Forum to focus on big three

by Tim Wood



The Strategic Forum, set up to build on the work done by the former Construction Industry Board and with the aim of improving the efficiency and working practices of the industry, will concentrate on three priority issues, it was decided last week.

Following its inaugural meeting last Thursday (2 August), 15 industry figures covering training, clients, the supply side and the government agreed that there was an urgent need for integrated supply teams; for clients to be committed to best practice; and for 'people' issues to be addressed.

Alan Crane, Movement for Innovation chairman, said the meeting had been "very positive".

"The three main issues were all contained in Rethinking Construction," he said. "All are intertwined and vitally important in terms of efficiency, getting all parties involved and looking after each other's best interests.

"The intention is that a 12-month action plan will be introduced against which we can measure performance in each of the three areas."

Team leaders will also be appointed at the forum's next meeting, scheduled for two months time, to tackle the priority subjects, as well as health and safety, process improvements to meet Rethinking Construction objectives and means of effective dissemination of best practice.

Trade associations attending last week's meeting, which was chaired by Sir John Egan, included: the Major Contractors Group; the Construction Industry Council; the Construction Confederation; the Construction Products Association; the Construction Industry Training Board; and the Confederation of Construction Clients.

Staff from UCATT, the Health & Safety Executive and the Department of Trade & Industry were also in attendance.