Strategic Forum set to deliver targets on time

The Strategic Forum is on course to deliver its headline targets, covering client engagement, integrating teams and supply chains, people issues and enhancing the value of the project, as set out in the Accelerating Change document.
Forum chairman Peter Rogers hopes that achieving the targets, updates of which are contained in its End of Year Report 2003 published yesterday (Tuesday), will allow the UK construction industry to "realise maximum value for all clients, end users and stakeholders and exceed their expectations through the consistent delivery of world class products".
Here is how the Forum is performing against its targets.
n 20% of projects undertaken by integrated teams by 2004. This has been increased to 50% by 2007.
n 20% of clients to embrace principles of the clients' charter. This has been increased to 50% by 2007.
n By 2006, 300,000 qualified people recruited and retained in the industry. The Forum will undertake research in 2004 to better understand the inflow/outflow model for the industry and the qualification levels of those entering the industry. "We are beating targets by a large margin," said Rogers.
n By 2007, a 50% increase in applications to higher education.
The Forum has set a 10% year-on-year increase in applications.
n By 2007, a 50% rise in applications to further education. The Forum is to develop statistics to enable more effective planning and allocation of resources. Construction Industry Training Board chief executive Peter Lobban said: "Finding placements for those interested in joining the industry will be a key task."
n By 2010, a fully trained, qualified and competent workforce on all projects. With almost 600,000 people now having a CSCS card, the Forum is confident that, if the current take-up rate is maintained, the target will be met early.
n By the end of 2004, 500 projects to have used Design Quality Indicators (DQIs). The Construction Industry Council has launched a business plan and marketing strategy to further develop the use of the DQIs. The Forum is confident that this will bring in sufficient new DQI users to meet and surpass the target.
Rogers added: "We are generally on course to deliver these ambitious targets. But, perhaps more importantly, we have clear commitment from Forum members and a wider circle of industry organisations within our implementation group to drive these targets forward."