The Forum’s Commercial sub-group has been joined by Bridget Lambert, strategic procurement manager at Renfrewshire Council, who is already contributing her expertise to help the industry continue its phased return.

At the same time, the unique collective has issued a new downloadable PDF checklist for contractors and clients, outlining the practical measures both should take to keep themselves safe during domestic work.

Designed to be emailed before work starts, and supported by two social media animations, the open source PDF joins the other work released by the Forum that includes:

• Clear and relevant employment and contractual guidance
• Operating procedures during commercial and domestic work
• Animation outlining correct measures during emergency work
• Posters and infographics to help key workers safe during projects
• In-depth safe operating guidelines during the return to work
• Health and safety animation for workers during restart
• Open source signage pack for sites, offices and depots
• Practical safety advice for apprentices returning to college
• Four advice webinars hosted by leading industry experts
• Employer advice about returning from furlough
• Campaign urging workers to stay COVID-19 smart 24/7
• A range of recommendation papers to help the sector
• A consultation document to shape the future of the industry.

In addition, the Forum is now planning a series of free online training seminars starting in September, offering in-depth advice to help businesses improve their contractual and commercial awareness on construction projects.

Forum chair and SELECT managing director, Alan Wilson, said: “To have reached these milestones in terms of both membership and expert guidance in under five months is nothing short of incredible.

“The breadth and depth of information issued by the Forum is testament to the collaboration and cooperation that exists among its members, and shows just how effective trade associations, commercial organisations and other bodies are when they work together.”

Fiona Hodgson, chair of the Commercial sub-group and chief executive of SNIPEF, the trade association for plumbing and heating businesses, added: “The Forum has clearly demonstrated how valuable trade and professional bodies are, both in supporting their members and representing their needs to Scottish Government.

“For the past five months, we have listened closely to what our members, clients and consumers want and delivered clear and practical advice that has been used extensively by industry and public alike. In addition, we continue to contribute to government discussions on a regular basis.

“I think we should all be very proud of such achievements and, as ever, we will continue to work hard on our members’ behalf to help them through this extremely challenging time.”

Ms Lambert’s arrival means the Forum now has 100 individual participants from a wide range of trade associations, private companies and professional services, with 25 full-time Forum member bodies and 40 further organisations contributing to its eight sub-groups.

She said: “I am delighted to have joined the CICV Forum and am looking forward to helping it continue its vital work as we continue to overcome uncertainty during the recovery phase of the pandemic.

“I have already been extremely impressed by the wealth of experience among my fellow members, and have been particularly inspired by everyone’s commitment to shaping the future of the industry for the better.”

Ms Hodgson said: “I am delighted to welcome Bridget to the Forum and we greatly appreciate the contribution she has already made to the Commercial sub-group.

“Every new member brings additional skills to the Forum, and Bridget’s involvement can only help in our ongoing mission as we continue to support our members and represent their views as we help the whole industry return to work safely.”

Ms Lambert’s arrival follows hot on the heels of trade association DHF, who joined as the latest full member in July, along with a new Consultants sub-group containing representatives from12 professional bodies.

Since its creation in March, the Forum has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to government ministers.

In the last two weeks alone, it has issued seven health and safety advice documents, updated its operating guidance and reminded construction workers to observe physical distancing in their social lives too.