As Scotland continues to battle a surge in the global pandemic, the CICV Forum has repeated its urgent call for industry workers to be COVID-19 smart in their social lives.
The unique collective is once again reminding staff to protect their colleagues by following physical distancing guidelines away from the workplace.
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association, a leading Forum member, said: “As we’ve seen in the past week, the R number is rising in some areas as a result of suspected transmission between people at home and in social activities.
“Since people can spread the virus before they know they’re sick, it’s vital that everyone working in the construction industry adheres to the physical distancing rules whether they’re at work or relaxing during their free time.
“Physical distancing means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people not from your household. To reduce the risk of transmission and stop the spread of this virus, it is therefore essential that everyone follows these rules 24/7, wherever they may be.”
Vaughan Hart, Managing Director of the Scottish Building Federation, another leading Forum member, said: “It is essential that we continually emphasise the message that this dangerous virus has not gone away and it is vital that we all need to remain vigilant to prevent any further resurgence.
“We need to reiterate that our workforces should not relax their guard at any time, whether at work or at home. I’m sure everyone will understand that it would be dispiriting to face a winter in lockdown or witness the closure of work sites by not adhering to the physical distancing rules now.”
Rebecca added: “Remember, if you don’t follow the physical distancing rules, your actions could have serious consequences for both your colleagues, your friends and your family.”
To reinforce its message, the Forum is ramping up a recent campaign which used social media animations and open source posters to remind construction workers to stay safe.
The films feature construction workers called Campbell and Fiona who observe physical distancing in their spare time to protect colleagues when they return to work. The message is repeated on the posters, which can be printed out and displayed in workplaces.
The reminder follows a recent CICV Forum health and safety webinar, during which its experts delivered updates on the latest safety advice for workers in depots, office and sites.
The Forum, which is made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, has also maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys and making appeals to Government Ministers.
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 improve their contractual and commercial awareness.
The experienced banking professional will sit alongside Professor Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group, to discuss the many features and benefits of PBAs, with particular focus on the supply chain.
Len Bunton, dispute resolution consultant and Forum consultant, who will host the PBA webinar, said: “David is an extremely experienced operator who will bring a wealth of insight and information to our first webinar.
“We are delighted to welcome him as a guest presenter and know that delegates will benefit from the clear and practical advice that he and Professor Klein will deliver.”
David has worked in finance, treasury, commercial and corporate banking during a 17-year career with Royal Bank of Scotland. Currently responsible for public sector and higher education in Scotland, his responsibilities include the Scottish Government banking framework, local authorities and universities.
He said: “I am extremely honoured to have been asked to take part in the first of these ground-breaking webinars from the CICV Forum.
“PBAs are becoming an increasing part of our industry and, alongside Professor Klein, I am looking forward to discussing their benefits and answering any questions from delegates.”
Next Tuesday’s webinar is the first of six free sessions being hosted by the Forum and will see Professor Kleinoutline how the PBA process operates, discuss the latest Scottish Government Construction Policy Note and answer any questions submitted by delegates.
Hosted by leading industry experts, and running fortnightly across from September to November, the online discussions are aimed at public and private sector employers, contract and commercial managers, architects, quantity surveyors and project managers.
The PBA session will be followed by a second module on Tuesday 29 September that will discuss changing the culture in the industry, problem contractual clauses, things to avoid, high-risk contract amendments, negotiating better terms and the ‘battle of the forms’.
The topics covered in the final session, held on Tuesday 24 November, will include conflict avoidance procedures, pitfalls and benefits of adjudication, the low-cost value adjudication process and expert determination.
Each webinar will start at 11am and will run for between 60-75 minutes, with sessions recorded and hosted on the Forum’s YouTube channel.
Other presenters will include Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director, Scottish Building Federation, Deborah Harrison, Legal Manager, The British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd and Angus Pearson, consultant and Director of Fortis Contracts Ltd.
Len Bunton said: “Sign-up to the webinars has already been extremely encouraging and it is clear there is an appetite for more commercial knowledge among the industry, particularly with the uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
“We will be adding to our content and roster of expert speakers over the next few weeks and months, with the aim of producing the most comprehensive range of commercial training webinars ever delivered.”
The new webinars follow four successful Forum online events in May and June, during which experts gave advice on health and safety, cashflow, contract issues and a range of employment matters.
The Forum, which is made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, has also maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys and making appeals to Government Ministers.
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 the construction sector.
The CLF is now appealing for feedback on its draft plan, with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) particularly encouraged to make their voices heard before submissions close on 15 September.
Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the editorial group of the CLF, said: “This plan is designed to be a living, breathing document that grows and develops in response to industry input, so we would urge everyone to have their say in its evolution.
“The response so far has been extremely encouraging, but we would welcome more input to enable us to build a rounded picture of the sector and its requirements going forward.”
Peter added: “This is a unique opportunity for everyone involved in the Scottish construction sector to join the conversation and shape our future in a post-COVID world.
“We are particularly keen to hear from SMEs and their experiences and expectations for the long road ahead. Therefore, I would urge all stakeholders with an interest in the construction and related industries in Scotland to feed in their thoughts to make the recovery plan even stronger.”
Launched on 28 August, the plan was created after extensive consultation with more than 50 organisations across business, Scottish Government, trades unions and other bodies, including the CICV Forum.
Representing a shared sector view of how to get industry back on its feet, it outlines the immediate and short-term response to COVID-19, setting out a pathway to the longer-term transformation required to build a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for Scotland.
Identifying five areas for concerted efforts, with associated sub-groups for each, the plan calls for key actions to respond to immediate needs, including:
A clear pipeline of work brought to market quickly and efficiently on fair commercial terms which reflect the reality of the COVID-19 environment.
Support of employment, fairness of work and those who may become unemployed through what will be a difficult period.
Transformation of working practices to maintain and enhance worker safety whilst enabling productivity in the COVID-19 working environment.
Like many other areas, the construction industry in Scotland has been hit hard by COVID-19 and is estimated to have contracted by 28.6 per cent in June compared to the same month a year ago.
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 business, university experts and public sector providers to create transformational change in the construction sector. The funding will be used to engage with the renowned Fraser of Allander Institute, which focuses on economic research in Scotland.
CSIC’s funding – which was awarded through its i-Con Challenge Fund, set up to help the construction sector develop novel approaches to dealing with the challenges brought on by Covid-19 – will allow the Forum to investigate where public bodies can most effectively invest to create the maximum benefit by creating an economic multiplier effect. It will also research the potential impact of a VAT rebate as a market stimulus.
Securing dedicated and focused funding is a new route for the CICV Forum, which has fostered a range of initiatives since it was established in March aimed at bringing the construction sector in Scotland back to full health after the nationwide lockdown.
Hew Edgar, chair of the Futures sub-group of the Forum and Head of UK Government Relations and City Strategy at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said: “This is an important development for the CICV Forum.
“Funding of this nature considerably increases our range of options and allows us to identify and highlight the investment areas which will return the greatest social and economic benefits, allowing public bodies to target their limited funds.
“Capital spending has a huge knock-on effect on the wider economy and, at £2.94, the construction sector’s multiplier effect is one of the highest in the country. It means that, for every £1 spent on construction output, an additional £2.94 of additional economic activity is generated.
“We will also now look at the potential impact of a VAT rebate, and how this could generate revenue for HMRC through increased corporation tax and increased general economic activity.”
Douglas Morrison, Director of Operations and Future Skills at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, said: “Our role is to drive cultural and transformational change across the construction industry.
“Bodies such as the CICV Forum share that vision and, in the short space of time in which it has been operating, it has proved itself to be innovative, focused and determined in its mission to improve the long-term prospects of the sector.
“We hope this funding will assist its efforts to identify new opportunities for the industry and to drive change through both commercial and publicly-funded initiatives.”
Mairi Spowage, Deputy Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “The FoA works closely with various partners, including those in business, the public and the third sector and we are pleased to be able to help facilitate the CICV Forum’s important research.
