Independent HS2 Commissioner

HS2 Ltd was set up by the Government to design and build HS2, Britain’s new high-speed railway.  

We are committed to keeping you informed about work on HS2. This includes making sure you know what to expect and when to expect it, as well as how we can help you.  

In April 2025, the roles of the HS2 Construction and HS2 Residents’ Commissioners were combined into one role.    

An independent Residents’ and Construction Commissioner was appointed in July 2025 to hold HS2 and our supply chain accountable during the planning and delivery of the railway. They are responsible for handling instances where responses to complaints are considered unsatisfactory or remain unresolved.  

Find the commissioner’s report and our responses

Independent Residents’ and Construction Commissioner

The independent Residents’ and Construction Commissioner oversees and monitors our community engagement strategy, making sure we fulfil our commitments to you. 

Robert was appointed as the independent Residents’ and Construction Commissioner in July 2025.  

The commissioner provides independent decisions and/or mediation on any unresolved construction related disputes between HS2 Ltd and individuals or bodies, and provide advice to members of the public about how to make a complaint about construction.   

The commissioner acts as an arbitrator for the Small Claims Scheme. 

The commissioner will make themselves available to intervene in unresolved land and property disputes, as an objective and independent voice, focussing on timely settlement to save costs on both sides.  

The commissioner provides independent scrutiny and produces regular reports, publicly outlining their views and recommendations to HS2 Ltd and DfT.  

The commissioner meets regularly with HS2 Ltd’s senior leadership to raise any concerns or emerging trends across the project.  

Find out more about the commissioner and the role

As part of the creation of the Independent Construction Commissioner, the Construction Commissioner Steering Group (CCSG) was set up to monitor their performance throughout the construction period. The Group has also been tasked with providing independent oversight and advice to government ministers at the Department for Transport (DfT).  

The Steering Group is supported by HS2 and includes representatives from local authorities and local communities along the line of route in Phase 1 and Phase 2a. Representatives from HS2 Ltd and DfT also sit on the Group, although it is independent of HS2 and DfT. It meets three to four times a year, in either Birmingham or London.   

The independent Commissioner’s performance is monitored by a Steering Group. The Steering Group is supported by HS2 and includes representatives from local authorities and local communities along the line of route. Representatives from HS2 Ltd and DfT also sit on the Group, although it is independent of HS2 and DfT.