After nearly two years dedicated to steering the Scottish building sector through the worst crisis in its history, the Forum has changed its name to reflect its expanded remit and ongoing collaborative vision for the future. The unique alliance of trade associations and professional bodies has been rebranded as the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV), […]
Category: news
Forum announces launch of new Green Home Festival
Building on the achievements of COP26, the CICV Forum has announced it will be holding a dedicated low-carbon homes festival in 2022, delivering practical assistance and advice to help Scotland become a net zero nation. Running from 8-12 August, the Green Home Festival will engage the public and businesses in the global challenge, offering demonstrations […]
Forum’s work recognised by MSPs in Scottish Parliament motion
Members of the Scottish Parliament from all the main parties have paid a remarkable tribute to the ongoing work of the CICV Forum as the unique collective continues to support the recovery of the country’s construction sector. MSPs from the SNP, Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have backed a motion tabled by Labour politician Monica […]
Forum urges businesses to sign up to local gift card scheme
The CICV Forum has thrown its weight behind the new Scotland Loves Local gift card campaign – and has urged businesses and the public to sign up and help support tradespeople in their area. Designed to revitalise grassrooots communities hit by COVID-19, the scheme will see the creation of gift cards for each of Scotland’s […]
New Forum guide offers advice on professional indemnity insurance
In its latest initiative as a major voice within the Scottish construction sector, the CICV Forum has unveiled a new guide to the crucial and increasingly complex issue of professional indemnity insurance (PII). The easy-to-understand downloadable document, produced by the Forum’s unique collaboration of trade associations, professional bodies, companies and individuals, outlines the state of […]
Candidates back industry regulation at special Forum hustings
Regulation of the construction industry is essential for a safer and more productive future, election hopefuls from Scotland’s main political parties told a special digital hustings hosted by the CICV Forum. The importance of skills and training in the industry also won unanimous cross-party agreement from panellists during the exclusive event held online this week. […]
Key industry figures reveal highlights as Forum marks its first anniversary
After marking the anniversary of its first-ever meeting, key members of the CICV Forum have revealed their personal highlights of working together for the ever-expanding collective. The unique collaboration of trade associations, professional bodies, companies and individuals has helped guide the industry and public through a year of massive upheaval with a wealth of information […]
Forum backs Minister’s call for VAT cut to boost economy
The CICV Forum has welcomed a call by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart for the reduction of VAT on repairs and maintenance. The industry collective has backed a letter which the Minister sent to the UK Secretary to the Treasury, pressing for a reduced rate on all renovations, as well as expanded eligibility criteria and the […]
Minister for Construction among proposals in Forum manifesto
In an unprecedented show of co-operation, commitment and collaboration, the construction industry in Scotland has come together to issue its first-ever manifesto detailing the crucial steps which need to be taken to secure a viable and sustainable future for the sector. Acting through the CICV Forum, a comprehensive range of trade associations, professional bodies, companies […]
New economic report will help Forum assist with green recovery
The CICV Forum has published an in-depth report aimed at helping public bodies make decisions on where public funding in construction gives the highest economic returns to help support a green recovery. The report, carried out by Fraser of Allander Institute at University of Strathclyde, was commissioned by the Forum to improve understanding of how […]
Forum welcomes three more organisations as full members
After nearly a year of practical support and proactive guidance for Scotland’s building sector, the CICV Forum continues to attract new members, this week welcoming another three major organisations to its ranks. As widespread interest in its work remains undiminished, the Forum has been joined by the Association of Brickwork Contractors, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing […]
Essential construction work ‘can continue during lockdown’
Essential construction work is being allowed to continue in Scotland, following the lockdown announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday 4 January. Specific rules have been given to tradespeople, governing what type of work can be carried out during this time. Domestic workTradespeople should only go into a house to carry out or deliver essential work […]
Forum backs calls for industry to ‘play its part’ during lockdown
The CICV Forum has echoed calls for the industry to “play its part” during lockdown and has urged workers to keep following vital health and safety guidance. The Forum has reminded contractors to observe new rules after the Scottish Government strengthened lockdown restrictions on Wednesday, making the ‘stay at home’ guidance enforceable by law. The […]
Forum members reveal Christmas wishes for 2021
Cooperation and collaboration, greater worker welfare and a top-to-bottom revolution of the construction sector are all top of the Christmas wish-list for members of the CICV Forum. With a year of massive and unprecedented upheaval drawing to a close, we asked our 100-plus members to reveal their greatest wishes for 2021 – with the answers […]
Forum welcomes CICES and GGF as new members
After nine months of proactive support for Scotland’s building sector, the CICV Forum continues to attract new members, this week welcoming another two major organisations to its ranks. As widespread interest in its work remains undiminished, the Forum has now welcomed the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) and the Glass and Glazing Federation […]
Becky scoops award for tireless health and safety work