“The Forum has assembled a formidable pool of industry expertise since it was established at the onset of the pandemic shutdown and we are confident that this funding will allow it to carry on and expand its valuable work.”
The latest funding initiative reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation, which has seen it at the forefront of clear and concise information distribution throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
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, quantity surveyors and project managers.
The new webinars follow four successful Forum online events in May and June, during which experts gave advice on health and safety, cashflow, contract issues and a range of employment matters.
Fiona Hodgson, CEO of SNIPEF and Chair of the Forum’s Commercial sub-group, said: “Since March, the CICV Forum has helped countless professionals across Scotland and beyond with a wealth of information.
“This new development is yet another way in which the industry is coming together to help each other and assist in the rebuilding of the industry.”
Fiona added: “One of the most commonly asked questions we’re currently hearing is, ‘How can we improve cashflow and get paid on time?’ It’s clear there’s a demand for more commercial information, so like everything the Forum does, we’re listening to what people need and responding with clear and relevant advice that will help Scotland’s businesses.”
The Forum’s first webinar will be held on Tuesday 15 September, during which Rudi Klein, CEO of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group, will discuss the features and benefits of project bank accounts (PBAs), with particular focus on the supply chain. He will also outline how the PBA process operates, discuss the latest Scottish Government Construction Policy Note CPN 7/2020 and answer any questions submitted by delegates.
The topics covered in the final session, held on Tuesday 24 November, will include conflict avoidance procedures, pitfalls and benefits of adjudication, the low-cost value adjudication process and expert determination.
Each webinar will start at 11am and will run for between 60-75 minutes, with sessions recorded and hosted on the Forum’s YouTube channel. Other presenters will include:
Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director, Scottish Building Federation
Deborah Harrison, Legal Manager, The British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd
Angus Pearson, industry consultant and Director of Fortis Contracts Ltd
Len Bunton, experienced dispute resolution consultant and consultant to the CICV Forum.
Len Bunton said: “During the past five months, it has become obvious that the industry needs to cooperate and collaborate more than ever before if it is to survive the after-effects of this devastating pandemic.
“These free webinars will offer a wealth of invaluable commercial advice, delivered by vastly experienced professionals with a deep understanding of today’s construction industry.
“This is a unique opportunity to harness this knowledge and understanding and gain a greater insight of how to navigate the post-pandemic business landscape successfully.”
Since its creation in March, the Forum has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
The CLF recovery plan is available to view at a new website
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 caused by the global pandemic on the on the construction sector.
The construction industry in Scotland has, like many others, been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector in Scotland which provided £7.8 billion GVA to the Scottish economy and employs 143,000 people in over 50,000 enterprises, is estimated to have contracted by 28.6 per cent in June as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same month a year ago (June 2019).
The recovery plan has been created through extensive consultation and collaboration with more than 50 organisations across business, Scottish Government, trades unions and other bodies, including the CICV Forum, and represents a shared view from across the sector of a plan to get industry back on its feet.
The plan outlines the immediate and short-term response to Covid-19 and sets out a pathway between this and the longer-term transformation required to build a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for Scotland.
Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the editorial group of the Construction Leadership Forum, said: “The construction industry in Scotland has received a major blow from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the level of collaboration which has gone in to preparing this Recovery Plan is unprecedented and sets a strong foundation for transformative recovery for the industry.
“I urge all stakeholders with an interest in the construction and related industries in Scotland to feed in your thoughts to make it even stronger.”
Ken Gillespie, chair of the Industry Leadership Group, said: “This plan has only been possible through the depth of collaboration across the sector, and hard work of all involved, and demonstrates the sector’s ability to come together in a time of crisis.
“This is only the beginning though. The plan will evolve and respond to reflect the feedback and the needs of the sector. We are therefore calling for industry to review and contribute to the plan.”
The plan identifies five areas for concerted and collaborative efforts over the coming months and has established Sub-Groups to develop and progress joint action plans:
Pipeline & Commercials
Skills & Workforce
Transformation
Supply Chain Resilience & Capability
Industry Data & Insight
The plan calls for key actions to respond to immediate needs which include:
A clear pipeline of work brought to market quickly and efficiently on fair commercial terms which reflect the reality of the Covid-19 environment.
Support of employment, fairness of work and those who may become unemployed through what will be a difficult period.
Transformation of working practices to maintain and enhance worker safety whilst enabling productivity in the Covid-19 working environment.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “The construction sector supports many other areas of our economy so it is important that we maintain the health and vitality of the industry. In order to develop this plan, we have reached new heights of collaboration but we are now keen to hear from the wider industry to ensure that we arrive at a plan that will preserve jobs and help to revive our economy.”
The CLF, which has led the development of the plan, is a collaborative initiative of Construction Scotland and the Scottish Government and was established in March 2019.
Chaired by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart for the duration of the crisis, the CLF widened its membership in response to Covid-19 and has already developed and implemented plans to get the industry safely back to work to develop and implement an action plan of improvement initiatives aligned with Government policies and the Construction Scotland Industry Strategy.
Several streams of work are ongoing and prior to Covid-19, the Forum was at the early stages of considering a wider agenda for change across the industry.
The CLF shared vision is of an industry that promotes a safe, productive, profitable, digitally-enabled, low-carbon, and socially responsible construction industry which offers quality jobs and fair work to a highly skilled and diverse workforce and a quality and life-time value product to its customers.
The recovery plan is available to view on https://www.constructionforum.scot/. Industry is invited to provide feedback to the plan via the website by 15 September. CLF will take all feedback on board to help develop the plan further, with regular updates published on the CLF website. To be notified of updates and general work of the CLF, sign up here.
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 have designed projects covering a wide spectrum of areas including economic recovery, technology, skills and new processes.
The fund, managed by CSIC using funding from the Scottish Government through a partnership of the Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, was designed to respond to the challenges facing the built environment as a result of the global pandemic and offers a platform for industry and academia to collaborate.
Since its launch in May this year, a total of 242 matchmaking profiles have been created on the i-Con collaboration portal by public and private sector organisations, academia, trade associations and the wider construction sector.
Some 23 funding proposals were submitted during the first round of funding, with the following six successful project applications being granted funding or support with trials:
The 3E’s project – CICV Forum Toolkit: will develop a set of digital learning scenarios to create a COVID-19 toolkit to support Scottish construction, including apprentices, to return to work safely.
The economic, social and environmental benefits of stimulating repairs and improvements to the Scottish built environment to aid a green recovery from COVID-19 – CICV Forum: will engage the Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde, to model economic scenarios across differing area of construction work to help ascertain where the UK and Scottish Governments should target public funds to stimulate a post-Covid recovery in the sector.
Remote Building Inspection Framework – Sublime, Scottish Government Building Standards Division, Balfour Beatty, University of Strathclyde and Robert Gordon University: will use image processing and virtual reality interfaces to enable building professionals and consultants to manage and monitor the construction phase of buildings and improve productivity and quality, with fewer defects in the long term, via an online platform.
A COVID-19 response for the light-gauge steel framing industry (CovSteel) – Newton Steel Frame and the University of Edinburgh: will quantify the beneficial effects of composite action between light-gauge steel framed walls and calcium silicate sheathing, with the aim of improving efficiency of the fabrication process and material use. This will in turn support the competitiveness of the light-gauge steel framing industry and help it remain financially buoyant and so help reduce the current backlog in construction projects.
Trial of Smart Site Management Proximity Sensing Solution – SiteCircle and CSIC: trial of Bluetooth technology to create ‘Smart Site’ workplace where social distancing and contact tracing will be monitored. Social distancing and health status will provide real-time data via a WorkSafe dashboard.
Trial of Digital Pass Solution – eCom Scotland Ltd and CSIC: trial of C19 pass and digital app that aims to facilitate a safe return to work, enhance safe working environments, build employee confidence in returning and optimise efficiencies and outputs.
