The Labour party’s annual conference in Brighton has seen the launch of a new CIOB report aimed at measuring the “added value” that professionals and professional bodies such as the CIOB bring to the wider economy – and to MPs’ task of formulating policy initiatives.
The report draws on two research surveys – looking at the opinions of 152 MPs and 2,012 members of the public – to examine professionals’ and professional bodies’ contributions in five key areas: productivity, social mobility, governance and ethical standards, international development and policy formation.
Institutes such as the CIOB bring a positive influence to bear, for instance, by setting educational standards that increase the economy’s “human capital”, creating communities of experts to research topics and disseminate information, and providing expert and practical advice to policy makers.
Turner & Townsend director Paul Nash FCIOB, the CIOB’s senior vice president, who launched the report at a conference fringe meeting yesterday, told Construction Manager that “the five issues outlined in the report all impact directly on my day job and show what professional bodies can do to raise standards and influence policy”.
He added that the report builds on the CIOB’s increasing success at engaging with policy makers in key areas, such as on skills shortages, immigration and “modern slavery”. “By developing our engagement – that helps us to be seen as a trusted advisers. We’re not a trade body, we’re there to provide an independent voice.”
The survey of MPs, carried out by polling organisation ComRes, found that MPs were generally receptive to the idea of professional bodies advising on policy areas: 48% scored them at 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1 to 5) for effectiveness in supporting good policy making in their industry.
How effective do you think that chartered professional bodies for construction professions are at each of the following
More than half (55%) said that professional bodies provided an objective industry voice that can be trusted by policy makers, against 14% disagreeing.
Asked if professionals bring an unbiased slant to debate on industry matter, 46% of Labour MPs disagreed, compared just 29% of Conservative MPs. And asked whether professional bodies fairly balance their members’ interests with their public duty 22% of Labour MPs disagreed with this statement, compared to 14% of Conservative MPs.
Professional bodies’ stance on ethics and standards was also recognised by MPs, with 43% scoring this aspect at 4 and 5.
However, MPs believe that professional bodies could do far more to enhance social mobility, with only 11% rating them strongly in this area.
Labour MPs rated this aspect of their work as more important than Conservatives, with 67% ranking this aspect of their work in the top 3 compared to 59% of Conservatives.
How effective do you think that chartered professional bodies for construction professions are at each of the following
The Tories, meanwhile, placed most emphasis on professional bodies’ role in improving the productivity, effectiveness and efficiency of the industry, with 86% ranking it in their top three.
Responding to the survey, Nash said: “The conclusions show that MPs do recognise the contribution professional bodies bring by raising standards and influencing policy, but could do more on prioritising social mobility.
“It’s an interesting finding, as the CIOB is very good at doing that and providing a variety of routes to chartered status. So we’re doing a good job but we’re not so good at telling people about it.”
Nash said that the timing of the report, following the government’s decision to renew the Construction Leadership Council and end the post of the chief construction adviser, presented an opportunity to open new channels of communication with government.
“With the move from partnership to dialogue, there is a sense that the government wants to take a slightly more arms length position, it’s asking the industry to sort itself out more,” he said. “That’s also an opportunity to get involved in dialogue with policy makers and to step up to engage.”
The report also examines attitudes to professions and professional qualifications among members of the pubic, where 74% of respondents to the poll had heard of construction-related institutes.
Two thirds (65%) agreed that membership of a professional body would increase their trust in a professional, while 61% see a role for professional bodies in guiding relevant government policies.
But younger respondents in the survey were less positive than older cohorts: only 47% of the 18-24 years would be more inclined to trust a professional if they belonged to a professional body.
The main perceived value of professional qualifications is that they raise standards and help people earn more, with 71% and 72% of respondents agreeing with these statements respectively. However, half (50%) say that having a professional qualification does not improve quality or skills.
The report comes as the institute reacts to an ongoing shift within the industry that’s breaking down traditional divisions into contracting, consulting and client camps, with more organisations spanning more than one role, new niche specialisms such as BIM and logistics arriving on the scene, and more individuals pursuing careers that switch perspectives.
Former CIOB president Peter Jacobs, managing director of construction logistics at Wilson James, commented that the firm was looking to increase the number of professionally-qualified staff within its workforce.
“It’s no longer just consultants who need a professional network – a lot of CIOB members now work for client organisations. We’re seeing professionals work in a vertical line through the industry, not just a horizontal professional layer advising the client,” he said.
