RICS launches new DEI guidance
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched Code of Conduct ‘Rule 4’ Guidance in bid to propel diversity, equity and inclusion in the surveying profession and individuals globally. The six-document guide covers topics such as inclusive policies, inclusive spaces, career progression, everyday life at work, recruitment and developing an inclusive culture. While the guidance benefits all RICS professionals globally, it places particular emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and sole practitioners ensuring they remain competitive and inclusive. The guidance sets out to exemplify best practices, assisting firms in recruiting and retaining top-tier talent by cultivating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
RICS Head of DEI, Sybil Taunton, commented: “In delivering this guidance, RICS is expanding the support available to members and firms, striving to shape an inclusive profession where everyone can thrive, realise their potential and deliver positive social impact. By fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, we envision a profession that reflects the rich diversity of our communities.”
For more information and to access the guides rics.org/news-insights.
New vice chair for CMPC
Alison Powell FCInstCES has been elected to vice chair of the institution’s Commercial Management Practices Committee. Alison is very well respected within the industry, currently working as a project commercial director with BAM Nuttall and has been an active member of CMPC for a number of years.
Webinar
Thanks to Jim McCluskey, Kier; and Valeriya Cherkasova, Thinkproject for the recent webinar on practical insights for mastering NEC contracts through the use of cloud technology.
L-R: Simon Hamlyn and Adam Boddison OBE signing the MoU.
CICES signs APM MoU
CICES has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Association for Project Management (APM). Simon Hamlyn, CICES CEO, who travelled to the UAE to sign the document, met with APM chief executive Professor Adam Boddison OBE, who said: “APM is committed to creating a world in which all projects succeed, because when they do, society benefits. The best way to realise this vision is through collaboration with organisations that share similar values and aspirations. I’m delighted the APM is partnering with CICES, to bring together the best of both associations to support project professionals working in geospatial engineering and commercial management in infrastructure.”
Simon Hamlyn added: “By signing this new MoU with the Association for Project Management we are stablishing a formal relationship between both our organisations which will provide a platform for future collaboration on a range of mutually beneficial opportunities, including professional development, policy initiatives, and joint events, in the UK and overseas.”
Laing O’Rourke staff return to the office full time from April
A pre-tax loss of more than a quarter of a billion pounds at Laing O’Rourke has been blamed on a drop in engagement across the business. The construction company says the FY2023 performance forced execs to reassess its way of working, including its office policy for support role staff who temporarily moved to home working during the COVID pandemic.
In an email to staff, seen by the Construction Enquirer, chief operating officer, Cathal O’Rourke said a lack of face-to-face connectivity and collaboration, revealed as part of a 2023 engagement survey, were one of the reasons for the financial and operational challenges faced by the business. Employees were then told in the email to return to the office full-time. The pre-tax loss of £288.1m comes from the year ending 31 March 2023.
Big Bang Fair returns to inspire the next generation into STEM careers
The Big Bang Fair – one of the UK’s largest celebrations of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people – is set to return this summer. The fair, run by EngineeringUK, is designed to ignite a passion for STEM and showcase the exciting career possibilities in these sectors. Taking place from 19-21 June 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, it will welcome students aged 10-13 years from across the UK. Schools and home educators can register for free tickets to attend.
It will see a diverse range of employers bring engineering and tech careers to life – from the aerospace to rail and more. Also taking place will be the awards ceremony for the Big Bang UK young scientists and engineers competition. Free to enter, the competition is open to young people in the UK aged 11-18 years in state-funded education, who are home educated or who enter as part of a community group.
Entries close 27 March, visit thebigbang.org.uk.
INWED Big Weekend 2024
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the International Women in Engineering Day the Women’s Engineering Society is hosting the INWED Big Weekend 21-23 June; a four-day celebration around the theme #EnhancedByEngineering.
STEM clubs review
EngineeringUK has released a report which highlights STEM clubs and their ability to increase students’ aspirations for engineering and technology careers. The report ‘Rapid Evidence Review – STEM clubs and their ability to increase students’ aspirations for engineering and technology careers’ - is available to download at: engineeringuk.com/research-policy/provision-outreach/rapid-evidence-reviews/.
Heavy and civil engineering construction global market report 2023
The report 2023 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market. This report focuses on heavy and civil engineering construction market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond and is available at researchandmarkets.com.
CICES celebrates Women in Construction (WIC) Week
WIC Week runs from 3-9 March 2024. Created by the National Association of Women in Construction – and first held in 1998 – this year’s theme ‘keys to the future’ celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.
Many local areas hold WIC Week events, which can include making presentations to high school classes, site tours, luncheons, and virtual events. Construction firms of all sizes and types are encouraged to participate and show their support for their female employees.
To mark WIC Week, CICES has embarked on a campaign to collate photos of its highly talented female members who help shape the industry and showcase their experience throughout all construction-related professions, as well as to inspire others to consider similar roles or career choices.
Follow #wicweek #wicweek24 #26yearsofwicweek #womeninconstructionweek2024 on social media and visit wicweek.org for more info on WIC.
Pictured clockwise from top left are CICES members: Aisha Dalvi, Mott MacDonalds; Natasha Stone, Arcadis; Dilmi Dissanayake, Shannon Valley Plant Hire; Mirela Hyka, Landscope Engineering; Maria Gurgu, Bylor; Francesca Rousseau, Kier Group-Regional Civils; Carolina Rodriguez Ledoux, Alstom Transport; Nicole Metje, University of Birmingham; Dr Ropo Ogundipe, Geo-Intelligence Solutions; Kajavathani Panchalingam, Doctoral Researcher Massey University NZ; Geri Smith, Morgan Sindall.