Lucy Black, Director of Innovation and Engagement at CSIC, said: “The response to i-Con has been overwhelming and from the levels of engagement, from those either faced with challenges or those offering knowledge and expertise, it clearly demonstrates the progressive approach the industry is taking and the appetite to recover through innovation.
“We look forward to seeing the progress made by the six selected projects in this first phase, and of course the matchmaking portal will remain open to help build more collaboration through teams who can access support and expertise to help co-create rapid, impact-focused solutions.”
CICV Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director, Alan Wilson, said: “Since the formation of the CICV Forum, we have witnessed an incredible level of co-operation and collaboration across the industry.
“It is great to see so many varied and innovative projects coming out of the i-Con initiative that will help to drive recovery in the sector and potentially transform ways of working.”
The i-Con Knowledge Hub and Online Learning Platform also offer a vital source of support designed to help the built environment community find relevant information and navigate the range of support services available to the sector.
A range of online events, webinars and training programmes will offer rich learning experiences that build resilience and knowledge across the sector.
Further details about the i-Con Hub can be found here.
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.
As well as delivering an update on the wealth of health and safety information currently available from the Forum, Becky will cover:
Updates on the two-metre distancing rule
Personal behaviour
Customer behaviour
R number update in specific areas
Reminder about normal hazards.
The new webinar follows four online Forum sessions in May and June that dealt with pressing issues including health and safety, cashflow, contracts and a range of employment matters including returning to work and unfurloughing.
Becky said: “Since our first health and safety webinar on 27 May, much has changed in the world of construction, and it is important that everyone is aware of the new developments that may impact them directly.
“This new seminar will offer a clear and concise update on the most relevant working practices and health and safety issues, and delegates will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
“We had a tremendous response to our previous health and safety webinar and it is clear that there is a hunger out there for practical information that can be followed in our everyday working lives to help keep everyone safe.”
In addition to the health and safety webinar, the Forum is also planning a series of free online training sessions in September and October, offering in-depth advice to help businesses improve their commercial and contractual awareness on construction projects.
The webinars are the latest in a series of initiatives from the Forum, which is made up of more than 100 trade associations, professional services bodies, companies and individuals.
Since its creation in March, the Forum has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
The CICV Forum has launched a colourful new social media campaign reminding the public to let construction workers do their jobs safely as Scotland strives to rebuild the sector.
Released under the theme of #RebuildingTogether, the latest initiative uses two short animations to highlight the need for co-operation and respect for workers operating in difficult circumstances.
The clips, designed to be shared on social media, feature workers called ‘Paul’ and ‘Gill’ who put a strong emphasis on physical distancing and letting workers do their jobs safely.
To help the public feel more confident about commissioning work, the campaign is also accompanied by a downloadable PDF leaflet that sets out clearly what workers and clients are expected to do – and not do – throughout projects.
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Advisor at the Building Engineering Services Association and Chair of the Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group, said: “Contractors and operatives have been extremely responsive to guidance aimed at safe working as we enter into new phases of the return to work.
“However, they must be allowed to carry out their tasks effectively and the public can play a hugely important role by supporting and respecting them and letting them do their jobs as they take on this mammoth task.
“This new campaign emphasises the Forum’s message that we’re all #RebuildingTogether and that it’s important that everyone takes personal responsibility for their actions in the interest of themselves, their colleagues and the wider community.”
Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson added: “Since the start of the CICV Forum, it’s been extremely heartening to see how people across the industry have pulled together to get us through.
“We must continue with this level of co-operation and collaboration and remind the public of the part they have to play as we move forward with Scotland’s recovery.”
The latest campaign reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation throughout the Covid-19 crisis, during which it’s become the first port of call for clarity of advice.
Made up of more than 60 trade associations, private companies and professional bodies, the Forum recently welcomed its 100th individual member as it continues to advise and inform the industry and public alike.
Since its creation in March, the Forum has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
The CICV Forum is celebrating a double milestone this week – welcoming its 100th individual member and releasing its 50th piece of guidance.
The Forum’s Commercial sub-group has been joined by Bridget Lambert,Strategic Procurement Manager at Renfrewshire Council, who is already contributing her expertise to help the industry continue its phased return.
At the same time, the collective has issued a new downloadable PDF checklist for contractors and clients, outlining the practical measures both should take to keep themselves safe during domestic work.
Designed to be emailed before work starts, and supported by two social media animations, the open source PDF joins the other work released by the Forum that includes:
Clear and relevant employment and contractual guidance
Operating procedures during commercial and domestic work
Animation outlining correct measures during emergency work
Posters and infographics to help key workers safe during projects
In-depth safe operating guidelines during the return to work
Health and safety animation for workers during restart
Open source signage pack for sites, offices and depots
Practical safety advice for apprentices returning to college
Four advice webinars hosted by leading industry experts
Employer advice about returning from furlough
Campaign urging workers to stay COVID-19 smart 24/7
A range of recommendation papers to help the sector
A consultation document to shape the future of the industry.
In addition, the Forum is now planning a series of free online training seminars starting in September, offering in-depth advice to help businesses improve their contractual and commercial awareness on construction projects.
Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, said: “To have reached these milestones in terms of both membership and expert guidance in under five months is nothing short of incredible.
“The breadth and depth of information issued by the Forum is testament to the collaboration and cooperation that exists among its members, and shows just how effective trade associations, commercial organisations and other bodies are when they work together.”
Fiona Hodgson, chair of the Commercial sub-group and Chief Executive of SNIPEF, the trade association for plumbing and heating businesses, added: “The Forum has clearly demonstrated how valuable trade and professional bodies are, both in supporting their members and representing their needs to Scottish Government.
“For the past five months, we have listened closely to what our members, clients and consumers want and delivered clear and practical advice that has been used extensively by industry and public alike. In addition, we continue to contribute to government discussions on a regular basis.
“I think we should all be very proud of such achievements and, as ever, we will continue to work hard on our members’ behalf to help them though this extremely challenging time.”
Bridget Lambert
Ms Lambert’s arrival means the Forum now has 100 individual participants from a wide range of trade associations, private companies and professional services, with 25 full-time Forum member bodies and 40 further organisations contributing to its eight sub-groups.
She said: “I am delighted to have joined the CICV Forum and am looking forward to helping it continue its vital work as we continue to overcome uncertainty during the recovery phase of the pandemic.
“I have already been extremely impressed by the wealth of experience among my fellow members, and have been particularly inspired by everyone’s commitment to shaping the future of the industry for the better.”
Ms Hodgson said: “I am delighted to welcome Bridget to the Forum and we greatly appreciate the contribution she has already made to the Commercial sub-group.
“Every new member brings additional skills to the Forum, and Bridget’s involvement can only help in our ongoing mission as we continue to support our members and represent their views as we help the whole industry return to work safely.”
Ms Lambert’s arrival follows hot on the heels of trade association DHF, who joined as the latest full member in July, along with a new Consultants sub-group containing representatives from 12 professional bodies.
Since its creation in March, the Forum has drawn on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
The seven new documents offer a range of health and safety advice
As Scotland’s building sector continues its recovery, the CICV Forum has issued a raft of new health and safety guidance to help steer workers through the phased return.
Seven new pieces of open source collateral have been released, offering in-depth industry advice on topics including face coverings, hand washing, domestic working and what to do if there is a case of COVID-19.
In addition, the Forum has updated the comprehensive 42-page document, COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance, which underpins the Safe Operating Guidance produced by Construction Scotland, Scottish Government and the wider industry.
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), a leading member of the Forum, said: “This new collateral is another important step in protecting both our workforce and the Scottish public as we all work together to minimise the spread of infection.
“The Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group has worked collaboratively to produce clear and practical guidance that is easy to follow and which can be used immediately by businesses of all sizes to help in their ongoing return.”
