Industry boosts CIOB Chartered scheme for businesses with new rules

Members of the Chartered Institute of Building have been putting their stamp on Chartered construction businesses for more than 20 years; challenging perceptions about the industry through their professionalism, skill and credibility. Their commitment to training and development has seen Chartered Building Companies and Consultancies (or CBCs for short) deliver a vital pool of talented professionals into the industry.

To keep the scheme at the forefront of best practice the CIOB asked industry representatives from major contractors, employers, sole traders and clients to redraft the rules to ensure CBCs remain the kitemark of excellence and the corporate membership scheme of choice.

Chris Blythe, Chief Executive at the CIOB said: “CBC members can feel proud of what they have achieved. They are setting new standards of professionalism in construction businesses across the UK and beyond.  That recognition is in no small part having a positive impact on constructions overall image and reputation.  Against a backdrop where the general public too often hear about the worst in class rather than the best.

“Our members share the same ambitions as we do - to create the very best industry we can delivering exceptional projects and providing careers that are both fulfilling and rewarding.  These new rules make sure CBCs remain at the cutting edge of today’s industry.”

To qualify for the scheme a percentage (normally half) of the individual board members must hold Chartered status.  More than 500 businesses, from small to international size, have joined the scheme since its inception. 

Those companies and consultancies joining the scheme will be assessed for membership through regular audits as well as evidencing best practice on sight of policies and references.  The CIOB is offering support to any current CBC scheme members who may need it as they transition to the new rules.  All current CBCs have until 1 October 2016 to fit the new criteria.

The main changes are:-

•    Two years minimum trading is required to qualify for the scheme

•    Commitment to the learning and development of the workforce. This could be through CIOB Training Partnerships

•    Evidence of policies on Health & Safety, Quality, Environment, Equal Opportunities, CSR must be provided on application

•    Demonstration of positive relationships with clients and the supply chain to be evidenced via references

•    Parent company consent is required for divisions of a company

You can find out more about the CBC scheme at:- http://www.ciob.org/company-membership