CIOB launches digital service for clients

Stevens explained: “The essence of the strategy is to engage with clients and provide them with what they need. We want to help less experienced clients be better informed, break down barriers and share best practice so together we can arrive at better project outcomes.”

She sees her role as a continuation of her work at RIBA, albeit from a different perspective. “Ultimately, it is about improving quality and safety, encouraging innovation and sustainable outcomes, and promoting value.” she said.

The initial digital offer will signpost new and existing client guidance, including the client’s responsibilities under the Building Safety Act. It will provide FAQs for domestic clients, client insights and best practice case studies. Experienced clients will be invited to sign up as advocates to the initiative and become client mentors, offering peer-to-peer advice to less experienced clients.

Over time, the offer will expand to include sector-specific guidance and case studies, as well as a series of ‘in conversation’ podcasts and videos, ultimately becoming a digital hub for clients.

Stevens added: “I sit in the space between clients and construction teams, understanding the issues from both sides. Someone said to me recently that clients need predictability and contractors need cashflow. Where that is the case, you can understand why relationships become strained because they want different things.

“We aren’t expecting to be the oracle for all clients because we don’t need to be. But there are many clients out there with less experience or understanding of the complexity of construction who would benefit from what we can offer them.”