Advice for businesses carrying out non-essential domestic work
Health and safety checklist before work is carried out
Effective use of face coverings
Good hygiene and hand washing
A questionnaire for clients before site visits
What to do if someone displays symptoms of COVID-19
Template letter for confirmed cases of COVID-19
In addition, the COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance has been updated to reflect the latest developments on face coverings, physical distancing, travel and prevention of cross-contamination, with all new content clearly signposted.
The COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance has been updated
The latest documents were compiled by members of the Forum’s Health & Safety sub-group – Pete Walker, Director of Health, Safety and Training at the British Constructional Steelwork Association, Craig Hartley, Head of Health, Safety and Improvement at Hugh LS McConnell, Jim Cornwall, Technical and Safety Adviser at SELECT and Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at SNIPEF.
Martyn said: “As the construction industry move to the next stage of the phased return, it’s vital that everyone works together to continue the excellent work done so far.
“Health and safety will be vital in the weeks and months ahead, and it’s paramount that we don’t compromise ourselves or our customers at this crucial time.
“The sector is relieved to be returning at last, but workers everywhere must be aware that there can be no let-up in health and safety awareness.”
Pete added: “This is yet another important demonstration of how the CICV Forum has the best interests of the construction at its heart.
“It’s up to everyone to use this clear and concise guidance to make sure that we operate in accordance with the highest possible standards. I know it will be welcomed by those constructors who continue to help rebuild Scotland responsibly and safely.”
It also reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation, which has seen it at the forefront of clear and concise information distribution throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
As the easing of lockdown measures continues across Scotland, the CICV Forum has launched a new social media campaign urging construction workers to stay safe in their social lives.
Using two engaging animations and free downloadable posters, the collective is calling on sector staff to protect colleagues by following physical distancing guidelines in their private lives as well as in the workplace.
Designed to be shared on social media, the campaign coincides with the reopening of bars and restaurants in Scotland, and makes it clear that any good work achieved through on-site best practice could be undone if habits are relaxed in pubs or other social gatherings.
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Advisor at Forum member the Building Engineering Services Association, said: “It is important to hammer home the message that this dangerous bug has not gone away and that we all need to remain vigilant at home as well at work to prevent a resurgence.
“Once again, we are presenting the key points in a simple and entertaining format, which is eye-catching as well as informative. Operatives have responded magnificently to guidance in the workplace and we are sure they will respond positively to this further reminder.”
The first short film features a construction worker called Campbell and the message: “Campbell is COVID-19 smart. Campbell keeps to the physical distancing rules. Campbell doesn’t break those rules in his spare time. Be like Campbell. Be COVID-19 smart.”
A second animation features another construction worker called Fiona, who also observes physical distancing in her spare time to help protect her colleagues when she returns to work. The message is repeated on open source posters, designed to be printed out and displayed in workplaces.
Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the Forum’s Communications Sub-Group,said: “We have made huge strides in getting core safety messaging accepted and applied on site, in depots and in construction offices.
“Now we need to reiterate that, and urge our workforces not to relax their guard in their time away from work. I’m sure that everyone will understand that it would be dispiriting to throw away the gains we have made by not abiding by the distancing rules at all times.”
Iain added: “This latest campaign continues the Forum’s key message that we are all #InThis Together and the importance of workers taking personal responsibility to protect themselves, their colleagues and the wider community.”
It also reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation, which has seen it at the forefront of clear and concise information distribution throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
Posters can be printed out and displayed on-site and in offices and depots
Leading CICV Forum member the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has followed in other organisations’ footsteps by signing up to the Conflict Avoidance Pledge (CAP).
By signing up, organisations vow to work proactively to avoid conflict, facilitate early resolution of potential disputes and promote collaborative working. In signing the Pledge, the SBF will now be encouraging its members to give serious consideration to joining the scheme.
Vaughan Hart, managing director of the SBF, said: “The uncertainty currently facing the construction sector is at its highest level for a generation and in that context the CAP is something which should be viewed as a platform upon which the continued remobilisation of the industry, as it emerges from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, could be substantially based.
“If all parties operating in the construction sector adopt the principals detailed within the CAP, there will more emphasis placed on working collaboratively through this crisis and less energy wasted on costly disputes.”
The onset of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown created significant uncertainty across the industry, with shutdowns, sickness and shielding creating issues with staffing levels, supply chain disruption, rising costs, reduced productivity and time delays.
The Cabinet Office and Infrastructure Projects Authority previously published guidance asking that parties to contracts impacted by the COVID-19 should act “responsibly and fairly, support the response to COVID-19 and protect jobs and the economy”.
In recognition of the likelihood that the effects of the crisis will lead to disputes between clients, contractors and suppliers, the NFB has now joined a string of other bodies who are actively encouraging a collaborative approach aimed at resolving issues as timely and cost effectively as possible. To do this, the CAP states:
We believe in collaborative working and the use of early intervention techniques throughout the supply chain, to try to resolve differences of opinion before they escalate into disputes.
We recognise the importance of embedding conflict avoidance mechanisms into projects with the aim of identifying, controlling and managing potential conflict, whilst preventing the need for formal, adversarial dispute resolution procedures. We commit our resources to embedding these into our projects.
We commit to working proactively to avoid conflict and to facilitate early resolution of potential disputes.
We commit to developing our capability in the early identification of potential disputes and in the use of conflict avoidance measures. We will promote the value of collaborative working to prevent issues developing into disputes.
We commit to work with our industry partners to identify, promote and utilise conflict avoidance mechanisms.
At the time, Alan Wilson, Forum Chair and Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are delighted to sign the Pledge and add the Forum’s name to its signatories page.
“Disputes in the construction industry cost billions of pounds, causes immeasurable harm to business relationships and reputations, and are extremely slow and difficult to resolve.
“Such problems mean that projects are frequently delivered behind schedule and over budget, which adds further strain to an already stressful industry.
“By joining others to encourage collaborative working and the use of early intervention techniques, we can help the construction industry perform better when restart eventually happens.”
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.
Suggested measures include repurposing existing vacant property near schools, or building temporary accommodation in suitable locations with a common design approach, including fit-out, to ensure compliance with site operating procedures (SOPs).
Inspired by other emergency situations, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the fire at the Glasgow School of Art, the Forum claims such measures would ensure the health and safety of staff and pupils, and also stimulate the economy by providing a pipeline of work for consultants and contractors.
Hew Edgar, chair of the Futures sub-group of the Forum and Interim Head of UK Policy at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said: “We have a wealth of consultants and contractors who could participate in such a project.
“Scottish contracting, manufacturing and supplier industries could quickly gear up to meet this pressing need for children, staff, families and the economy, and therefore maximise the economic multiplier benefits for the country.”
The move comes after John Swinney, MSP, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said on 23 June that the current aim was to re-open schools full time rather than using a “blended model”.
In its letter, the Forum says: “We have discussed the potential for the industry to adopt steps by which a full return to learning may take place and suggest there are a spectrum of measures to minimise cost and the need for intervention.
“These include the rapid identification of opportunities to build temporary accommodation, such as modular buildings/marquees etc, in school playgrounds or adjacent fallow ground to increase school capacity.
“These could each follow a common design approach, and fitted out to minimise the possibility of cross-contamination between students both inside and outside the classroom.
“Contractors on the internal fit-out of these units could undertake the work and by being a generic design, a programme of works be established to ensure compliance with SOPs.
“If such design principles were agreed, suppliers across Scotland will respond which would stimulate the construction industry and create a solution to ensure the continued education of Scotland’s school pupils during this time.
“This will create a short-term pipeline of work for consultants and contractors across Scotland and the right environment for the continuation of existing apprentices work-based evidence and future apprenticeship opportunities.”
The letter endorses earlier suggestions by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, which has already written to Mr Stewart regarding innovative thinking on the subject of school capacity during the crisis.
Hew added: “Scotland is very well based to deliver such a programme with the quality of construction consultants within the industry, quality of contractors and using the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre.
“It would, of course, be essential that the temporary accommodation be built of sustainable materials and consideration given to their future use when we are in the positive position where they can be removed and CICV Forum would be very happy to work with the Scottish Government, and Public Health Scotland, on this proposal.”
