WIREDGOV

In response to the Government’s discussion paper on the proposed Chief Construction Officer (CCO) role, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called for the position to have a greater focus.

Michael Brown CIOB Deputy Chief Executive said, “We feel that the government’s proposed job spec for the CCO position is very broad and all encompassing. That is why we have suggested that the role focuses on four priority areas of responsibility.”

The CIOB’s priority areas are:-

1) Public sector procurement. The CIOB believes that as the government is a major and diverse client of the construction industry, there is a need for a common understanding of construction procurement activity to ensure best practice is implemented across government.

2) In the November 2008 Pre Budget Report, the government said it would bring forward £3 billion of capital spend from 2010-11. The CIOB feels the CCO should have overall co-ordination, overview and accountability for this commitment.

3) The CIOB has called for the CCO to serve as one point of contact for the industry to help improve communications with the government, and the many departments that have a direct interest in the construction industry. 

4) The CIOB feels that one of the primary tasks of the CCO role should be to head up the coordination of the joint industry and government strategy on sustainable construction. A large part of this should be to ensure regulatory consistency between government departments who may be considering new guidance, both technical and procedural, and changes in legislation.

In addition the CIOB’s submission also calls for the post-holder to have significant private sector experience, and to be supported by a strong team with knowledge in delivering effective client advice to the public sector. As well as expertise in improving the sponsorship role of construction within government, providing an effective interface with the Governments role as a regulator and improving the sustainability of the built environment and climate change.

Given the importance of the industry to the UK economy the CIOB believes the role should be located within a highly influential government department; probably the Cabinet Office, with excellent links into the Treasury, the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), and the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR).

The CIOB has also called for the timeframe in securing the appointment to be bought forward to 2009 as a matter of urgency.

To view the CIOB submission in full please go to www.ciob.org/about/ciobpolicies.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

The CIOB’s role is to:

·       Promote the importance of the built environment.
·       Lead the industry to create a sustainable future worldwide.
·       Encourage leadership potential.
·       Set the highest standards in quality, safety and qualification.
·       Create an industry where excellence prospers.

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB press and communications manager on 01344 630 766 - stownsend@ciob.org.uk.