Announcing the new body, construction minister Nick Raynsford said: "It is vitally important that this industry has a place where it can discuss strategic issues on a pan-industry basis." It is hoped that the appointment of Egan in the chair will attract the client organisations that shunned the CIB.
In a separate move which could lead to fragmentation, Egan is also to chair a safety body to see through the targets set at February's safety summit. This is coming under the wing of environment minister Michael Meacher rather than Nick Raynsford.
The Strategic Forum for Construction will tackle the industry's big issues, including:
- Rethinking construction, and demonstration and dissemination of construction best practice;
- image, culture, recruitment and retentions;
- health and safety and respect for people;
- partnering and contracts.
The forum will build on the work done since 1995 by the CIB. Its membership will be drawn from construction clients, the construction supply side, Government, and the industry's national training organisations.
Raynsford was confident that the appointment of Egan will attract the participation of key bodies such as the Confederation of Construction Clients and the British Property Federation. The decision to wind up the CIB followed the refusal of the CCC to join its board.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