The proposal is the latest initiative from the Forum which, since the beginning of the enforced industry shutdown, has been at the forefront of positive actions to benefit the sector, work colleagues and the community.
Since then, it has been drawing on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and conducting regular dialogue with Government Ministers.
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 swell the collective’s ever-growing roster of experts.
Their arrival means the Forum now has 25 full member bodies from across Scotland and beyond – including Government agencies, private companies and professional services – plus eight sub-groups receiving input from more than 40 separate organisations.
Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, said: “We are delighted to welcome both DHF as our latest full member and the 12 bodies who make up the new Consultants sub-group.
“Now that restart is under way in earnest, cooperation and collaboration is more vital than ever, so we appreciate the knowledge and expertise that these new Forum contributors bring.
“Each new member brings new strengths and we greatly appreciate the knowledge and insight we know they will deliver as part of our ongoing efforts.”
As a not-for-profit trade association, DHF represents companies associated with locks and building hardware, doorsets, industrial doors and shutters, domestic garage doors and automated gates.
Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at DHF, said: “The Forum gives the industry an invaluable opportunity to discuss the issues we all face and decide how restart can be managed safely for both contractors and consumers.
“We are proud to contribute our voice to and help make our contribution to a remarkable joint initiative that has already made such a positive mark on the construction sector.”
The new Consultants sub-group is made up of representatives from leading industry bodies Atelier Ten, Currie & Brown, David Narro Associates, Gardiner & Theobald, Hardies, JM Architects, Keppie Design, Page\Park, Reiach & Hall, Turner & Townsend, Will Rudd Davidson, and Woolgar Hunter.
The sub-group is chaired by David Logue, Partner and Board Member of Gardiner & Theobald, who said: “We are grateful to have been given this opportunity to listen and offer assistance where it is needed to help reshape the sector during restart and recovery.
“The Forum has been the perfect example of how the industry can come together and work towards a common goal, and we look forward to contributing to its ongoing success.”
Since its creation in mid-March, the Forum has been at the vanguard of the battle to save the construction sector in Scotland, distributing information and becoming the first port of call for clarity of advice.
In another practical step to help the sector’s restart, the CICV Forum has released a short film outlining the key health and safety steps that all staff should take during the return to work.
Entitled Working Together, the 90-second animation illustrates the positive day-to-day measures that workers in the construction industry can take to protect themselves, their colleagues and the wider community.
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Advisor at Forum member the Building Engineering Services Association, said: “The restart has the potential to be an unsettling time for everybody concerned, with people unsure about exactly what they should do.
“This latest animation lays down in simple terms, with bright and cheerful graphics, the common sense ways in which everyone can contribute to a safe working environment and help keep the virus at bay.”
In line with Scottish Government and Construction Scotland advice, which is underpinned in an earlier Forum guidance document, the animation advises that employees should:
Travel to work alone, if possible.
Observe physical distancing at all times.
Wear a proper face covering if required.
Wash their hands properly and often.
Regularly clean frequently touched tools, objects and surfaces.
The film also emphasises how everyone can play their part by:
Bringing their own prepared food and drink.
Staying on site or using their vehicle during breaks.
Always coughing into their sleeve or elbow if they don’t have a tissue.
Staying at home and following Government guidance if they have Covid-19 symptoms.
Reading their company’s Covid-19 policy and risk assessment.
The new film follows the launch of the Forum’s return to work pack, and reinforces its reputation for proactive innovation, with the collective being at the forefront of information distribution and the first port of call for advice and clarity for many enterprises.
Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the Communications Sub-Group on the CICV Forum,said: “The Forum has been at the forefront of information flow since the start of the crisis in March.
“The number of trade associations, professional bodies, companies and individuals who have come together for mutual benefit and for the sake of the preservation of the sector underlines the core message of the film that, by working together, we can successfully navigate a safe return to work.”
The animation was once again brought to life by creative agency Connect Communications whose Managing Director Alan Ramsay said: “For the second time during this pandemic we have successfully created a clear and straightforward message that can be quickly and easily understood and adopted by the construction sector’s diverse and varied workforce.”
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.
Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV Forum and Managing Director of SELECT, the electrotechnical trade body for Scotland, said: “Moving to Phase 2 of the national route map and Phase 3 of the construction restart plan is a further positive move which we wholly welcome.
“A steady, planned return to normal in both the construction industry, and in the Scottish economy more generally, could not be more desirable, but health and safety considerations remain critical.
“Our members are well prepared to meet the challenge of the phased return with caution, ever-conscious of the importance of not rushing at it, doing things properly and following the Forum-produced guidelines which are contained in a range of industry advice about correct working practices during course of the crisis.”
The Forum – which has been working towards restart with a number of bodies, including the Construction Leadership Forum – has been the authoritative voice of Scotland’s construction industry throughout the weeks and months of the COVID-19 lockdown.
During its latest virtual meeting, held just hours after the First Minister’s announcement, 27 Forum members were joined via phone by Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning.
Mr Stewart was given a high-level briefing of the latest steps being taken by Forum members to help align its members’ work practices with the Scottish Government’s Phase 2 provisions, and also answered a series of questions about next steps.
During his call, Mr Stewart said: “I realise this has been a difficult time for us all both professionally and personally, and I’m extremely grateful for the hard work, patience and input of the CICV Forum, which has helped shape how we move forward.”
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 for on and off-site use, outlining in comprehensive detail how to manage the restart while keeping staff safe.
The resource also features a downloadable PowerPoint Toolbox Talk which takes employers and employees through the new restrictions and workplace etiquette that must be observed.
The documents can be downloaded and printed off in A3 or A4 size, and can also be adapted for individual use, with space left for company logos and contact details to be added.
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Advisor at Forum member the Building Engineering Services Association, said: “The Forum’s Health and Safety Sub-Committee is aware that many people will be unsure about exactly what actions they need to take to ensure they are up to date with the guidance.
“This return to work pack spells out, step-by-step, the new rules and the new ways of working which everyone will have to adopt in order to get the industry back on its feet and delivering a service for its clients and the country.”
The Forum collateral will now help with this return, with the 32-page PowerPoint designed to be used as a Toolbox Talk to share practical guidance about physical distancing, travelling to work, general hygiene, close working, PPE and eating and toilet arrangements.
Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the Communications Sub-Group on the CICV Forum, said: “The objective of this latest initiative is to safeguard everyone in our industry and to work together to protect our wider community and families.
“The return to work pack provides a basis from which companies can establish safe working practices which will allow them to create a plan of action to get sites up and running again and bring their people back to a new era of safe operation.”
The information pack is the latest in a series of initiatives from the Forum, which has been at the forefront of information dissemination to the sector throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and which has become for many enterprises the first port of call for clarity of advice.
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 release in April, the animation was soon eagerly embraced by other bodies, who were granted permission to adapt it for their own use.
A special version of the animation is now being promoted by the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the trade association for electrotechnical projects in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
It has also been adapted and used as an aid by BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems.
The animation has even been translated into Finnish and adopted by Stul, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Finland.
Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT and Chair of the Forum Communications Sub-Group, said: “We’re delighted that the Forum animation has struck such a chord across the industry and beyond.
“Its success has come from being clear and easy to follow, delivering an instantly understandable message to employees and customers about the new reality we all now face. It also gives people a guide on how to stay safe as lockdown restrictions are eased.
“Like all CICV Forum guidance, the animation is open source and designed to be shared with as many people as possible, so we were more than happy to grant permission for bespoke versions to help spread the message even wider.
“We are currently preparing to release a follow-up animation about the safe return to work which we hope will also prove similarly useful for organisations everywhere.”
The film, which was brought to life by the team at Connect Communications, outlines the precautions that should be taken by both employees and householders during domestic work, advising that contractors:
Check that no one in the work site has symptoms
Assure householders that contractors have no symptoms.
Stand two metres apart and don’t shake hands.
