CIOB join Build UK

In February 2017, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) announced they would be joining Build UK, becoming the first professional body member.

Build UK was formed in 2015 by a merger between the UK Contractors’ Group (UKCG) and the National Specialist Contractors' Council (NSCC) following calls from the government for a single, unified voice from the construction industry, combined with an increasing realisation that the UKCG and NSCC held similar positions in a number of key areas.

Build UK offers, ‘…a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction’, to ‘…improve conditions for the supply chain, the wider industry and its clients.’

In joining Build UK, CIOB are sending a message that a single strong voice is more important for the industry than maintaining a barrier between professional and commercial interests. Together they hope that such collaboration will help to change the whole industry for the better.

Traditionally, CIOB and other institutions have focused on promoting and developing professional standards with their own membership, whereas trade associations have been responsible for promoting the commercial and financial interests of their corporate members.

Earlier in 2017, CIOB, along with Stronger Together, developed a best practice toolkit for the industry to tackle modern slavery across the supply chain, which is supported by Build UK. Meanwhile, Build UK is leading on developing a strong united response on behalf of construction to Brexit.

Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE said: “We are all behind the goal of delivering new homes, new infrastructure and more public and private buildings and we each have a role to play creating a successful Construction sector. By joining Build UK, CIOB demonstrates its forward thinking commitment to a better industry, and by working together we can really drive change across the industry.”

Chris Blythe OBE, Chief Executive of the CIOB, said: “We are delighted to add our voice and expertise to the Build UK chorus. The industry is at its best when it collaborates and that is something we need to reflect when we talk to government and clients. Our public benefit agenda and ambition to create a safer, more professional and rewarding career for those who join construction is sentiment shared by Build UK and together we can make an even bigger difference.”

--CIOB