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CIC Cascade

11 April 2007

  1. CIC Publishes 4th edition of the Model Adjudication Procedure
  2. ConstructionSkills announces 50% increase in the number of Inspire scholars
  3. Development of a South East Memorandum of Understanding for CPD
  4. IPHE Launch ‘Drinking Water for Life’ campaign
  5. Strategic Forum 2012 Construction Commitments Signups - 200 and Counting
  6. BIFM helps FMs shape the future
  7. Women working in a Man’s World
  8. Inspire- Recognising women in the buillt environment
  9. Lecturer in Civil Engineering
  10. Events

1. CIC Publishes 4th edition of the Model Adjudication Procedure

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has published a 4th edition of its  Model Adjudication Procedure (the MAP) in light of the comments made by Judge Havery QC on 19 January 2007 in Epping Electrical Company Ltd v Briggs and Forrester (Plumbing Services) Ltd.

The Technology and Construction Court held that paragraph 25 of CIC’s 3rd edition of MAP did not comply with the requirements of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. That ruling did not affect the Epping Electrical case and was therefore not part of the final decision but Judge Havery QC subsequently criticised similar wording in a judgment dealing with the GC/Works adjudication clause.

John Reilly, Chairman of CIC’s Adjudication Board said, “The CIC has taken the precautionary measure of publishing a new edition of the MAP, omitting the first sentence of paragraph 25 and making some incidental changes, so there can be no argument about whether the MAP complies with the statute or not.  The CIC is committed to efficient adjudication, which is why we have now issued the 4th edition.  The publication provides a simple, clear and succinct adjudication procedure for the industry.”

The new 4th edition of the Model Adjudication Procedure is available as a PDF file; price £10, by contacting: 020 7399 7420.  A full list of CIC publications can be found at www.cic.org.uk/publications.

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2. ConstructionSkills announces 50% increase in the number of Inspire scholars

ConstructionSkills has announced that it will increase the number of Inspire Scholarship places for 2007 by 50%, bringing this year’s total to 300. During the scheme’s first awards ceremony, in which a £4,000 prize was awarded to the top scholar, ConstructionSkills unveiled the plans to boost the scheme after industry gave the thumbs up following two extremely successful years.

The awards ceremony showcased some of the new talent to prospective employers and congratulated scholars currently matched on the scheme. Sir Michael Latham, Chairman of ConstructionSkills, presented the £4,000 cheque to Jonathan Fletcher, employed by Allerdale Borough Council, for his winning entry in an essay writing competition.

Sir Michael stated: “There is fierce competition for talented young people, so construction has to make itself an attractive proposition. In this age of tuition fees, top-up fees, and student loans, which are increasing the financial burden of going to university, money worries are creating a barrier between some of our brightest students and higher education. This in turn may put some of those students off even applying to university in the first place. Inspire Scholarships are one of very few ways in which undergraduates can obtain extra funding as an incentive to choose construction and  to help break down this barrier. And crucially, Inspire offers funding which does not need to be paid back. We want construction to be an industry in which students see employers invest in them from day one.”

The Inspire Scholarship scheme provides funding of up to £9,000 to support students through university.  In addition, sponsoring employers offer the student a 10-week summer placement at the end of their first year and the possibility of placement opportunities during a sandwich year, as well as potential employment upon graduation. The employers benefit by gaining access to the best available young talent without the hassle of undertaking an extensive graduate recruitment drive. In addition, the latest forecasts from the Construction Skills Network suggest that 32% of the new recruits required to join the industry between 2007-2011 will be professional roles such as construction managers, architects and technical staff. So it’s even more important than ever that there is an adequate supply of high quality graduates into the construction industry.

Following its successful launch in 2005, the Inspire Scholarships scheme has more than doubled in size, with over 150 employers from across the industry now involved, and over 1,000 applications currently in the pipeline from young people preparing to study construction-related degree courses.  Leading employers already supporting the scheme include Lovell Partnership, Balfour Beatty plc, GJ Seddon and the Happold Trust.

Karen Wheeler, Project Manager for Inspire added: “Despite our successes, we still need more employers to meet the demand from the young people applying for the scheme - I can’t emphasise this point enough; without the employers willing to demonstrate a commitment to our scholars, then we don’t have a scheme. We have huge interest from young people, but we now need to match that enthusiasm amongst the employers. We hope that those of you already committed to the scheme will continue to support it so that we are able – again, with your help - to address the recruitment issues faced by the industry and increase the quality and capabilities of those graduates entering it.”

