The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) has announced the appointment of Richard Harral as technical director.

Formerly principal architect and then head of technical policy at the Building Regulations Division of the DCLG, Richard’s new role as technical director will see him focus on providing technical support, training and guidance for members to help them in their day-to-day work, including keeping them up to date on changes to statutory requirements and development of industry best practice and standards.

This will also include actively being involved in developing technical standards and representation on industry and government working groups.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard Harral said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity at a critical time for the Construction sector. The ongoing reviews in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire will almost certainly see structural change in the roles, responsibilities and regulation of building work; government is seeking to increase investment in national infrastructure to help boost overall economic performance; sustaining continued growth in home building to meet need is a national priority and developing effective ways to upgrade our existing building stock to reduce carbon emissions and face up to climate change is also increasingly important. To achieve any of these objectives requires top quality construction professionals supported by effective professional organisations.

“For CABE this will mean looking closely at how we can develop new ways to support our members in sustaining their technical competency and driving effective business change. We will also need to ensure that our collective knowledge is used to support development of better government policy and to help drive positive change in industry practice. I look forward to working on CABE’s behalf to engage across the sector and help ensure the best possible outcomes.”

He added: “CABE and its members are well placed to respond positively to these drivers for change and I look forward to working with everyone in helping build a better industry.”

Formed in 1925 as the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors, CABE is a body for professionals specialising in the design, construction, evaluation and maintenance of buildings. Its members practise across the UK, mainland Europe and around the world, and work in both the private and public sectors. CABE provides the prime qualification of Building Engineer, a title that accurately reflects the professional expertise of members.