Now is the time for CIOB and its members to have influence over the conversation around professionalism, says CEO Victoria Hills

Many members will be aware that in the coming months and years, we are expecting a greater spotlight on the professions. CIOB as an organisation is, quite rightly, focused on professional standards and competency, and we are keen to contribute to the professionalism debate.

In a non-regulated sector, this scrutiny presents a wealth of opportunities for CIOB to influence how professionalism is seen and how it is actually delivered, which I describe as a “golden trilogy”: APC, CPD, C and D.

We start with the entry point into membership for CIOB (and other professional bodies): the APC or assessment of professional competence.

Members might recognise that, for CIOB, our Professional Review is a key part of that process. Right from the start, we set the standard and make it clear that competence is critical – a member must demonstrate competence in their role in order to be awarded TechCIOB, MCIOB or FCIOB membership.

“This is an opportunity to highlight both the magnificent work that our members do and how CIOB plays its part in supporting and enabling that”

Occasional misconception

There’s still the occasional misconception that you can be awarded membership and then develop your competence on the job. Our pathways support those working towards membership and looking to understand how to demonstrate competence, but if you are a CIOB member, it is because you are competent.

This leads to the next element: CPD or continuing professional development. While we expect a level of competence in order to become a member of CIOB, we also expect – and seek a commitment to this from members – a deepening of skills and consolidation of professional experience through formal and informal learning.

A commitment to lifelong learning is particularly important in a constantly evolving industry, where new technologies can emerge to provide solutions to age-old problems.

Finally, our approach to C and D – conduct and discipline – is robust. In short, if you do not abide by the rules, including keeping up with your CPD, you could be removed from membership.

It’s not just important to reflect on this because of the UK government’s consultation on the future of the professions (yet to be published at the time of writing, but expected imminently). As CIOB approaches its 200th anniversary, we have the opportunity, and even a responsibility, to reflect on what we were set up to do all those years ago and re-centre our role as a trusted professional body in a much bigger and vastly more complex construction landscape than our founders ever imagined.

This is an opportunity to highlight both the magnificent work that our members do and how CIOB plays its part in supporting and enabling that. Professionalism is an inherent part of this and maintaining public confidence in both the professions and our great industry. At CIOB, we are ready to make the most of this golden opportunity.

Victoria Hills is CEO of CIOB.