Building a better future

Events over the past 12 months have meant that the construction industry has had to take a good hard look at itself in the mirror writes Dr Gavin Dunn, Chief Executive Officer at CABE. Unfortunately not everyone likes what they see. Public perception is at an all-time low and this scrutiny doesn't look like it will ease up any time soon. So what do we need to do to get confidence back and to start to deliver the buildings that we promise? I believe it hinges on competency.

Last year's Grenfell tower tragedy highlighted some of the shortcomings of the construction industry. This was further reinforced in the publication of Dame Judith Hackitt's independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety last month.

Together they have shown that the industry is unable police itself and we have created a profound loss of confidence in how we deliver buildings that are fit for purpose.

Entitled ‘Building a Safer Future' the review from the very front cover says what we need to do – building things safer – and better – in the future. And this is the very crux of where I believe the issue lies. It is about how we do things better and do to this we need to have competent professionals at every stage of the process.

I believe our process of creating professionals needs to be looked at. As it currently stands you complete your studies and graduate as a professional. To maintain your position you then have to complete CPDs. Whilst on face value this seems a logical process, I don't think it is adequate.

The way we are designing and build buildings is changing – and fast. They are becoming more complex and technologies are changing the way in which they operate. The problem is that this change is far outpacing the way our industry professionals maintain their expertise and knowledge. We need to adopt a better process that allows us to identify those individuals who have providence and precision, and the necessary skills to do the job.

This will have to be achieved through greater education and training and I believe it is the responsibility of the professional bodies to do this. CABE are already creating a framework to enable members to enhance their skills through the application of engineering principles that are in line with today's every changing world. This can be supported by organisations such as UKAS, the UK's National Accreditation Body, taking charge of product and service certification. This way we have competent professionals and accredited products and together this will go a long way to put us back on track to deliver the buildings we should be delivering.

We have to expect big changes right across the industry over the coming months and years and it will not be enough to sit back and wait to be told what we need to do. The industry needs pro-active, competent professionals that can take the lead and prove they have the right skills and understanding to do what is expected of them. By doing this we can start to rebuild public confidence and create a legacy of buildings that are fit for purpose.

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