NHBC’s New CEO: A New Era

Summary

Paul Turner takes the helm at NHBC as the UK building industry navigates evolving regulations. His leadership arrives amidst significant changes to Building Regulations, particularly concerning energy efficiency and higher-risk buildings. This article explores the implications of these changes and Turner’s role in shaping the future of UK housing.

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** Main Story**

NHBC Appoints Paul Turner as New CEO

The National House Building Council (NHBC) has appointed Paul Turner as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective September 1, 2025. Turner succeeds Steve Wood, who led the organization for eight years. This transition comes at a pivotal time for the UK building industry, as it grapples with significant regulatory changes aimed at improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of new homes.

Turner’s Background and the Task Ahead

Turner brings extensive experience in the insurance and financial services sectors, having held senior roles at Swiss Re and Just Group plc. While his background doesn’t directly involve the housing sector, NHBC Chair Alan Rubenstein expressed confidence in Turner’s “purpose-driven leadership” and ability to steer the organization through its next chapter. Turner himself acknowledged NHBC’s crucial role in improving the quality of new homes and protecting homeowners, particularly given the increasing emphasis on quality and sustainability.

Changes to UK Building Regulations: A Shifting Landscape

The UK building industry is undergoing a period of significant transformation, driven by evolving Building Regulations. Key areas of change include:

• Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power): Recent amendments to Part L, implemented in June 2022, mandate a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions for new homes compared to previous standards. These changes include new thermal regulations for windows and doors, with stricter U-value requirements. This pushes the industry towards more energy-efficient designs and materials. The changes also introduce the requirement for photographic evidence of construction details to demonstrate compliance.

• Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs): A new building control regime for HRBs (buildings seven stories or higher) came into effect on October 1, 2023. The Building Safety Regulator now oversees these projects, shifting responsibility away from organizations like NHBC. This reflects a heightened focus on fire safety and structural integrity in high-rise residential buildings following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

• Future Homes Standard: The Future Homes Standard, slated for implementation in 2025, aims to ensure that all new homes are “net zero ready.” This involves further reductions in carbon emissions and a greater emphasis on sustainable building practices. These regulations are pushing housebuilders to adopt low carbon technologies such as heat pumps which will be mandatory from 2025 onwards. All properties will be required to have zero direct carbon emissions.

• Ventilation (Part F) and Overheating (Part O): Alongside Part L, updates to Part F and Part O address ventilation and overheating in new buildings. These changes aim to improve indoor air quality and thermal comfort, contributing to healthier and more resilient homes.

Turner’s Role in Navigating the Changes

Turner’s leadership will be crucial as NHBC helps the industry navigate these regulatory changes. Key aspects of his role will likely include:

• Supporting Builders: Turner will need to ensure that NHBC provides builders with the guidance and resources they need to comply with the new regulations. This includes clear information on technical requirements, best practices, and compliance procedures.

• Driving Innovation: The Future Homes Standard and other changes encourage innovation in building materials, design, and construction techniques. Turner can promote innovation by supporting research and development, fostering collaboration within the industry, and advocating for policies that incentivize sustainable practices.

• Maintaining Consumer Confidence: As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC plays a vital role in maintaining consumer confidence. Turner will need to ensure that NHBC’s standards and processes continue to provide homeowners with assurance about the quality and safety of their homes. NHBC’s reputation makes it a crucial player in driving quality improvements in the sector.

Challenges and Opportunities

Turner assumes leadership at a time of both challenges and opportunities for the housebuilding sector. The evolving regulatory landscape, alongside rising material costs and skills shortages, presents significant hurdles for builders. However, these changes also create opportunities for innovation and growth in areas such as sustainable building technologies and modern methods of construction. Turner’s leadership, combined with the industry’s adaptability, will be crucial in successfully navigating this period of transformation. As of today, June 27, 2025, this is the most recent information available. This information may change as regulations develop and as Turner begins his leadership at NHBC.