For more information on Inspire Scholarships visit www.bconstructive.co.uk/scholarship 

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3. Development of a South East Memorandum of Understanding for CPD

On 14 March the CIC South East Committee hosted a Regional Forum to raise awareness of the importance of the sustainable communities agenda for CPD and to discuss the potential development of a Joint Memorandum of Understanding for CPD in the South East.

The Forum, which was organised in conjunction with South East Excellence, RIBA, CIOB, the Academy for Sustainable Communities and ConstructionSkills, endeavoured to define a sustainable community, while setting out a clear and effective plan for future developments in the region based on the North West Memorandum which was signed in 2006.

Graham Anderson, Chairman of CIC-South East, introduced guest speakers Kevin Murray, Academy for Sustainable Communities and Sue Carmichael, Constructive Futures, the consultant employed to develop the North West Memorandum.

Kevin Murray, ASC gave an informative talk which identified the key components required to create a sustainable community.  This included good governance, public participation, partnership working, excellent public services and civic pride.

Sue Carmichael, Constructive Futures, provided an insight into how the North West region has successfully developed a Joint Memorandum of Understanding in response to the Government’s 2004 Egan Task Force report.  This Memorandum provides members of Professional Institutions with better access to resources, shared learning and the means to continuously develop generic skills relevant to delivering sustainable communities. 

Helen Wren, Regional Director of RIBA, who had originally proposed the development of a South East Memorandum, explained her reasons for supporting the idea and spoke about previous initiatives undertaken in the region, including the development of the CPD and Events website (www.cpdevents.org.uk), which made this Memorandum a logical next step for the South East.

Members of the forum were asked to divide into three workshops to discuss specific issues relating to future developments.  The workshops were

  • Workshop 1:  How might a Joint Memorandum of Understanding for CPD be developed and implemented in the South East?
  • Workshop 2:  How might this agenda impact upon and be incorporated into future CPD events?
  • Workshop 3:  How might a one-day pan-professional Sustainability event be organised?

The conclusion of the forum was positive and it is envisaged that regular events will take place to develop ideas which will enable an effective programme for sustainable communities to be successfully implemented in the South East.

For more information on the sustainable communities agenda visit www.ascskills.org.uk.  For further information about CIC-South East or the Joint Memorandum of Understanding please contact Janette Welton-Pai (Email jwelton-pai@cic.org.uk).

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4. IPHE Launch ‘Drinking Water for Life’ campaign

The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) launched its ‘Drinking Water for Life’ campaign in National Science and Engineering Week (9th – 18th March).  The campaign is aimed at consumers and makes the point that bad plumbing in the home can affect the quality of drinking water.

Danny Davis, IPHE technical officer, says: “If plumbing has not been carried out by a professional, you cannot guarantee that it has been carried out safely and correctly, which means that the water that you are drinking and using for washing may not be as safe and clean as you think.”

The IPHE worked in partnership with a local specialist science school, Sanders Draper, during National Science and Engineering Week to get the point across to 1,000 pupils.  With the help of Ted Cassey, from the educational unit of Three Valleys Water, the children were involved with a number of projects including water quality experiments and a water audit.

“The water audit showed that a staggering one million litres of water will be wasted over a period of a year if the school doesn’t resolve the problem with its leaky taps,” said Danny.   “I think this really brought home the message to the children that drinking water is a precious commodity and shouldn’t be wasted.”

IPHE Branches are helping to spread the word to consumers by distributing leaflets on safe drinking water.

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5. Strategic Forum 2012 Construction Commitments Signups - 200 and Counting
The Construction Industry Council are delighted to announce that the number of Construction organisations signed up to the 2012 Construction Commitments currently stand at 200 and counting.

The rise in signups reflects an ongoing commitment by industry to maximise the opportunity to showcase the very best of British Construction practice.

The 2012 Construction Commitments identify 6 key areas in the construction process that relate to the performance and behaviour of the industry; client leadership, procurement and integration, design, sustainability, commitment to people and  health & safety,

For more information and to sign up the 2012 Construction Commitments visit http://www.strategicforum.org.uk/2012CC.shtml

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6. BIFM helps FMs shape the future

Around 350 delegates arrived on a misty morning in Oxford for the BIFM’s 2007 annual conference – ‘Shaping the future – the next five years’. Delegates came away from the two-day event at Keble College tested, challenged and informed by the conference programme and variety of presentations, interactive sessions and debates.

The key topics ranged from innovation, technology and the working environment to risk management and sustainability. BIFM chairman Peter Cordy kicked off the event by highlighting the important role that the Institute has in raising the profile of FM and gaining recognition that FM is vital to the security, well-being, sustainability and prosperity of the UK.

