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Nitesh Pankhania

Head of Building Control

London Borough of Lambeth

Nitesh started his career at Slough Building Control in 1996 as Assistant Surveyor after completing his Civil Engineering Degree. Whilst at Slough Nitesh completed his professional qualifications. In 1998 Nitesh joined Hounslow Building Control as Senior Surveyor working on medium to large residential and commercial buildings and completing a degree in Fire Engineering. 


In 2003 – 2004 the Fire Risk Consultant job with Babtie Ltd involved fire safety in a complex building e.g. nuclear power stations and MOD facilities in Europe. In 2004 – 2013 Nitesh was a Building Control Consultant at Windsor & Maidenhead Council managing a wide range of projects e.g barn conversions, fire engineered complex buildings and education buildings. Nitesh Deputised for Building Manager and interacted with members and senior management. In 2013 – 2019, Nitesh initially joined as Principal Surveyor progressing into the Building Control Manager role. He managed surveyors and support staff, developed emerging talent and moved the service from deficit to cost neutral using a culture change tool, lean processes and leadership. 


Current role: 


Head of Building Control – London Borough of Lambeth – 2019 to present. 

  • Active member of the LDSA (London District Surveyors Association) and LDSA Marketing group promoting and supporting the services of local authority building control nationally and local.  

  • Workstream lead to encourage career progression for Lambeth staff that are identified in the 9 protective characteristic and from Black Asian and Multi-ethnic backgrounds. 

  • Implemented successful recruitment and retention process by introducing career progression grades and job descriptions linked to LABC Competency Framework. 

  • Prepare Lambeth Building Control team to implement the Building Safety Bill and support the Building Safety Regulator by adding to the current 3, level 6 surveyors.   

  • Deputising for Director at key strategic senior manager meetings, making decisions, providing strategic advice and guidance. 

  • With extensive local government knowledge, I have been able to identify areas of risk, benefit and opportunity. I can grow existing established relationships with key personal, leadership and politicians. Key metrics met in line with regulatory guidance for local government like CIPFA, Local Localism, Local Government Act 2010, Building Act 1984 and London Building Acts. A strong understanding of the Building Regulations, Approved Documents, and fire legislation  


Nitesh enjoys reading and 80’s music. He is a sneaker geek and kickboxing coach for adults and teenagers at his local club.  

 

He is married and the father of two boys in their teens. His eldest son is studying at University and his younger son is in his first year of A’ levels. The family all have similar interests in music, sneakers and kickboxing.  


His motivation outside work is friends, family, and his culture. Reading, music, and meeting people provide inspiration and energy to his focus. Being mindful of his and other peoples history and stories keeps him grounded and hopeful.  

 

Nitesh Pankhania
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