Letter to the Editor
Current challenges with people and cost assurance audits on infrastructure projects
I must congratulate both yourself and members of the Multidisciplinary Steering Group for the inclusion of their series article, ‘Current challenges with people and cost assurance audits on infrastructure projects’. This article encapsulates a common sense approach to contracting, fostering an atmosphere of ‘mutual trust and cooperation’ among project stakeholders and, in essence, following the philosophy of past CICES President Dr Martin Barnes in fronting the publication of the New Engineering Contract (NEC) many years ago.
This whole and refreshing philosophy can indeed be achieved by ‘building trusted professional connections, promoting open communication, active listening and mutual respect’. It was indeed one of the ‘planks’ upon which our institution was founded and I wish that such a format was standardised here in the USA, where I am now based, instead of apparent fragmentation between the various states.
Perhaps as an institution we should try to promote ‘change’/’standardisation’, through our agreement of ‘mutual co-operation’ with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)?
Barry Hiscox FCInstCES
Past President, CICES
