Independent Chair | Part Time | England | Voluntary

The Building Safety Regulator is recruiting an independent-chair for its Residents’ Panel. The Panel helps make sure the views of people living in higher-risk buildings are heard in building safety work. 

This is a leadership role for someone who currently lives in a high-rise residential building in England. The official recruitment page also says private landlords who let homes in higher-risk buildings can apply. 

The Panel is a statutory committee under the Building Safety Act 2022. It advises the Building Safety Regulator and helps keep residents at the centre of building safety. 

The role is not a full-time job. The official page says the Chair must be able to commit to around 8 days per year. Meetings are virtual and dates are agreed in advance. The tenure is at least two years. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead meetings: Chair quarterly Residents’ Panel meetings 
• Create the right space: Make discussions safe, respectful, and inclusive 
• Support residents: Help residents share their concerns and experiences clearly 
• Turn insight into action: Help translate lived experience into practical input for BSR 
• Work independently: Work constructively with BSR while keeping independence and credibility 
• Represent the Panel fairly: Make sure all voices are heard, including quieter voices 

About You

• Relevant lived experience: Current resident of a high-rise building in England, with a strong understanding of issues faced by residents in higher-risk buildings 
• Good chairing skills: Able to lead meetings and manage different views in a balanced way 
• Strong communicator: Clear, calm, and able to use ordinary language 
• Inclusive approach: Understands good resident engagement and barriers some groups may face 
• Confident and fair: Able to challenge constructively, use evidence, and build trust 
• Useful background: Experience in housing, resident advocacy, regulation, public service, or public bodies may help, but the official advert says lived experience and the right skills matter most. 

What the Building Safety Regulator Offers

• Meaningful impact: Chance to help shape building safety through resident insight 
• Flexible commitment: Around 8 days per year, with virtual meetings 
• Development opportunity: The recruitment page says the role offers the chance to develop your own skills and expertise. 
• Longer-term role: Tenure of at least two years 

How to Apply

Applications close on 10 May 2026. Candidates need to complete written responses on an online platform about their reasons for applying, skills, attributes, experience, and what they hope to gain. If someone cannot apply online, the official page gives a postal option. 

The official page says shortlisting will take place after the application window closes, followed by interview. A contact email is also listed for queries. 

Application Tips

Keep your application grounded in real experience. Show how you have listened to residents, handled sensitive issues, managed different opinions, and helped people feel heard. Use simple examples that show fairness, trust, and confidence. Bureaucracies adore vague statements, so naturally you should avoid those.