Wash hands during and after work, using their own towel.
Wipe down all tools and instruments.
The film also emphasises how homeowners can also play their part by:
Opening doors and windows and staying in a separate room.
Signing work off electronically.
Using bank transfers, not cash, for payments.
The ECA version has now been viewed more than 3,000 times, while the original Forum version has enjoyed more than 1,500 hits on YouTube.
Alan Ramsay, Managing Director at Connect Communications, said: “Our aim with this animation was to make the message as accessible as possible and we are very pleased that it has been seen to be particularly relevant across such a wide area.”
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 achieved.
Forum chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, said: “We appreciate that not everyone in the construction sector is represented by the Forum – our major housebuilders for example – and we are anxious that all parties within our industry contribute to the national debate on where we go next.”
With companies beginning a phased return to work, the wide-ranging questionnaire addresses multiple issues which have not gone away during the pandemic and suggests that the sector cannot realistically go back to the way it was.
Led by Consultant Len Bunton, the consultation was compiled with the input of four leading quantity surveying firms, as well as Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director of the Scottish Building Federation, and Ken Lewandowski, former local chairman of Clydesdale Bank.
Mr Bunton said that, for everyone involved in construction, the ultimate objective for the post-pandemic future must be an industry which is not only fair and transparent but allows contractors and the supply chain to operate profitable businesses.
He said: “The questions in the consultation will be put not only to the many trade and professional bodies in the Forum, as well as their members, but to all parties engaged in the sector. We are seeking the broadest possible body of opinion to help form policy in the coming months and years.
“We want to look at the endemic problems of low tendering, low or no margins and the lack of regard for competency and experience. Serious cashflow and payment issues, poor quality and health and safety problems are also consistent concerns for the industry.
“We also need to hear from public and private sector clients who are the lifeblood of the industry, as their investment creates employment for the construction sector in Scotland.”
Mr Bunton added: “The consultation makes the point that the CICV Forum, which was quickly and efficiently assembled to deal with the ongoing effects of the shutdown, has demonstrated the desirability of disparate parties coming together to work for the mutual benefit of the sector.”
The consultation is the latest in a series of initiatives from the Forum, which has been at the forefront of information dissemination to the sector throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and which has become for many enterprises the first port of call for clarity of advice.
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 the battle to save the construction sector in Scotland during the enforced shutdown.
Their arrival means the Forum now has 24 full member bodies from across Scotland and beyond, including Government agencies, private companies, professional services and training bodies, plus 27 further organisations contributing advice to its seven sub-groups.
As the industry prepares for a return to domestic work under the Scottish Government’s latest restriction-easing phase, Forum Chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, said: “We are delighted to welcome these new organisations and we greatly appreciate the contribution they will make to our ongoing efforts.
“The Forum, in its daily activities and in its comprehensive provision of practical information and advice, has performed an unprecedented service to every component part of our vital industry and each new member brings new strengths.”
APS is a leading professional institution in the field of construction health and safety risk management, while the SPRA is the primary trade association for the single ply roofing sector.
Lesley McLeod, Chief Executive of the APS, said: “Construction will play a vital part in getting the Scottish economy moving again after COVID-19. The Forum provides an invaluable opportunity for industry from across the country to discuss the issues we all face, no matter the size of business, and how the sector can safely get back to work.
“The Association for Project Safety strives continuously to improve and promote the professional practice of design and construction health and safety risk management and we are very pleased to join the group to make our contribution to this remarkable joint work.”
Dr Ronan Brunton, Technical Manager of the SPRA, said: “Since 1992, our organisation’s mission has been to achieve growth and sustainability among our members and this is exactly the challenge now facing the Forum.
“It has been particularly heartening to see so many organisations working together for the common good and we are determined that our part of the industry will do everything it possibly can to help.”
The CICV Forum has been at the forefront of information dissemination to the sector throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and has become for many enterprises the first port of call for clarity of advice.
Since its creation in March, it has been drawing on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
The manner in which it has co-ordinated this guidance by encouraging a culture of working together for mutual benefit is being noted across the sector as a model for future collaboration.
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 Forum and Kevin Stewart, MSP, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning.
CICV Forum Chair Alan Wilson, who is also Managing Director of SELECT, said: “The announcement about a return to work and the inclusion of domestic work in the lockdown easing will be a huge relief to the lots of businesses across the whole sector which provide essential services to homeowners all over Scotland.
“However, as always in construction, safety is the overriding consideration and firms must prepare to carry out work in a wholly changed working environment, which will produce its own new challenges.”
Shortly before the announcement was made, Mr Stewart had responded to a letter from Mr Wilson, confirming that the move to Phase 2 of the construction sector restart plan would include work in domestic properties.
He also stressed that the restart would have to be undertaken with a new set of safe working practices in mind, including physical distancing, face coverings and enhanced hygiene provision, in order to continue to control the virus.
Gordon Nelson, Scotland Director of Forum member the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Health and safety, for employees and customers alike, will be critical as we work to bring the construction industry back to some semblance of normality.
“While this is good news, everyone concerned must recognise the importance of continuing to follow the guidance and ensuring that the only job that will be undertaken will be a safe job.”
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of Forum member SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation, said: “The response from the construction industry across Scotland during this crisis has been impressive, coming together to take positive action for mutual benefit.
“While the announcement is welcome, we are not out of the woods yet and every company and employee involved in getting back to work needs to abide by the new restrictions under which we all must now operate.”
The CICV Forum has launched a major consultation among its members to discover what stakeholders want for the Scottish construction industry after COVID-19 – and how to achieve it.
With companies beginning a phased return to work, the wide-ranging questionnaire addresses multiple issues which have not gone away during the pandemic and suggests that the sector cannot realistically go back to the way it was.
The consultation is the latest in a series of initiatives from the Forum, which has been at the forefront of information dissemination to the sector throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and which has become for many enterprises the first port of call for clarity of advice.
Forum chair and SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, said: ”All too often we are told that a body or organisation is the ‘voice’ of a sector but to be the voice, first of all you must listen to what members are saying.
“Being the ‘ears of the industry’ is a concept often sadly forgotten and this piece of work aims do just that – listening to what the industry wants before suggesting options for change.”
Led by Consultant Len Bunton, the consultation was compiled with the input of four leading quantity surveying firms, as well as Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director of the Scottish Building Federation, and Ken Lewandowski, former local chairman of Clydesdale Bank.
Mr Bunton said that, for everyone involved in construction, the ultimate objective for the post-pandemic future must be an industry which is not only fair and transparent but allows contractors and the supply chain to operate profitable businesses.
He said: “The questions in the consultation will be put to the many trade and professional bodies in the Forum, as well as their members. The aim is to focus on the step changes which are necessary, the main problems and the potential solutions.
“We want to look at the endemic problems of low tendering, no margins and the lack of regard for competency and experience. Serious cashflow and payment issues, poor quality and health and safety probelems are also consistent concerns for the industry.
“We also need to consult with public and private sector clients who are the lifeblood of the industry, as their investment creates employment for the construction sector in Scotland.”
Mr Bunton added: “The consultation makes the point that the CICV Forum, which was quickly and efficiently assembled to deal with the ongoing effects of the shutdown, has demonstrated the desirability of disparate parties coming together to work for the mutual benefit of the sector.”
The Forum, made up of trade associations, professional services bodies, companies and individuals, stepped into the fray immediately in March with advice on how to operate safely while carrying out emergency or essential work.
It has since been drawing on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and speaking regularly with Government ministers.
The consultation was initially issued to members of the Forum only. If you would like to submit your thoughts about the future of the Scottish construction sector, please email [email protected] for a copy of the consultation and return it by 19 June.
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 overview of how employers should bring workers back to full employment.
It is the latest in a series of initiatives from the Forum, which has been at the forefront of construction advice throughout the pandemic, becoming the first port of call for many enterprises seeking clarity.
Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at Forum member SELECT, said: “The past few months have been a particularly stressful time for both employers and employees, but we are now approaching the stage where firms may be looking at the process of how to ‘unfurlough’ their staff.
“Our latest guidance, therefore, looks in detail at the options that all parties face now that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until October and employers will be asked to begin to share the burden of paying salaries with the UK Government.”
The latest guidance covers a wide range of issues and examines subjects such as:
the timeline for bringing furlough to an end
when it can be ended
the steps to keep furloughed workers safe
measures to ‘unfurlough’ workers
‘unfurloughing’ and ‘re-furloughing’
potential refusal to return
mental health of staff.
The document also supplies useful letter templates covering the long-anticipated restart, as well as any health and safety preparations and a questionnaire to help gather information about the process.
Vaughan Hart, Managing Director of Forum member the Scottish Building Federation and chair of the Forum Employment sub-group, said: “Employers have a duty of care for the health, safety and wellbeing of their workers and must identify and manage any risks
“They must also communicate their intentions clearly to their staff and this latest document provides practical guidance and templates which will help them to do that timeously and effectively.”
The Forum, made up of trade associations, professional services bodies, companies and individuals, stepped into the fray immediately in March with advice on how to operate safely while carrying out emergency or essential work.
It has since then been drawing on the collective expertise of its members to maintain a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
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
Its overarching principles are protecting the vulnerable, keeping contact lists updated, providing staff with relevant training, offering suitable facilities for hand washing etc, and ensuring that physical distancing is properly policed.
Other measures in the downloadable PowerPoint, entitled Lessons to be Learned, include:
Face coverings – ensuring apprentices cover their faces in enclosed places where it is difficult to keep 2m away from others. This covering can be made of cloth or other textile through which people can breathe, e.g. a scarf.
Travel to college – physical distancing is advised when travelling in vehicles to and from college, with single occupancy of vehicles is preferable. If this is not possible, apprentices should sit as far apart as the vehicle allows.
Tools, equipment and plant – all tools and equipment should be properly sanitised as frequently as possible to prevent cross-contamination, with cleaning materials provided. Only one person should use the same equipment and plant.
Toilet facilities – restrict the number of people using toilets at any one time and ensure a physical distance of 2m is maintained. Ensure visual hand washing guides are clearly visible and enhance the cleaning regime, particularly door handles, locks and flush handles.
Canteens and eating arrangements – apprentices and students should bring a packed lunch and flask, break times should be staggered, everyone should wash their hands before eating and hand sanitiser provided. In addition, diners should sit 2m apart, pre-packed food should be sold and contactless or card payments used.
Corridors – wherever possible, introduce a one-way system on access routes, making clear there is one door in and another door out and marking up walkways to clearly indicate 2m spacing.
First aiders – to avoid risk of infection, responders should minimise hand contamination, avoid touching their face and clean their hands frequently. FFP3 or FFP2 masks, gloves, aprons and eye protection should be worn during treatment, with any disposable PPE disposed of afterwards.
Cleaning – ensure all frequently-touched objects and surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Risk assessments – all documentation for workshops and classrooms should be reviewed before colleges reopen, and should align with any relevant Scottish Government guidelines.
The guidance also urges college staff to make apprentices aware of cough etiquette and other do’s and don’ts, as well as alerting them to the symptoms of Coronavirus and what to do if they start to display them.
It is also says staff should share the guidance with all lecturers and apprentices on a continual basis, with any apprentice not following the rules reported to their training provider for immediate action.
The guidance was compiled by Fiona Harper, SELECT’s Director of Employment and Skills and The Secretary of the SJIB, and Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT.
Other essential input came from members of the CICV Forum Health & Safety Sub-Group, including Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at the employers’ federation SNIPEF.
Fiona said: “With ongoing discussions about the resumption of studies, we are all obviously keen that apprentice safety is put firmly at the forefront.
“These recommendations are designed to be practical and easy to follow, with clear guidance on how to protect both apprentices and the college facilities themselves from the ongoing thereat of Coronavirus.”
To help spread the message even wider, the presentation is being adapted into an animation that will be shared on social media and websites, encouraging apprentices to stay safe during their studies.
Fiona added: “In everything we’re doing, the message is clear: We must work together to stop this virus, safeguard the young people in our industry and protect our wider communities and families.”
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, Scottish Government and across industry.
Rebecca Crosland, Forum member and Health and Safety Advisor at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), said: “Safe Return and Restart is an important contribution to the protection of the workforce and to help minimise the risk of further spread of infection.
“It is intended to provide detailed guidance to businesses of all sizes across all construction activity in line with the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland recommendations on the management of COVID-19.”
The expanded guidance covers a wide range of issues and proposes key control measures, including physical distancing, hygiene, travel and prevention of cross-contamination, as well as advising on H&S documentation, site management, deliveries, meetings and training.
Pete Walker, Forum member and Director of Health, Safety and Training at the British Constructional Steelwork Association, said: “Health and safety has never been more important and it is paramount that it is not compromised at this crucial time.
“The entire sector is relieved about planning to getting back to delayed projects, but sites must be aware that there can be no derogation to the usual health and safety legislative requirements. If an activity cannot be undertaken safely, it should not be undertaken.”
Craig Hartley, Head of Health, Safety and Improvement at UK-wide external property refurbishment provider Hugh LS McConnell Ltd, who was involved in the creation of the new document, said: “This is an important step forward in providing clear and concise guidance.
“The discussion until now has been whether it would be safe to return and, now that that decision has been taken, it is up to everyone in the sector to make sure that when work begins that we operate in accordance with the highest possible standards.
“The guidance, like all CICV Forum advice, is clear and easy to follow and I think it will be welcomed by responsible constructors who realise it provides a road map back to a viable and vibrant construction industry in Scotland.”
The Forum, made up of trade associations, professional services bodies, companies and individuals, stepped into the fray immediately in March with advice on how to operate safely while carrying out emergency or essential work.
It has since played a critical role in providing clarity and transparency at a time when firms are facing their greatest existential threat in living memory.
Following the resounding success of its first webinar, the CICV Forum is immediately staging a follow-up event as the sector begins its long-awaited return to work.
The webinar comes hot on the heels of the inaugural event on 27 May in which Becky Crosland, Health and Safety Advisor at the Building Engineering Services Association, and CICV Forum member, chaired a lively discussion on health and safety.
At a time when the industry was gearing up to restart site activity, 136 people from across the sector signed up and took part – a particularly promising start.
Becky said: “This was a tremendous response and it clearly demonstrates that there is a hunger out there for clear, concise information which is particularly relevant to the strange times in which we find ourselves.
“I am sure this week’s webinar will be every bit as successful. Cashflow is a matter of primary importance to every company in the industry and the webinar looks as if it will be a welcome new way of imparting information widely and efficiently.”
The webinar series is the latest initiative from the Forum, which has produced a comprehensive 42-page underpinning document to complement recent safe operating guidance issued by the Scottish Government and Construction Scotland.
Ian Honeyman said: “The Forum was set up to respond to the biggest crisis any of us have ever experienced and it has responded with professionalism, dedication and a clear and firm purpose.
“The webinars are another example of innovative thinking and the collective ability to respond positively to a crisis. There is a great lesson here for the whole sector as we try to rebuild our badly-damaged economy.”
The webinar on Wednesday 3 June at 11am is open to anyone. Register here.
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 a decision to move to Phase 2 of the plan after consulting with government to ensure it is safe to do so in line with public health advice.
The industry-agreed six-step phased model for the return of the construction sector is as follows:
Phase 0: Planning
Phase 1: Covid-19 Pre-start Site prep
Phase 2: ‘Soft start’ to site works (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
Phase 3: Steady state operation (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
Phase 4: Steady state operation (where physical distancing can be maintained and/or with PPE use)
Phase 5: Increasing density/productivity with experience
The latest announcement provides an opportunity for the sector to plan a return to work with a little more certainty. It is noted that the return will also include domestic work well as work on sites.