The chair of the CICV Forum’s health and safety sub-group has received one of the building services industry’s top honours for her tireless work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the sector’s workforce was able to operate as safely as possible. BESA health & safety advisor Becky Crosland received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the H&V News Awards […]
Minister joins Forum in urging sector to stay safe outside work
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has joined the CICV Forum to remind construction workers to stay COVID smart in their social lives and when travelling to and from jobs. Mr Stewart insisted it was “essential” for the sector’s staff to keep following guidance to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus among customers, colleagues, […]
Forum and CSIC launch new Be Covid Smart digital learning toolkit
In its latest initiative to help Scotland’s building sector get safely back to work, the CICV Forum has used cutting-edge technology to create a digital learning toolkit to promote best practice. Working closely with Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), which links business, university experts and public sector providers, the Forum has launched the Be Covid Smart training and learning […]
Employment webinars will advise on redundancy and Job Support Scheme
With the effects of COVID-19 beginning to impact businesses across Scotland, the CICV Forum is hosting two new webinars to advise and answer questions on redundancy, restructuring and other urgent employment issues. The UK Government’s new Job Support Scheme will also be on the agenda at the online discussions, which will again be hosted by […]
David joins expert panel for first Forum webinar
A leading financial expert has joined the panel of experts offering advice on project bank accounts (PBAs) at the first CICV Forum commercial webinar. David Rennie, Relationship Director at the Royal Bank of Scotland, will play a starring role in the opening Forum webinar on Tuesday 15 September, which aims to help construction industry professionals […]
Industry urged to have its say in recovery plan
The Scottish construction industry has been urged to have its say in the new draft recovery plan for the sector, launched last week by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF). The plan, which has been created collaboratively with the industry, sets out the pathway for joint action in response to the impact of COVID-19 on […]
Forum secures £40,000 funding to identify investment areas
In yet another example of its innovative approach to stimulating and growing Scotland’s building sector, the CICV Forum has secured significant grant funding to help it explore the most fruitful avenues for expansion. The unique collective has successfully applied for £40,000 of funding from the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), one of Scotland’s unique Innovation Centres which links […]
Webinars will help with essential commercial issues
The CICV Forum is hosting a series of free advice webinars to help industry professionals improve their contractual and commercial awareness on construction projects. Hosted by leading industry experts, and running fortnightly across six sessions from September to November, the online discussions are aimed at public and private sector employers, contract and commercial managers, architects, […]
Forum collaborates in creation of new CLF recovery plan
A draft recovery plan for the construction sector in Scotland has been launched by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF), with input from members of the CICV Forum. The plan, which has been created collaboratively with industry, sets out the pathway for joint action between industry and the public sector in response to the impact […]
Forum receives CSIC funding for two innovation projects
Two ground-breaking CICV Forum projects are among those being supported by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) i-Con Innovation Challenge Fund, part of a support programme set up earlier in the year in response to Covid-19. With a combined project value of nearly £250,000, almost £125,000 has been awarded by CSIC to six successful applicants who […]
Forum to host second health and safety webinar
The CICV Forum is to host another health and safety webinar, delivering invaluable updates and the latest developments to help the sector continue its safe recovery. The free online session will take place on Wednesday 26 August and will again be hosted by Becky Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association […]
Forum proposes school action plan to help pupils return safely
The CICV Forum has submitted a proposed building action plan to the Scottish Government which it claims would help reopen schools across the country and get children back to lessons safely. The campaigning collective has written to Kevin Stewart, MSP, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, outlining a series of practical proposals which […]
DHF join Forum as new Consultants sub-group created
The CICV Forum has welcomed a new member to its ranks and also set up a specialist sub-group to gather and share expertise from some of Scotland’s leading consultants. Trade association DHF has become the latest organisation to become a full-time member, while the creation of a new Consultants sub-group has seen 12 professional bodies […]
Forum welcomes move to Phase 2 of government route map
The CICV Forum has welcomed further easing of restrictions to help get the sector in Scotland back to work – but insists health and safety and collaboration must continue to be at the heart of an industry-wide approach. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a range of new measures on Thursday 18 June as the Scottish […]
Free signage pack helps employers and staff with safe return
As the construction industry gears up for the next stage of its restart plan, the CICV Forum has once again stepped up by producing a pack of free signage to help with the safe return to work. Designed for sites, depots and offices, the 20 open source documents include essential posters, checklists and fact sheets […]
Forum film embraced and adapted by other bodies
An engaging animation by the CICV Forum has proved such a success that it has been adapted and released by a range of other major organisations across the UK and Europe. The short open source film, entitled In This Together, offers clear and practical advice to contractors and occupiers undertaking essential domestic work. Following its […]
Forum consultation extended to whole construction industry
