CIC Cascade

18 May 2005

1. CIC regional recruitment
2. Responses to Construction Act consultation welcomed
3. CIOB calls for greater collaboration between academia and industry – improving key skills and employment opportunities
4. BIAT receives Grant of Royal Charter
5. CDM regulations consultation
6. DTI payment consultation
7. TPC2005 new partnering contract goes public
8. Acbee conference to reveal benchmarking model for industry-university engagement
9. BIAT's Open Award for Technical Excellence
10. Events

1.CIC regional recruitment

The Construction Industry Council is seeking to recruit a Regional Coordinator for the North West region and a Regional Administrator for the South East and East regions.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC), a partner in ConstructionSkills, represents higher-level skills and the professions in the construction industry. CIC is embarking on a programme to strengthen support of the activities of the CIC regional centres throughout Great Britain . These activities are a vital contributor to the success of assisting the raising of skills, recruitment and business performance of the construction industry.

The North West Regional Coordinator role includes:

• Strengthening relationships with education providers and employers
• Promoting and progressing opportunities with RDAs and other organisations
• Co-coordinating the activities of CIC regional centres
• Communicating the strategic vision of CIC
• Salary £35,000 p.a.

The South East /East Regional Administrator role includes:

• Secretariat support for the London, SE and E Regions
• Admin support to the Operations Manager at CIC London
• Co-coordinating the activities of regional centres
• Communicating the strategic vision of CIC
• Salary £28,000 p.a.

These roles are a stimulating challenge, requiring self-motivation and good communication skills, supported with experience of professional services consultancy working and the construction industry. Local knowledge of the region is important.

To apply, please email your CV along with a covering statement regarding your suitability for the role to: mway@cic.org.uk Please state clearly which regional role you are applying for.

To discuss any matters relating to applications please call Mark Way on 020 7399 7422

Closing date for applications is Friday 3rd June

ConstructionSkills is a partnership between CIC, CITB-ConstructionSkills and CITB(NI) as the Sector Skills Council for construction.

www.constructionskills.net

2. Responses to Construction Act Consultation welcomed

The Construction Umbrella Bodies’ Adjudication Task Group met recently to consider the DTI consultation on proposals to amend Part II of the Construction Act (entitled ‘Improving Payment Practices in the Construction Industry’). The CUB Adjudication Task Group acted as one of the two sub-groups advising Sir Michael Latham’s main Review Panel which assisted the DTI in the processes leading up to this consultation exercise.

Speaking shortly after the CUB meeting, the Chairman of the Task Group, Graham Watts, said:

"This is one of the most open consultation exercises I can recall in over 20 years of working with government. Most of us in the industry feel that the Construction Act has worked well since 1998 but that it can be improved to help facilitate even better payment and adjudication procedures. The consultation paper is the product of extensive and widespread discussions with experts from the industry and the legal and adjudication communities which serve construction. It is clearly very important that the industry gets behind this process and sends its views to the DTI so that the government can come to a considered decision in relation to legislative reform.

In responding to the consultation document and its specific proposals it is also important for the industry to bear in mind that all is still to play for: nothing has yet been ruled out of bounds by the government. Responses to the consultation paper should not be constrained by any presumptions about what may happen.

It is essential that the industry gives its views so that we can build up a significant momentum in favour of change."

Copies of the consultation document are available from the DTI website at http://www.dti.gov.uk/construction/ or to obtain a paper copy of the consultation paper please contact the DTI publications orderline (telephone: 0845 015 0010 quoting URN 05/851) . All responses must be received by 21 June 2005 .

3. CIOB calls for greater collaboration between academia and industry – improving key skills and employment opportunities

The initial phase of research under the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Presidential Commission on Higher Education is complete. The Institute has received a resounding response from employers, graduates and undergraduates keen to become engaged in this debate. Over 500 employers were nationally targeted, with a profile of 73% construction firms, 12% consultants and 15% local authorities. A total of 46 undergraduates and 23 graduates were involved in focus groups to examine the academic perspective.The research has uncovered a series of issues which need to be taken forward by both academia and industry.

Undergraduates expressed concerns at poor careers information and advice from schools and a general ambiguity of the functions and roles within the industry. Undergraduates believe there is little clarity and opt for Construction Management as a broad career venture rather than a measured objective. There were similar concerns from graduates over the relevance of course subjects delivered out of faculty and preparation of students for team-working. Industrial placements were considered to be key in delivering the skills and learning opportunities valued across the industry. The choice of University and the potential for greater recognition and qualification were significant.

