Iain Wright, Junior Housing and Planning Minister, today announced seven new appointments to the Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC), the consultative body which provides strategic and technical guidance to the Government on standards for the design and construction of buildings.

Ginny Clarke will take over from Jerry England as the Highways Agency's Director of Major Projects on 12 October 2007, while the recruitment process continues for the permanent position of Major Projects Director.

The former head of BP, Lord Browne of Madingley, has been appointed to the board of architect Foster + Partners as senior non-executive director. Lord Browne will chair various committees and will have an input into the strategic direction of the company.