The CICV Forum has extended its wide-ranging consultation on the future of the sector to the whole Scottish construction industry. Originally launched last week among the Forum’s 50 member organisations, all other parties are now invited to give their opinion on what they want for the industry after COVID-19 – and how it might be […]
Forum welcomes APS and SPRA as latest members
The CICV Forum has welcomed two new member organisations to its ever-growing ranks as the unique collective continues to attract widespread interest in its work. The Association for Project Safety (APS) and Single Ply Roofing Association (SPRA) are the latest bodies to become full members of the Forum, which has been at the vanguard of […]
Forum welcomes announcement of return to domestic work
The CICV Forum has warmly welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that domestic work will be included among the scope of construction work now permitted. The news has been eagerly awaited by all parts of the industry for whom domestic work makes up a major part of their business, and follows recent restart discussions between the […]
Latest advice helps companies preparing to unfurlough staff
The complex question of how to bring Scotland’s workforce safely off furlough and back to work is examined in detail in the latest guidance to be issued by the CICV Forum. With the Scottish Government authorising a phased easing of the lockdown rules, the Forum’s comprehensive 22-page document, Returning from Furlough, provides a practical step-by-step […]
New college safety guide helps apprentices preparing for return
As Scotland’s colleges and training centres discuss reopening, the CICV Forum has helped develop a new set of guidelines designed to keep staff and apprentices safe Compiled by Forum members the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), SELECT and SNIPEF, the presentation outlines practical day-to-day measures that colleges and […]
Forum issues health and safety underpinning guidance
As Scotland’s building sector emerges from prolonged shutdown, the CICV Forum has issued expanded health and safety guidance to help steer companies through the crisis and back to work. The comprehensive 42-page document, Safe Return and Restart, is designed to underpin the Safe Operating Guidance released last week and produced in collaboration between Construction Scotland, […]
Construction moves to Phase 1 of lockdown
The First Minister today (28 May) confirmed that Scotland will now move to Phase 1 of easing the COVID-19 lockdown. Further details are available here. In her latest announcement she confirmed that the construction sector will be allowed to implement the first two phases (as below, Phases 0 and 1) in its restart plan with […]
Phased return welcomed – but safety and collaboration is key
The CICV Forum has welcomed the first tentative steps announced to get the sector in Scotland back to work – but insists health and safety and collaboration must be at the heart of the phased return. The collective – which has been working towards restart with a number of bodies, including the Construction Leadership Forum […]
Forum signs up to Conflict Avoidance Pledge
The CICV Forum has added its name to a growing campaign for more collaborative working by signing up to the Conflict Avoidance Pledge (CAP). A joint initiative by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Institution of Civil Engineers and other major professional bodies in the built environment, the CAP […]
Sector urged to pay it forward when it comes to cashflow
The CICV Forum and Construction Scotland have urged the sector to step up and ensure payments are made on time to safeguard cashflow and ensure business and job survival. As trade and professional bodies continue to pull out all the stops and the Scottish and UK Government provides additional support to keep companies going, the […]
Forum praises HMRC, but says real test is still to come
The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has hailed the “speed and efficiency” of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme rollout – but says the real test will be if all claims are paid on time. The specialist body said the successful launch by HMRC last week could provide a “vital lifeline” to companies across the country. […]
Animation helps contractors and customers stay safe
A new animation launched by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum offers clear and practical advice to contractors and customers during emergency domestic work. The short film outlines the precautions and operate-at-distance policies that the Forum has issued as guidance to protect everyone against COVID-19. Entitled In This Together, the animation provides parameters during essential […]
Cashflow piles on agony for businesses, Forum survey reveals
Cashflow has completely dried up for nearly 80% of firms in the construction industry in Scotland, according to businesses which responded to a major survey carried out by the newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum. More than half of firms who took part in the poll also say they’re owed vital monies from public and […]
Low value dispute construction adjudication service implemented
CICV Forum member the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has begun providing a low value construction adjudication service to give UK SMEs a simple and cost-effective procedure that will make solving disputes more accessible and quicker for lower value claims. The RICS service will now operate in accordance with the ground-breaking Low Value Disputes […]
CICV Forum issues clear guidance on working practices
The newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has taken immediate action to provide clarity for the sector in Scotland. The group – which represents most professional construction bodies in Scotland – took action following advice from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this week that all building sites with the exception of any hospital work should close. Concerned about conflicting […]
New forum calls for urgent action to protect industry
A new forum of respected construction bodies has suggested a number of simple actions that the Scottish Government could introduce immediately to help with cashflow and protect jobs against the “crippling” background of coronavirus. The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum – which represents the majority of contractor business in Scotland – has sent a joint letter to […]