CIOB trustee Ian Brant FCIOB is deputy chair of the CIC. This month, he begins a regular series of columns in CM, looking at the latest policy news, insights and developments from the council.
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) stands as a cornerstone of the UK’s built environment sector, representing a unique coalition of professional bodies. Established in 1988, CIC serves as a unifying voice for the industry, fostering collaboration across disciplines to address the complex challenges faced by the construction industry.
CIOB is a key member among the 40-strong membership which make up the CIC. CIOB collaborates with other institutes through all of CIC’s committees and working groups.
Through its membership, CIC’s influence spans construction managers, architects, engineers, surveyors and beyond. This breadth of expertise allows us to address key industry priorities. Through our involvement in the Construction Leadership Council and Building Safety Alliance, CIC actively promotes best practices, safety standards and innovative solutions.
CIC’s commitment to advocacy ensures that professionals’ collective voices are heard at the highest levels of policymaking, reinforcing the critical role of construction in economic growth and society.
CIC’s vision is clear: through leadership and collaboration, CIC empowers a thriving, interconnected industry that meets the demands of today while building a sustainable legacy for future generations.
CIOB members represent its interests on the following CIC committees: Alternative Dispute Resolution; Digital Forum; Climate Change; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Building Safety; Professional indemnity; Health and Safety; Housing; Infrastructure; Liability; Public Affairs; and Education and Future Skills.
CIOB is also represented through CIC’s nations and regions committees and has excellent representation on the 2050 group (the leaders of the future). All of this is coordinated through CIOB’s external affairs board.
Building safety work
Since the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, CIC has made building safety a major priority and has focused on driving several initiatives to achieve culture change in the sector.
Much work has already been done by the industry through the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety undertaken by Dame Judith Hackitt and the consequent programme of regulatory reform, which is now being implemented.
CIC and its members strongly supported the review, and many individuals and organisations were directly involved in the six working groups set up by Hackitt.
CIC is very clear on the requirements for the construction sector to deliver, and that reforms in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry report need to support and enable the sector to make its full contribution to delivering safer buildings, net zero and increased housebuilding.
Ian Brant FCIOB is a director at Brant Construction Quantum Experts, CIOB trustee and deputy chair of the CIC.