The opening address by futurologist James Woudhuysen, professor of forecasting and innovation at De Montfort University, focused on two of the main workplace panics of the moment – sustainability and health. Woudhuysen said FMs should not let risk sidetrack them from innovation.

Liz Adams, facilities manager at the award-winning new headquarters of the National Trust, explained how they implemented a successful sustainability programme. Guiding principles have been local supply and using Trust resources and this has meant that wool from sheep on a Trust farm has been used for the carpet tiles.

After networking at the traditional drinks reception BIFM conference delegates sat down to enjoy fine wine and excellent food at the Conference Gala Dinner. Delegates then listened to a motivating and inspiring speech by one of Britain’s most successful sportsmen Roger Black MBE. One of Black’s key messages was that the ability to change is the winning formula.

Marie Curie Cancer Care, the BIFM Chairman’s charity started the second day by reminding delegates of the important work they carry out to support cancer patients and their families. BIFM members raised over £17,000 for Marie Curie during 2006 and the total increased further when Ian Fielder, BIFM CEO, presented a cheque for £1000 raised at the Conference Gala Dinner.

In an entertaining presentation Simon Grinter reviewed the design and operation of the GLA’s headquarters five years on and looked to the future. The building was built to be sustainable from the start and the GLA’s environmental policy has encompassed everything from green electricity to wine corks.

The ‘35 under 35’ group, formed with FM World as part of its campaign to find the rising stars of FM, launched an ‘Adopt an FM’ initiative to ensure their young colleagues remain within facilities management. Delegates were challenged to come back to the BIFM annual conference in 2008 and have established at least 20 mentoring partnerships with young FMs. BIFM is offering a 50 per cent discount to mentorees chosen by the delegates as an incentive to attend next year’s conference.

Dr James Bellini, author, broadcaster and business analyst, wrapped up the event with his take on the forces shaping work, life and leisure over the next five years.

The next BIFM annual conference will be held at Keble College, Oxford on 18th & 19th March 2008.

The BIFM Conference was supported by main sponsors Interserve, RNM Systems Condeco, Harrow Green and media sponsors FM World.

For further information contact:
Rebecca Warburton, BIFM Communications & External Affairs
01799 508606 rebecca.warburton@bifm.org.uk

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7. Women working in a Man’s World

The Construction Industry is losing qualified female senior members of staff, because they are unable to secure family-friendly hours. Many women leave and even trade down in favour of part-time hours. The purpose of this questionnaire is to learn how women can be retained in the construction industry.

For your opportunity to contribute to this debate please complete the online questionnaire by visiting http://www.cic.org.uk/activities/equal_opp.shtml

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8. Inspire- Recognising women in the buillt environment

To coincide with International Women's Day we are pleased to announce this upcoming event recognising women in the built environment.
Inspire is a brand new celebratory event in association with everywoman, that will reward women working in architecture, engineering and construction.

The inaugural lunch event will be held on the 6th July 2007 at the prestigious River Bank Plaza Hotel, London.

Entries are now open for the following categories:

  • Future Star
  • Outstanding Achiever
  • Inspirational Leader
  • Future of the Industry Award
  • Inspire Woman of the Year Award

Four awards will be presented in each of the first three categories, comprising one for architecture, one for construction, one for engineering and one for quantity surveying. The Future of the Industry Award will recognise the outstanding contribution of one woman across the above industry sectors and the Inspire Woman of the Year Award is a non-entry award that the judging panel will nominate and determine. For more information and full entry criteria, please visit www.cnplus.co.uk/inspire

Deadline for entries is 30th April 2007. So, don’t delay – if you want to be up on stage receiving recognition for the critical role you play in the built environment, you need to enter today.

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9. Lecturer in Civil Engineering

The University of Plymouth, Faculty of Technology is recruiting for a new lecturer in the School of Engineering

The School takes pride in valuing research, teaching and knowledge transfer activities equally within a broad culture of quality and is recognised for excellence by professional accrediting institutions. The School of Engineering includes civil engineering, coastal engineering, mechanical engineering, marine technology and environmental building.

For informal discussions please contact: Dave Easterbrook (Civil Engineering Programme Manager) on +44 1752 233661 or email: dave.easterbrook@plymouth.ac.uk or Professor Mike Riley (Head of School) on +44 1752 232573 or email: michael.riley@plymouth.ac.uk.

Closing date: 12 Noon Wednesday 16 April 2007

10. Events

The events page of the CIC website is frequently updated visit the events page for details.

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