It is a distinct privilege to work in Scotland’s construction sector. Few people are fortunate enough to sincerely enjoy working with their colleagues – I am lucky enough to work with a very long list of exceptionally talented, passionate people across this sector who are committed to making a positive impact on Scotland’s built environment. 

Organisations from across Scotland’s construction industry are doing exceptional work on several fronts. Our industry is not afraid to get its literal and proverbial hands dirty to take the lead on driving change.

We’re also a pretty collegiate bunch.

One of the highlights of my time with the CIOB so far has been the work undertaken with the Retrofit Roundtable. It is an ongoing privilege to chair this group. I have unquestionably benefitted from collaboration with my colleagues from across the sector, directly and indirectly, both through Retrofit Roundtable discussion and on myriad issues in the construction policy space more broadly. Their insights, contributions, and partnership have supported and enhanced the CIOB’s work, and our joint efforts have amplified key challenges in the industry to great impact and effect.

That being said: we still have much work to do.

Despite the overwhelmingly supportive atmosphere in the sector, there is room for improvement in connecting the dots between related, but often independent, workstreams. We need to more consistently and strategically bring initiatives and organisations together to reduce duplication, increase awareness, and amplify and strengthen these important efforts.

Happily, there are promising developments in this space. Several of the working groups and committees with which the CIOB is involved are taking steps to work more collaboratively with the aim to delivering tangible outcomes to the benefit of the sector.

For instance, the CIOB is working alongside partners to develop an industry-wide event to bring together people from the diverse roles across the industry for shared learning and networking opportunities. This work, led by Historic Environment Scotland, supports the delivery of their sector-wide Skills Investment Plan, which aims to ensure we have the skills needed to promote, manage, and protect Scotland’s historic environment.

Further, as part of our work with the Construction Accord’s Skills and Workforce Subgroup, we are feeding into the development of a guide to showcase industry-led initiatives from across Scotland that engage with young people to build awareness of and interest in the many careers in construction. As part of its wider aim to develop a workforce strategy and close the ongoing skills gap, the group hopes this guide will support and encourage other businesses and organisations to join in on or develop similar engagement initiatives within the sector.

Beyond these two great projects, there is plenty of ongoing work to develop joint CPD and events, build knowledge exchange conduits, and create joint deliverables aiming to support good practice in the industry.

With the next Scottish election firmly in view and a broad recognition that we can achieve more and drive better policymaking together, there will no doubt be many opportunities for the industry to work together to ensure the needs of the sector are well represented.

Across the industry, we all agree the construction sector is integral to achieving many Government objectives from tackling the housing emergency, to reaching net zero, to supporting a Just Transition.

Collaboration, supporting a united voice for the sector, will be key to ensuring these messages get across to incumbent and incoming policymakers ahead of the election. CIOB looks forward to continuing working with its partners to advocate for the long-term clarity the sector needs as party manifestos are developed and campaigns are launched.