The Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) has appointed Dr Hywel Davies as its new head of technical insight.

The association announced: “Having worked in the construction sector for almost 40 years, Dr Davies is an authority in our industry and his appointment supports CABE’s journey of continuous improvement, focused on ensuring our members are best placed to deliver a safe, sustainable, and inclusive built environment.”

Beginning his career at the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Davies spent over 25 years working at the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), leading on the development of numerous guidance titles.

And he received an Honorary Fellowship from the institution in 2023 in recognition of his contribution to CIBSE and to the wider industry.

Dr Davies has been active in British Standards development for 35 years and has worked closely on building legislation, standards, and industry guidance – including harmonised standards for construction products under the original Construction Products Directive (which became the Construction Products Regulation), working with former government chief construction adviser, Paul Morrell, on the 2023 review of construction product testing and certification.

As a leader within the built environment, he currently chairs the BSI committee on Information Management and Data Exchange, and is deputy chair of the Construction Industry Council Building Safety Committee.

He serves as a member of the Building Advisory Committee of the Building Safety Regulator, having been the last chair of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee before its 2023 dissolution.

On accepting his position at CABE, Dr Davies said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the association in this new role, and look forward to supporting the membership as we embrace new and reformed processes and work to rebuild public trust in our sector.”

CABE chief executive, Richard Harral, added: “Ensuring our members have the right advice and insight into changing legal and technical standards has never been more important.

“This new role of head of technical insight focuses CABE’s resources so that members can rapidly understand matters in greater depth and apply that learning in their day-to-day work.

“Hywel brings a wealth of experience that will prove essential over the coming months.”