Institution News
Ordnance Survey has introduced a new theme, Reinventing the Map, at the Cambridge Conference, a unique global gathering for heads of national mapping and geospatial agencies.
Introducing the theme at the conference, which OS has hosted since 1928, was CEO Nick Bolton, who spoke of the importance of mapping agencies in an ever-changing world and the need to adapt and evolve.
Also speaking at the event was Maree Wilson from Geoscience Australia, who identified the importance of geospatial data and its place in the broader ecosystem of government.
As part of its recent 100th birthday, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers has awarded two Honorary Fellowships to Hanna Clarke (pictured, left), digital and policy manager at the Construction Products Association and Gill Hancock, head of technical content for the Association for Project Management.
The accolades are awarded to individuals who, by reason of their position or eminence in the arts, sciences or literature, or their experience in matters relating to the built environment, have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the construction industry.
Recent exam results in the UK have shown promising signs for the future of the industry, with increased uptake seen across STEM subjects at A Level and Scottish Advanced Highers, and engineering and technology-related T Levels for the 2025 exam series.
There was a 13% increase to 30,020 in accepted applicants for engineering and technology degrees, compared to 26,680 in 2024. For T Levels, there was a 56.2% increase in engineering and technology entries – taking the total to 5,643 young people – with the uptake among girls only 12%, although this represented an increase from 9%.
Commercial Competencies Steering Group, chaired by Ivor Barbrook, has produced a new competency specialism, Project Controls, while CICES, as part of its ongoing programme of continuous development, has reviewed and updated its member competency requirements for Construction Law.
The Project Controls competencies aim to offer a structured and strategic professional path for a project controller, providing the levels of core and specialist competencies required by project controllers when supporting civil engineering projects.
Emphasis is placed on transparency and the alignment of project information used as performance indicators. Construction Law has been widened to enable inclusion of professionals working in construction, often without legal qualifications, who’s role is to liaise, coordinate, data exchange and establish understanding between construction teams and legal professionals.
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has unveiled its new Corporate Plan for 2025–2030 which reflects CIC’s ambition to be the unified voice for construction professionals, shaping a resilient and future-ready industry.
The five-year plan outlines CIC’s commitment to leading change across four strategic pillars; agility, influencing and advocacy, collaboration on key policy areas and effective consultation and communication.
These priorities reflect CIC’s role as a unifying voice for professional bodies, research organisations and institutions shaping the UK’s built environment.
The institution has introduced an initiative that allows members to sponsor graduate members, with the aim of reducing the number of students that lapse their free student membership. CICES is currently creating a panel of sponsors, made up of members committed to sponsoring a graduate for three years. The cost of graduate membership is £228.25 annually, plus a £75 application fee. The annual fee is discounted to £137.40 if the student has graduated in the last three years. To register your interest admin@cices.org
The Survey School has received re-approval of its TSA Surveying Course by CICES for a further five years. This endorsement, achieved following a comprehensive audit, emphasises the school’s dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the geospatial surveying profession.
The CICES audit scrutinised all aspects of the TSA Surveying Course, including its curriculum and how it measures its impact in preparing students for career challenges and opportunities. The surveying course delivers a comprehensive syllabus that covers all the varied subjects of surveying – topographical, measured buildings, utilities and GIS. It balances practical fieldwork with theoretical knowledge, so that graduates are equipped with the understanding and versatility needed across multiple sectors. The next course with space available begins 2 March 2026.
With thanks to our members from Lockton for the recent webinar; speakers Jess Snowdon, account executive, David Isherwood, account executive, Tim Claremont, partner, and Gavin Hocom, partner.
CICES has strengthened its ranks with the appointments of experienced marketing professional Vicky Brown (pictured, left) as communications and marketing manager and qualified teacher Rachel Hames (right) to the role of education outreach manager.
Vicky joins after eight years with the communications and marketing team at a large membership association in the residential property sector, following earlier roles in public relations, including at the University of Salford.
Her background has given her a deep appreciation for the value members bring to an organisation – not just in shaping its direction, but also in inspiring others through their work, knowledge and experiences. Vicky will lead CICES’ communications and marketing team, contributing to its ongoing efforts to showcase the achievements and voices of members, as well as highlight the progress of the institution.
Rachel’s is a newly created role designed to expand the institution’s engagement with the education sector. With more than three years’ experience as a primary school teacher, Rachel, from Leicester, has also served as a mentor and school history lead.
Additionally, she is an active STEM ambassador. Rachel will work closely with Dominic Lane, development manager at CICES, to strengthen the institution’s connections with schools, colleges and universities. Rachel’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the institution, with her expertise set to prove instrumental in influencing and approaching the education sector.