Mike Kane MP (left) presented with the 50th-anniversary book by CICES CEO, Simon Hamlyn.
MP visits HQ
The institution’s local MP Mike Kane, Wythenshawe and Sale East, recently visited HQ. A very productive discussion allowed CEO Simon Hamlyn and the senior leadership team to familiarise Mr Kane with the work of the institution and to gain support for its work in Westminster.
Mr Kane has committed to assist CICES in the House and agreed to make a written parliamentary question regarding the skills shortage to the Secretary of State for Skills, Further and Higher Education, Rob Halfon MP to request a meeting with the institution to discuss the impact this is having on the profession and major infrastructure projects.
CIC appoints its first female chair
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has recently inaugurated Dr Wei Yang as its new chair..
Dr Yang replaces Justin Sullivan for a two-year term and is its first chair born outside of the UK and Ireland. Dr Yang, an internationally renowned town planner and urban designer, has extensive experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and implementing large-scale regeneration and low carbon master planning projects in Britain and internationally.
Dr Yang is an influential thought leader and a powerful advocate for climate actions, nature-based solutions, health & wellbeing, and social equality.
On taking up her new role, Dr Yang said: “I am delighted to have become the first female chair of CIC. Our living environment has a direct influence on our daily activities, health, and wellbeing.
The responsibility of our sector is not just building physical objects; we are here to create places embodied with empathy, inclusivity, and creativity”
Geospatial Strategy 2030
The Geospatial Commission has published its new UK Geospatial Strategy 2030 which will unlock billions of pounds in economic benefits through harnessing technologies, such as AI, satellite imaging and real-time data to boost location-powered innovation and drive the use of location data in property, transport, utilities and beyond. The renewed strategy sets out the Geospatial Commission’s priorities for the rest of this decade, building on its landmark 2020 paper and ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of rapidly evolving technologies key to driving innovation and growing the economy.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-geospatial-strategy-2030
Constructionarium boosts board
Sara Lipscombe has been appointed as a non-executive director of Constructionarium. Sara Lipscombe has worked in the global engineering and construction sector for the majority of her career and more recently held executive positions at Costain Group PLC, WS Atkins PLC, Service Corporation International and SAUR International/Groupe Bouygues.
CICES partners with Highways UK
The institution is supporting Highways UK, which is taking place 18-19 October 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham. The high-level, multi-stream conference is free to attend and includes 12 theatres covering everything from digital construction, sustainable civil materials, research and policy and electric vehicles and alternative fuels. www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/highways-uk
Built Environment Awards 2024
The Chartered Association of Building Engineers has launched the Built Environment Awards 2024 as a standalone event. The awards are open to both CABE members and non-members in the UK and overseas so that everybody has the chance to be recognised for their commitment to the sector. The awards are free to enter and the closing date for entries is 6 September 2023.
www.builtenvironmentseries.com
New review published on interventions to increase girls’ aspirations for engineering and tech careers
EngineeringUK has released a new report which brings together available evidence on interventions that aim to increase girls’ aspirations for engineering and technology careers. Despite some improvements, women are still significantly underrepresented in engineering and technology – making up just 16.5% of the engineering workforce, compared with 47.7% of the overall workforce. A summary of existing evidence, the report aims to inform programme design and delivery for STEM engagement practitioners and funders, and to highlight gaps where more evidence is needed. The report ‘Rapid Evidence Review – Interventions to increase girls’ aspirations for engineering and technology careers’ is available to download. www.engineeringuk.com/rer-girls
Global Responsibility Competency Compass launched
The Engineering Council is backing the Global Responsibility Competency Compass, a tool launched by Engineers Without Borders UK to provide the guiding principles and competencies to ensure engineers are equipped to deliver globally responsible solutions. CEO of the Engineering Council, Paul Bailey said: “We are very pleased to endorse the Global Responsibility Competency Compass, a tool that not only complements the requirements of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC ), but also our guidance for the profession on sustainability and ethical principles”. www.ewb-uk.org/global-responsibility-competency-compass/
Webinar roundup
Thanks to Kuits and Slater Heelis, Archor and Birketts for the latest set of webinars delivered for members and nonmembers of the institution.