There is a strong call for Universities to adopt a more structured and rigorous approach to the application of ‘soft skills’ – interpersonal, team-working, leadership, project and business management and the development of practical, integrated activities with industry participation. Employers are firmly behind the need for graduates to become more proficient in generic skills which can pave the way for consolidated development in their chosen profession. Graduates are concerned at some employers attitudes towards recruitment and induction with some resistance to change and adaptation to suit the needs of the industry. A greater degree of University and employer liaison has been mooted to "bridge the gap" and improve the transition process.

Employers are still experiencing problems in recruiting graduates to suit their requirements. There are significant differences at both local and regional level where recruitment problems vary from quantity and quality to concerns over salary and training needs. They use a variety of methods to attract new blood, with a common approach offering vacation work.

Michael Brown CIOB deputy chief executive stated, "This research has been invaluable in our understanding of the shortfalls between the expectations of students, graduates, and universities of construction education programmes.  We need to start building the next generation of construction management programmes to reflect the high level needs of industry and the career aspirations and choices of young people." Sheila Hoile, director of Skills Strategy at CITB-ConstructionSkills said, "Recently issued figures show that graduate recruitment to Construction and Built environment degrees has increased. This is extremely positive news, but we must not be complacent and that is why this CIOB research is so welcome. It gives vital insights that will help ensure higher education is right for both employers and undergraduates and delivers the skilled workforce needed by the construction industry."

Mark Way , Chairman CIC Lifelong Learning commented, "In the past too little interest has been shown in what happens to graduates during their early years of working in a business environment. There is far too little authoritative feedback from a graduate’s point of view about how well their education programme matched their expectations and those of employers. If we are to close the gap between how graduates are taught and what employers appear to expect then real-world research of this kind is essential."

Further information on the CIOB’s Presidential Commission

British Institute of Architectural Technologists is delighted to announce that at the Privy Council meeting Saturday 7 May Her Majesty the Queen approved the Grant of a Royal Charter to BIAT in its fortieth anniversary year.

This accolade demonstrates the recognition and achievements BIAT has accomplished over the last forty years. It will also afford BIAT and its members the privileges and protection enjoyed by Chartered bodies.

Once the Charter has been sealed (later in the year) BIAT full Members, MBIAT will be known as "Chartered Architectural Technologists" and will be able to use the designation MCIAT

President Paul Burton PBIAT said ‘I am extremely proud of this immense achievement for BIAT and its members, which is a very positive step forward recognising the hard work undertaken by members past and present within the profession and the wider industry. It enables us to consolidate our achievements such as the establishment of BIAT accredited Honours degrees, the S/NVQ4 Architectural Technology, ensuring consumer protection through strict practice protocols and robust yet fair conduct procedures’.

The Charter will be officially sealed in July but today marks the beginning of the transitional process which will involve the Institute changing its name to CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) later in the year.

Use of CIAT and its designations does not take effect until the Charter has been sealed.

For further details contact Hugh Morrison, Communications and Promotions Officer. BIAT 397 City Rd , London EC1V 1NH Tel. 020 7278 2206 Fax. 020 7837 3194 Email info@biat.org.uk Website www.biat.org.uk

5. CDM regulations consultation

Formal consultation on HSC's proposals for new construction health and safety regulations and guidance began on 31st March 2005 and will continue until the end of July.

The principal changes being made to the CDM regulations are as follows:

• Simplifying the regulations to improve clarity – making it easier for duty holders to know what is expected of them.
• Maximising flexibility to fit with the vast range of contractual arrangements.
• Putting the focus on planning and management – emphasising active management rather than bureaucracy.
• Encouraging more integration between designers and contractors.
• Simplifying competence assessment for organisations and individuals to help

The Consultative Document sets out the Health and Safety Commission’s (HSC) proposals for a single set of Regulations, and supporting guidance, covering construction work in Great Britain . The proposed Regulations would consolidate and revise provisions in the construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 1994 and the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) (CHSW) Regulations 1996, which implemented the Temporary or Mobile Construction Sites Directive.

