New chair at the Built Environment Trust

The Built Environment Trust, an independent charity, which promotes and delivers education with the aim of improving the quality of the built environment, has appointed Sara Lipscombe as its next Chair. Lipscombe, who has served as acting Chair for the past 10 months, replaces Ann Allen, who has stepped down after leading the Trust through a period of significant organisational change.

Lipscombe brings to the role over 40 years of experience in engineering and construction having worked as a chief marketing and communications officer for organisations including Air Products & Chemicals, Arup, AtkinsRealis, Bouygues, Costain, FIDIC and SAUR International. More recently she has run her own consultancy.

Beyond her executive career, Lipscombe has a significant and established track record in governance and non-executive leadership across both the built environment and education sectors. She is a Non-Executive Director of Constructionarium, the experiential training organisation for built environment students and professionals, and previously chaired the Bourne Education Trust, one of the UK’s largest multi-academy trusts. She joined the Built Environment Trust board in December 2023, becoming Deputy Chair in early 2024. Lipscombe is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Matt Leach, CEO of the Built Environment Trust and Building Centre, said: “Sara brings huge experience, understanding and knowledge of the built environment sector, strong leadership skills, and a clear focus on ensuring that the Trust delivers on its mission to share knowledge, learning and innovation across the whole of the built environment. We are delighted at her appointment as Chair.”

Lipscombe said: “The Built Environment Trust, through its stewardship of the Building Centre on Store Street, has always been at the heart of the debate, learning and knowledge sharing that has shaped our built environment. I want to build on that tradition, forging new relationships and partnerships, underpinned by the ambition, creativity and cross-sectoral focus that has both defined our history and will continue to define our future plans.

“I would, in particular, like to thank Ann Allen for her leadership of the Built Environment Trust, helping guide the organisation through a period of significant change and putting in place the foundations for future growth.”