Research phase of CIC’s Futures Group sets the scene for greater collaboration between the Professional Institutions

The research phase of CIC’s Futures Group has been completed and demonstrates great potential for increased collaboration and co-operation between the Professional Institutions in the built environment.

The principal aim of the research project was to identify potential areas of association or integration between the twelve institutions that make up the Futures Group and was based around 19 ‘objectives’ that were identified by the institutions at an awayday in January 2004. The outcomes of this research will form the basis for the development of the Futures Group Implementation Strategy to be taken forward into 2005.

The research was conducted for CIC by the BRE (Building Research Establishment) and initial desk research was followed by in-depth interviews with representatives from the 12 participating institutions. This has identified three key themes for areas of increased collaboration with a total of eight core objectives, these are:

Promoting, developing and enhancing skills
• Developing a cohesive careers promotion strategy.
• Investigating common topics for cross disciplinary CPD and methods of delivery.
Public affairs and territorial issues
• Indentifying how the membership can act together effectively in relation to influencing industry and government.
• Developing a joint strategy for serving the regions.
• Developing arrangements for a common approach to exploring opportunities for the professional bodies in China .
Knowledge and professional issues
• Investigating the implications of broadening the sector to cover the whole life cycle.
• Developing a core set of universal values that apply to all professionals in the built environment.
• Investigating possibilities for exchange of knowledge.

The research study found that although there is a huge variation amongst the 12 participating institutions in size, objectives and focus, there is a general desire to work together and share these areas of ongoing activity. They are keen to find commonality between their institutions and start from there rather than focusing on differences.

Julian Amey , Chief Executive of CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) said:
“The Futures Group, after only 9 months in existence, is already producing real results. The chemistry between the institutions involved is really beginning to buzz and we have task groups looking at projects as diverse as developing careers promotion strategies, joint activities in the UK regions and developing our presence in China . Its philosophy is to build up trust by getting people working together, and I notice a real improvement in the level of cooperation between us……….”