The consultation may be found at the following link: http://consultations.hse.gov.uk/consult.ti/conregs/consultationHome

The closing date for this consultation is 29 July 2005 and responses should be sent to:

Mr Paul Cunningham
Health and Safety Executive
Construction Policy
5SW, Rose Court
2 Southwark Bridge
London SE1 9HS

Tel : 020 7556 2175
Fax : 020 7556 2209
Email : cdmreview@hse.gsi.gov.uk

CIC are also making a collective industry response, in the interest of the industry as a whole and are asking all organisation who produce a response to also send a copy to Kate Dunne at CIC, kdunne@cic.org.uk tel 020 7399 7412

6. DTI payment consultation

The DTI are consulting on Improving payment practices in the construction industry – Consultations on proposals to amend part II of the Housing Grants and Regeneration Act 1996 and Scheme for Construction Contracts (England and Wales) Regulations 1998.

These consultation proposals are drawn from Sir Michael Latham’s recent review of the operation of Part II of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and the scheme for Construction Contracts (England and Wales) Regulations 1998.

This consultation is a joint exercise between the DTI and Welsh Assembly Government covering the primary and secondary legislation in both jurisdictions. It is intended to build a general consensus on the way forward. Should clear support for changes to the legislation be identified, there will then be consultation on draft amendments.

The consultation can be found at the below link http://www.dti.gov.uk/construction/hgcra/pdf/hgcraconsultation.pdf

An additional consultation info note and link to the consultation are also available on the CIC website http://www.cic.org.uk/activities/consult.shtml  

Responses should be sent by 21 June 2005 to:

Paul Smith
DTI, Construction Sector Unit
Bay 264
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SS

Tel: 020 7215 4164 Minicom: 02072156740
Fax: 020 7215 0896 Email: pauld.smith@dti.gsi.gov.uk

CIC are setting up a temporary group to discuss the DTI Payments consultation and develop a collective response on behalf of CIC .  The group will chaired by Phil Shearer. A meeting will take place at 10:30am on 24 May 2005 in the CPA offices at the Building Centre, London . For further details please contact kdunne@cic.org.uk

7. TPC2005 new partnering contract goes public

TPC2005, previously available only via its authors (the construction lawyers Trowers and Hamlins) was unveiled for the whole industry by Sir Michael Latham at London ’s Building Centre at the end of March. Sir Michael predicted that TPC2005 would be an important contract for maintenance and services in the public and private sectors, especially for social housing. TPC2005, the ACA (Association for Constultant Architects) Standard Form of Contract for Term Partnering, evolved from the widely adopted PPC2000 (ACA’s Project Partnering Contract) and has been under trial since 2001.

Speakers at the launch included Tyron Stalberg of London Borough of Greenwich, Chris Blundell of Maidstone Housing Trust, Peter Sharman of Welwyn Hatfield District Council, Darren Pace of Mears and Steve Roots of Gleeds. All have used development versions of TPC and their case studies confirmed how taking a partnering approach to term maintenance not only increased efficiency, but cut down on disputes and saved money. Tyron Stalberg said: "The key in TPC2005 is the communication strategy. It prescribes mechanisms for communications and at what level, and it helps all members of the partnership to concentrate on key issues." Peter Sharman backed Stalberg, adding: "Trust in the team and ongoing communication is a valuable consequence of this contract."

After thanking the authors and publishers for taking his comments into account in the final version, Sir Michael then set out the ground rules of partnering under TPC2005. "The heart of this contract is in Clauses 1 and 2 – that this contract is entered into in a spirit of trust and fairness – and specifically the concept of early warning. Seeing a problem arising and preventing it from arising in the first place is the antithesis of what we meet in traditional contracts."

Also at the launch was John Wright, architect, who proposed the idea of PPC2000 when he was President of ACA and Chair of the Partnering Task Force at the Construction Industry Council. He thanked David Mosey and his team of co-authors at Trowers and Hamlins for the enormous efforts they have put into developing ACA’s contracts for partnering, culminating in this latest offering, TPC2005.

TPC2005 joins the already successful family of Partnering Contracts published by ACA:

• PPC2000 ACA Standard Form of Contract for Project Partnering
• SPC2000 ACA Standard Form of Specialist Contract for Project Partnering, and
• The Guide to PPC2000 and SPC2000.

TPC2005 is a multi-party form aimed at partnering in term works and services. Innovative features of this contract provide for:

• an integrated multi-party team
• a full communications strategy
• processes for continuous improvement
• measures of continuous improvement and related incentives
• a contractual timetable for key activities
• mobilisation provisions linked where necessary to TUPE, pensions and clients assets
• open-book pricing and its development over the life of the term programme
• supply chain partnering
• proactive change and risk management, including use of a risk register
• problem-solving and alternative dispute resolution.

