling for a more coordinated approach towards construction policy.

Sunand Prasad, President of the RIBA said: “This is a positive step forward for development, construction and the built environment, recognising the huge impact of our industry for the economy and peoples quality of life. We expect the Adviser to actively promote procurement to achieve long-term value, integrated design and construction, and action on the climate change challenge. For this post to make a genuine impact, it is essential for the appointee to remain independent, and have unfettered access to the relevant procuring and regulatory departments, with the full authority of the Treasury. I am very pleased that the Government has accepted the views of the industry’s professionals, working through the CIC, and we look forward to working with the new appointee.”