We often talk about competence in construction as though it’s a fixed state, something to be ticked off a list. A qualification earned, a training course completed, a job title secured. But real competence, especially in our industry, doesn’t work like that. It isn’t static. It’s something that must be maintained, challenged and evolved over time.

That’s why I believe that competence is not a one-time achievement, it’s a lifelong responsibility.

In construction, the stakes are too high to take any other view. The buildings we design and deliver must be safe, sustainable and fit for purpose. Lives depend on the decisions made by professionals across the supply chain. Whether it’s planning and managing a project, specifying materials, coordinating safety systems, or ensuring regulatory compliance, the margin for error is small. The responsibility is great. And our competence is the foundation on which trust is built, between colleagues, employers, clients and the communities we serve.

Today, competence is not just about knowing what to do. It’s about keeping up with what’s changed. The pace of transformation in our industry, from technology to safety standards to climate targets, means that yesterday’s knowledge isn’t always enough for tomorrow’s challenges. What makes someone competent today is different to what made them competent five or ten years ago.

That’s why CIOB membership means more than just holding a qualification. It’s a commitment to professional growth. We often describe membership as “degree plus” because it’s not just about what you know when you join, but how you keep yourself relevant and up to date. Membership signals that you take your competence seriously. That you see learning as continuous. That you’re willing to invest in your development because you understand what’s at stake if you don’t.

Employers and clients increasingly recognise the importance of this. In a world of risk, scrutiny and public accountability, they are looking for people they can trust. People who not only have the right technical skills, but who act with integrity, take pride in their standards, and put public interest at the heart of what they do. Demonstrating competence is no longer optional. It’s a key part of earning that trust.

This is particularly important in leadership roles. When you’re responsible for people, for safety, for delivery, you have a duty to lead by example. Your commitment to competence sets the tone for the teams around you. It creates a culture where learning and quality are valued, and that culture drives better outcomes on site and beyond.

But ultimately, the responsibility lies with each of us as individuals. No one else can own your development for you. We can be supported, through membership bodies, employers, training, but the decision to stay competent must be a personal one. It’s about showing up every day with the mindset that you still have more to learn. That you want to grow. That you recognise your competence is your reputation.

We all work differently, but one useful approach is to treat your CPD review as a moment to pause and reflect. Take a bit of time to think about how your role has shifted, how your responsibilities have grown, and what’s changed in the world around you, whether that’s new regulations, shifts in the market, or emerging technologies. Doing this can help highlight any gaps and give you a clear focus for your CPD in the year ahead.

The CIOB is here to support that journey. Through the Academy, through CPD, and through communities of practice. But our role is to provide the tools, it’s up to each of us to use them.

Competence is a cornerstone of modern professionalism. Let’s treat it as such. Let’s commit to remaining relevant, responsible and resilient in the face of change. And let’s take pride in being construction professionals who lead by example.