TPC2005 publication data:
ISBN 1901171 299
Recommended retail price £20.00 + VAT
Available by mail order from ACA Publications, 98 Hayes Road, Bromley BR2 9AB

A full ACA publication list from which orders can be taken is available on the ACA website at: www.ACArchitects.co.uk

For further details contact:

Fiona Griffiths, Secretary General, ACA, 98 Hayes Rd, Bromley BR2 9AB
Tel: 020 8325 1402 Fax: 020 8466 9079 email: pubs@acarchitects.co.uk

A new industry-education engagement model for construction and the built environment that will help universities and industry measure how well they work together, is to be revealed in June at a one-day national conference in London.

The conference will feature Sir Michael Latham, Chairman of CITB-Construction Skills and Peter Rogers, Chairman of the Strategic Forum, who will emphasise how the industry and its skills requirements will benefit from the ability to measure greater collaboration with higher education.

The new model, developed by the Accelerating Change in Built Environment Education programme, ACBEE, will provide a sector-wide measurement framework for universities, companies and professional institutions. It will enable them for the first time to apply appropriate metrics and key performance indicators to help them benchmark their performance against other organisations and track the benefits that result from working together.

"Tracking how higher education contributes to the industry’s expectations and its ultimate performance is vital," says John Hobson, Chairman of ACBEE and a former Director of the DTI Construction Directorate. This new measurement model will provide a common ground to enable everyone in higher education to see how well they are doing in meeting the needs of the construction sector.

John Hobson, is also expected to warn the industry’s professional institutions that they need to play a more active and integrated role in the process.

"Construction is going through a period of major change as it continues to try and implement the ideas contained in the Latham and Egan reports," he says. "Importantly, partnership and collaborative working need to be endemic, not just within the industry itself but between the industry, professional institutions and higher education too."

Sponsored by ‘bre trust’, the ACBEE June 7 th conference "Progress through Partnership - the way forward for industry, higher education and professional bodies", will be held at RICS, Great George Street, London. In addition to outlining the new measurement model the conference will also consider how companies and education develop partnerships, how they can collaborate successfully together, and how industry can help shape course content.

In addition to John Hobson, Peter Rogers and Sir Michael Latham, other speakers include Martin Davis, Vice-Chairman of EMCOR Drake and Scull and Mel Lees, Deputy Director Centre for Education in the Built Environment (CEBE).

ACBEE will also launch its second Annual Report at the conference, highlighting the on-going progress it is achieving in identifying good examples of successful industry-education partnerships. The case studies from all sections of the built environment embrace both graduate and undergraduate courses and institutional and company programmes. Details can be found via www.acbee.org.

ACBEE was established in 2003 to encourage the built environment industry, universities and professional bodies to work together to improve dialogue and provide more relevant training and education for the future. It promotes the need for courses and teaching programmes that align with key industry themes and which demonstrate active university, industry or institutional partnerships.

For booking and further information please contact:
Pam Lowe CEBE Events Manager p.lowe@salford.ac.uk tel 0161 295 5944

9. BIAT's Open Award for Technical Excellence, has just been launched again for this years applicants.

Entrants must demonstrate their achievement of technical excellence in construction by illustrating the composition of ideas put into practice and presented in a working format.

The winners of the award will be publicised through Architectural Technology magazine and will receive:

First Prize £1200, a cast plaque for permanent attachment to the project and certificate
Second Prize £750 and certificate
Third Prize £550 and certificate

Guidelines for completing the application form

All entries must detail the project or part of the project being entered and should be a project based submission including drawings, photographs and specifications or other technical report documentation. Together with your completed applications and payment, please provide details on the project, as outlined above and in the form, together with A2 boards, maximum of two A1 detailed technical drawings and two sides A4 summarising the entry.

Completed application forms must be received by 31 May 2005

Judging will take place during June/July and the judges may wish to visit the project. The results will be announced and presented at the President’s Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday 19 November 2005 at the International Conference Centre, Birmingham.

For an application form contact:

Diane Dale, Practice Officer, BIAT, 397 City Road, London EC1V 1NH

T: 020 7278 2206: F: 020 7837 3194
E: diane@biat.org.uk W: www.biat.org.uk

10. Events

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

Top