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CIC Cascade16 December 2003 Contents
1. The Social and Economic Value of Construction – The Construction Industry’s Contribution to Sustainable Development (2003) The new Construction Industry Research and Innovation Strategy Panel (nCRISP) published in November 2003 a report entitled “The Social and Economic Value of Construction – The Construction Industry’s Contribution to Sustainable Development (2003)”. The work to produce the report was undertaken by Professor David Pearce from University College London and members of the nCRISP Socio-Economic Task Group. The report brings together the key facts and data on the UK construction industry and takes a wider than usual view of construction. It includes all construction materials and products, not just those used by contractors, and construction professional services provided in-house by public agencies and commercial organisations. The report highlights the value of construction – both its aggregate value accumulated over time and its real and potential value, in terms of current construction activity, to sustainable development and sustainable communities. The report is structured round the themes of added value and sustainability. It outlines the contribution that the construction industry makes to the over-arching goal of sustainable development. Michael Dickson, Chairman of nCRISP outlined the following key messages from the report:
The
report is available free of charge from nCRISP or is downloadable
from the nCRISP web site: nCRISP Management Support Unit, Davis
Langdon Consultancy, MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V
6QS
2.
CSCS Card for CIC Member Construction
Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Cards for Professionals Background
to CSCS Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott set a target for a reduction in deaths and serious injuries of 40% by 2005 and 66% by 2010 at a construction summit in February 2001. This target provided the impetus for the CSCS and it is hoped that the scheme will act as an aid to achieving this goal. Applicants to the scheme are required to demonstrate competence (the ability to carry out their job well) and knowledge of health and safety. Historically competence has been demonstrated through possession of a relevant NVQ/SVQ, although for a limited period after the introduction of each occupational category, the competence of applicants can be shown through ‘industry accreditation’, i.e. certification by their employer or another professional person. Health and safety knowledge is assessed through a multiple-choice test, sat either at a recognised driving licence test centre (the most common route), a mobile testing unit or online. CSCS
and Professionals
In response to industry demand CIC is collaborating with CSCS to improve and extend ways in which cards for construction professionals can be gained. A proposed Professional Membership Route has been approved in principle by the CSCS Board. A joint CSCS/CIC Working Group is developing this new route, and a number of Professional Institutions have already committed to take part in a pilot for developing Professional routes, which will hopefully result in some routes to Professional Institution membership receiving CSCS accreditation. Take-up
of the scheme The Major Contractors Group has set a target for 100% of those working on its sites to hold CSCS (or CSCS affiliated) cards by the end of this year. Details
of the Scheme Different types of card are issued under the scheme relating to an individual’s occupation and level of competence e.g. gold (supervisor), platinum (manager), black (senior manager) and yellow (regular visitor).. There is also provision for occasional site visitors, who can be issued with a temporary visitor’s card. Holders of both temporary and regular visitor’s cards may need to be accompanied on site, at the discretion of site management Procedure
for obtaining cards 3.
CIC North West Construction Challenge PMJ Architects were the ultimate winners of the challenge. The prize for “the most aesthetically pleasing structure” went to Wentworth Consulting, with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) a close second. Sadly, even the addition of a Kylie Minogue picture couldn’t help the Eversheds team win a prize. Over 120 people attended the event, which was generously sponsored by Hobbs Reprographic. 4.
CPD www.cpdevents.org.uk CIC-SE has launched the pilot of its unique website which will be further developed to include all far-sighted professional institutions and recognized organizers of continuing professional development activities in the South East. The pilot partners include four professional institutions (CIOB, RTPI, ICE, RIBA) the Construction Best Practice Programme and South East Centre for the Built Environment. Links from each institution’s website will open up www.cpdevents.org.uk to enable the user to search all participant’s events. In this way, every construction professional is encouraged to learn alongside other disciplines. This is a positive step towards breaking down traditional barriers between professions and achieving more integrated construction teams. Moving forward, it is hoped that collaborative event programmes will evolve to deliver better, cheaper and more challenging CPD. The initial phase of this database has been funded by SEEDA, the South East England Development Agency. Inter-disciplinary CPD is regarded as central to the life-long learning culture critical to delivering the changes required in the Construction industry. Sustainable development is key to fulfilling SEEDA’s mission to become a “World Class” region. Users can access appropriate events by entering relevant criteria, selecting to search by subject, date, location or any combination to refine the search. The data returned will include all appropriate events available from all contributing bodies. An opportunity to make an enquiry directly to the organizer is in place to enhance the booking procedure. All professional bodies are invited to apply to have their events included in this collaborative events programme. The more contributors on board, the more comprehensive and useful the site will become. Other regions have already identified the potential for developing a similar framework and discussions are already in hand to expand the service national. 5.
DQI Online, Improved Access With the guidance available on the site this now means that for most DQI users establishing and undertaking an assessment of the design quality of their building or proposal will be straight forward, with all the information available online. Additionally, during office hours CIC are operating the DQI Phone and Email Helpline and where users can communicate with a member of the DQI team, 020 7399 7424, dqi@cic.org.uk. The DQI Online tool can be found at www.dqi.org.uk. 6.
Engineering in the Olympics Further information on the campaign can be found at: www.engineeringintheolympics.com 7.
ACE names new Chief Executive Ogunshakin, currently managing director of the consultancy AEO Group, has previously worked in a number of director level positions with multidisciplinary consultancy firms, WSP (Building) Group and High Point Rendel Group. He has extensive UK and international experience in the construction and infrastructure development sectors where he has been involved in project development and delivery, financial management, PFI advisory, corporate restructuring, investment planning and business development. Ogunshakin has a wide technical, business and management experience, holds an MSc in construction management, MBA in strategic management and project finance and is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Commenting on his forthcoming appointment, he said: “The ever-changing business environment in which members operate calls for ACE to provide leadership, direction and a cohesive approach to the challenges facing the consulting and engineering industry. “My goals are to ensure ACE recognises the dynamics of the market and makes a significant contribution to the industry’s growth. This will be achieved by working in collaboration with members and other stakeholders, offering and delivering quality services which benefits and enhances the business performance of our members and re-positioning ACE as one of the leading voices in the industry." ACE chairman Rod Macdonald said: “We are delighted to have attracted Nelson to this position. ACE has undergone extensive refocusing and restructuring over the past 12 months to help us improve and expand our services to members. Nelson’s experience, enthusiasm and passion will be important as ACE seeks to develop its role as the business association of choice for consultancy and engineering companies. His background in the business of engineering and construction will be crucial in taking forward ACE’s plans for the future.” Further information from Andy Walker on 020 7222 6557 (Ext. 125). The CIC Annual Report is now available and can be downloaded as a pdf CIC
is supporting the CRASH Christmas Card Campaign again this year.
Click here to see our E-card wishing you a very happy Christmas
from all at CIC http://www.cic.org.uk/xmas/ Construction:
The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
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