CIOB membership must carry more clout

I also understand that the Professional and Technical section of the institute had originally investigated the concerns raised but I have yet to read or hear of their findings. Perhaps this may make for some uneasy reading but if there is a case to be answered then shouldn't we be hearing it?

I, like your correspondent, have been employed within a local authority situation where CIOB membership does not appear to hold much sway. Surely we have a right to equal professional recognition alongside the ARIAS and RICS, for example, and be properly represented within our working environment, or are we in Scotland set to become a demoralised and downtrodden lot?

Where the CIOB philosophy on ethical behaviour is to be preserved, not least within a local authority environment, we must have an equivalent representation or we may well experience a professional demographic migration to competing, and seemingly wider recognised, institutes where perhaps greater opportunities and rewards await.

Robert Millar

Barry Neilson, regional director for CIOB Scotland, replies:

CIOB qualifications are generally recognised by local authorities within Scotland. Gordon Henderson's situation (CM, April 2006) was a one-off. The CIOB has communicated on various occasions with the local authority in question. After some time, a response was received of a negative nature. In line with the CIOB Corporate Plan, the CIOB has started working more closely with the local authorities across the UK, including Scotland and Ireland, on a number of issues, and is working towards creating a Building Control and Standards Faculty. The CIOB continues to work with members and local authorities to ensure recognition of the CIOB qualification.