Daniel Cox MCIOB, director, Constructive Consultancy
The CIOB should modify its Chartered Building Consultancy/Contractor scheme to introduce criteria setting out how companies that buy into the scheme are obliged to promote the CIOB within their working culture, for example recruiting only CIOB-accredited staff and contractors where possible. More exposure to the public is critical in raising awareness and the CIOB should also look at how it can associate the CBC scheme with larger, more visible companies in the industry.
Mike Smith MCIOB, managing director, Corniche Builders
The CIOB needs to “up” it’s profile and get better public recognition and more involved with government. We should be the first stop for all matters at the blunt end of construction, but are often ignored. The institute is not very good at self promotion and is lagging behind the other construction institutions.
Richard Phelps MCIOB, principal building control officer at North Hertfordshire District Council
The institute needs to be seen to be working for the members, as the grass roots are not always aware what it is doing in terms of consultations with industry, the product sector, or lobbying government. In the current economic climate, employers are always looking for better value and many will be asking: “If I am to become or to remain a Chartered Building Company or Consultancy, what benefits will it bring me?” This could mean offering practical benefits such as lower insurance, or seeing more evidence of campaigns promoting the advantages of employing CIOB members.
John Entwistle FCIOB, project manager, Balfour Beatty
As an institute we need to become the benchmark for construction companies and an integral part of their personal development planning and internal succession planning. We also need to promote more Chartered Building Companies to champion the cause and to lead by example, after all, if your company is pushing you towards membership, they should also be chartered.
Barbara Entwistle FCIOB, area manager, Velux
The CIOB should aim to promote and take advantage of the diversity of its membership, which includes contractors, architects, QSs, engineers, contract managers, site managers and project managers. Having said that, the CIOB is already doing a great deal to engage with employers. Most CIOB business development staff already have good relationships with local contractors within their areas. For employers, having chartered employees is a great benefit when bidding for business. Employers should encourage their employees to become members of the CIOB and progress them to chartered status and fellowship.
Jason Adlam, CEO, Harris Construction Management
When I look at the risks to my business, the biggest concern over the next five to 10 years is where I’m going to find young skilled staff. The biggest benefit the CIOB can offer employers is to engage more with youngsters at schools, colleges and universities to encourage interest in the industry. It’s more important now than ever before as we’ve been through a five-year recession, so fewer people want to join an industry that has been floundering all that time. As an industry governing body, the CIOB should have more people at grass-roots level, visiting educational facilities to explain why construction is the backbone of the UK’s economy.
