Professional
In general, a professional is someone who has a career in a particular profession. The term can also be used to describe an individual who has achieved certain educational and training standards that provide them with the knowledge, expertise and skills necessary to carry out their role effectively.
In construction, the term ‘professional’ is not taken to cover all levels of expertise and practice. Highly-skilled workers, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, steelworkers, and so on, may be described as ‘trades’ or ‘craft’ workers, rather than professionals. A very broad, but increasingly inaccurate distinction that is often applied is that a ‘professional’ is engaged in a predominately mental activity while a ‘tradesperson’ is mainly engaged in physical labour.
Professions are generally occupations that require a prolonged period of education and training. They are often overseen by professional bodies who may accredit educational establishments and qualified professionals. Professional bodies may set standards of ethics, performance, competence, insurance, training and so on that must be met to remain within the profession. These are typically set out in a code of conduct.
In the construction industry, architects are also be bound by regulation. The ARB code of conduct which lays down the standards of professional conduct and practice expected of persons registered as architects under the Architects Act. In addition, if they are members of the RIBA, they will be subject to the requirements of the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct.
Professionals will generally hold professional indemnity insurance (PII), and are required to undertake continuing professional development’ (CPD) to ensure their skills and knowledge remain up-to-date. CPD has become a vital part of a professional career as a result of; continuous and accelerating changes in technology, regulations and procurement practices; increasing specialisation; and the complexity of the supply chain.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Best practice.
- Chartered institute.
- Code of conduct.
- Continuing professional development.
- Discipline.
- Employee.
- Professional conduct.
- Professional body.
- Professional practice.
- RIBA Code of Professional Conduct.
- RIBA professional conduct guidance.
- Standards.
- Trade contractor
- What is a Chartered Practice?
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.