Construction Industry Council (CIC) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The publication of the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry is a long-awaited milestone in the response to the tragic loss of 72 lives in June 2017. It is another difficult and traumatic moment for the bereaved, the survivors, and relatives of the Grenfell Tower victims and CIC recognizes once again all that they have suffered and we extend our sympathy once more to all the victims. report and recommendations Sir Martin Moore Bick has made many recommendations for further action in the report, based on a careful analysis of the evidence presented to the Inquiry by hundreds of witnesses and in hundreds of thousands of documents. CIC and its member organizations are reviewing the full report and its recommendations and carefully considering the further actions that we will need to take. program of regulatory reform Sir Martin has identified several further matters that require attention Much work has already been done through the independent review of building regulations and fire safety undertaken by Dame Judith Hackitt and the consequent program of regulatory reform that has been introduced and which the industry is working hard to implement. Sir Martin has clearly identified several further matters that require attention and CIC will be working with its members, the wider industry, and government to develop appropriate responses to those matters, ensuring that they are given the critical and expedient attention that they demand. report findings It will take time to give the thought and consideration that the report requires and for the action that is needed to address the various recommendations Sir Martin has brought forward. It is essential that the government and the construction sector recognize the findings he has reported and that people learn the lessons and continue to respond to create an industry and a culture where safety, competence and compliance with the law is an absolute priority. Only then will public trust in the sector be restored. CIC believes that every construction professional should fully familiarise themselves with the report and its recommendations, and it will work closely with members to facilitate this process as it develops an appropriate detailed response to the report.

The Minister for Building Safety and Homelessness has made a statement regarding construction products.  This announced an extension of the recognition of CE marking for construction products in Great Britain. This extension, and the longer-term future of CE/UKCA marking, is conditional on a commitment from the Government to system-wide reform of the construction products regulatory regime.  announcement summary: CE marking will be accepted past 30 June 2025 for construction products. The Government has committed to system wide construction product regulatory reform. UKCA marking will remain a valid and accepted regulatory mark. The Government will explore the long-term future of CE/UKCA marking as part of this regulatory reform. Any subsequent changes to the recognition of CE marking would be subject to a minimum 2-year transitional period. The Government will engage with UK Conformity Assessment Bodies, the UK Accreditation Service, and the wider industry to strengthen the conformity assessment market. The Statement also makes announcements in relation to sprinklers in care homes and National Classes fire testing standards.

The construction industry is undergoing significant change. New technologies, regulatory requirements and working practices are changing the way the industry works. CIC 2050 group The CIC 2050 Group exists to be the voice of those people who will be in the industry in 2050. This means ensuring that the industry is ready to meet its obligations to be resilient to the changes of the climate crisis, but it also means making sure that the industry is inclusive and thriving. As the new Chair of the CIC 2050 Group, Henry Fenby-Taylor is honored to lead this group of early career professionals dedicated to driving this change. Their mission is clear: to shape an industry that is sustainable, inclusive, and prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. The Power of Collaboration The built environment brings together professionals from various disciplines, including architects, engineers, planners, and sustainability experts. While each discipline offers valuable insights, the real power lies in collaboration. The 2050 Group provides a platform where professionals can share knowledge, challenge traditional practices, and develop strategies that address the industry’s evolving needs. This collaboration is essential for creating solutions that are practical, innovative, and responsive to the future workforce. propose proactive measures A core objective of the 2050 Group is to be a leader in thought and strategy within the industry A core objective of the 2050 Group is to be a leader in thought and strategy within the industry. In their previous work, they contributed to important reports like the Low Carbon Construction IGT Final Report and the UK-GBC “Plan for Growth” report. These efforts demonstrate the value of having a diverse group of professionals who can offer fresh perspectives and forward-thinking ideas. As they look to the future, the 2050 Group will continue to play a crucial role in guiding the industry’s direction. By reviewing and developing strategic plans, they aim to anticipate future challenges and propose proactive measures. Their work is focused on ensuring that the industry is not just reactive but is actively shaping its future. Meeting the Needs of the Future Workforce The construction industry of 2050 will be vastly different from today’s. It’s vital that they attract a diverse range of young people to the sector, as their ideas, energy, and perspectives will be key to meeting the challenges ahead. By increasing diversity and encouraging more young people to enter the industry, they can ensure that the sector is equipped to meet the needs of future workers and the communities they will serve. Shaping an Inclusive and Sustainable Industry Moving towards 2050, the construction industry will face numerous changes and challenges Moving towards 2050, the construction industry will face numerous changes and challenges. The 2050 Group’s role is to ensure that these changes are guided by principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and collaboration.  They are committed to creating an industry that is not only carbon-neutral but also resilient and responsive to the needs of its future workforce. Fostering a collaborative environment By fostering a collaborative environment and engaging a diverse range of voices, they can help shape a future where the built environment meets the needs of everyone involved - those who work in it, live in it, and benefit from it.  The work of the 2050 Group is not just important; it is essential. By working together across disciplines, they can ensure that the construction industry of 2050 is ready to meet the demands of a changing world.