To provide further assistance to those who work on sites, Construction Scotland has issued a guide entitled Working on site during the COVID-19 pandemic: Construction Guidance, a copy of which is available here.
The Forum has also developed more detailed guidance on health and safety which can be viewed here. The Forum is also working on guidance on employment issues to assist in the return to work planning, which will be available in the next few days.
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 – commented after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland will begin a process to reopen construction sites from May 28, alongside other measures.
Under the phased return to work, businesses will be allowed to resume work on sites, based on a six-point plan which the government has developed with the industry. Collaboration and cooperation with the trades unions will also be important to ensure a safe return.
The overriding focus on safety has been promoted by the Forum, which has successfully produced a range of industry advice about correct working during course of the crisis.
Vaughan Hart, Managing Director of Forum member the Scottish Building Federation, said: “The shutdown in Scotland has been one of the biggest challenges the sector has ever faced and, while we wholeheartedly welcome the return to work, it must be carried out in the proper manner.
“This means that the health and safety of operatives is paramount, and the correct guidance and procedures must be adhered to at every phase of the proposed route map. The Forum has been at the forefront of helping the industry by clarifying advice and this effort will now come into its own.”
The Forum says it now plans to release more guidance to help business owners, contractors and apprentices through each stage of the phased return, including advice for construction sites, domestic work and colleges.
Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV Forum and Managing Director of SELECT, the electrotechnical trade body for Scotland, said: “This is the news we have been waiting for and it has not come a moment too soon.
“We all understand the reasons why Scotland has been in virtual shutdown since March, and we all need to work together to assist the sector as it faces an uphill struggle to recover.”
Hew Edgar,Head of UK Government Relations and City Strategy, added “One of the most important lessons to come out of the crisis is the value of working together for mutual benefit.
“The Forum, was only created eight weeks ago, and is the perfect example of this principle, having brought together a huge range of organisations and individuals in a concerted effort to protect the industry.
“As we restart the sector, collaboration between everyone involved – clients, architects, surveyors, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers – will be of the utmost importance since many of the issues which beset the industry pre-COVID, such as late payments and retentions, will still need to be addressed.”
Marcus (front row, second from the right) with his team
Quarry boss Marcus Paine says he’s already looking at life after lockdown – but fears uncertainty over cashflow could leave many SMEs like his family business between a rock and a hard place.
The businessman – currently President of CICV Forum member The Stone Federation (GB) – has spent 26 years building up quarrying firm Hutton Stone in the Scottish Borders. After starting with his parents’ support in 1994, the outfit today supplies the finest natural and sustainable sandstone masonry to the new build and restoration construction sectors.
Like many firms, Marcus was forced to furlough staff and rely on government grants when lockdown happened in March. And like his fellow business owners, he’s now extremely mindful of what will happen when he returns to work and the realities of stalled cashflow begin to bite.
Marcus said: “With 40 staff we are no by no means a big business, but nevertheless we are a significant employed in a rural area and the concerning thing for me and those like me is how we’re going to be able to finance things once we get back to work.
“When we restart, let’s say for example on 1 June, we’ll instantly see our fixed overhead shoot up to £125,000 a month, of which £85,000 represents our wage bill, plus HP, finance and ancillary costs of around £40,000.
“We’d then expect to cut and supply stone for a month and invoice our customers at the month-end. And if our customers are good payers, we would expect a payment from them at the end of the following month, so with luck the beginning of i.e. August.
“However, that means we would have incurred at least £250,000 worth of costs before our best payers might pay – and some of them might well be in difficulty, which could start to offset our expenditure further.
“Given that early paying customers have always been harder to find in the construction sector, I can easily imagine a further month of delays in payment, taking us to £370,000 of incurred costs – and by this time we would most definitely have also begun incurring additional quarrying costs, consumable costs, bulk fuel costs, explosives costs, block purchase costs and more.
“That is a huge sum for any SME to finance in working capital and provides a sense of the level of focus we will need to apply to the issue of restarting carefully and with great caution.”
Hutton Stone directly employs 40 people in the Borders
Hutton Stone currently directly employs 40 people and has many others in its support chain – a significant number in a rural area like the Borders – but Marcus says he’s not confident banks will do their bit to support a vital local business.
The businessman – who is the fifth generation of his family to work in the natural stone industry – said: “Government support has been immense, but the banks have been very slow to the table for SMEs like us.
“The vast majority of SMEs take considered and careful risks every day when we run our companies, borne out by determination to succeed and create secure, thriving businesses that will last. However, the banks have said they are ‘risk-averse’ which is dismal; the banks were saved by the UK taxpayers in 2008 and there are now lots of frightened owners of longstanding decent SMEs out there who believed that in this unprecedented situation they might be able to share their risks with the banks.
“Like me, they have been in business for many years and have behaved responsibly throughout, honouring contracts, looking after their staff and paying their taxes.
“Now banks are asking for one year of cashflow and clear detail of how we SMEs can trade out of the current crisis – in a situation where no one knows what the cash position will be next month, far less in 12 months’ time!”
Marcus went on: “Despite the vital work they do in creating jobs and prosperity, I think SMEs are undervalued and poorly served by society. It strikes me that this is not widely understood by politicians, policy makers and the general public when we are broadly referred to simply as ‘business’.
“There are great differences between large businesses and SMEs and many feel that while we are given all the responsibilities of big business we are not afforded the same support from our financial institutions as we are perceived as small and somehow higher risk.
“I understand the governments have pressed the banks to cooperate with the SME sector and, as we roll forward, have asked us to let them know if we need assistance. The answer is yes we do, though personally I don’t know what that will mean exactly as the situation changes daily.
“Everything is currently short-term; we tread carefully and work with our partners, which I hope, especially after 30 June, will continue to include the governments as well as the banks.
“Like many SMEs, we don’t have buckets of cash resources but we work hard, invest, build and develop and do our best from day to day to keep ourselves strong, resilient and intact, pay wages, creditors and taxes, and seek constantly to move forward.”
Hutton Stone provides natural and sustainable sandstone masonry
As well as a poor initial response from the banks, Marcus said the initial lack of clarity from government was disappointing – but they soon stepped up and delivered.
He said: “Throughout this entire episode, clarity and a clear lead from both the UK and Scottish Governments was vital. For a while there were no definitive answers on anything and there was quite a bit of uncertainty over the furlough situation.
“Initially, we thought we could work, since ours isn’t a business that can be operated from home. However, as conflicting political views emerged, most of our customers took the view that the moral thing was to stop operations, and given none of our supplies were to essential projects at the time, we decided to do the same.
“We currently have 38 colleagues who are being supported by the furlough scheme, and the arrangements have been very helpful, as has our ability to take up finance and HP holidays.
“I also spoke to our MSP, Rachel Hamilton, who was extremely helpful in giving us good advice and, to her credit, Nicola Sturgeon has also been very clear. The only thing to note is that here in the Borders the differing political messages across the UK could not be more acutely felt.”
Marcus added: “With the help of furlough and the HP holiday, we can now run the business for around £10,600 a month, which means our business and loyal staff are secure at this point. The wording of the Scottish Government’s rates relief package initially excluded us, but subsequent changes to the wording seem to suggest that we now may fit the modified criteria which would be very helpful.
“The only thing I’m not so sure about is deferring PAYE and VAT payments to HMRC – it’s a red herring and seems potentially suicidal. Much better to keep paying it now if you can, rather than being faced with big debts in March next year.
“I can see many SMEs falling next year, having being encouraged to use VAT and PAYE deferral money before being able to source other funding which just doesn’t make sense.”
Hutton Stone stopped operations in March
Once the all-clear is given, Marcus said he is unclear exactly how a return to work would happen at Hutton Stone – but insisted caution would be his watchword.
He said: “Like a lot of people, we’ve had a very challenging and difficult few weeks, but I sense that reopening the business when demand is unclear is going to require far more focus than shutting down.
“I think a staged return to work, with continued social distancing and maybe just a skeleton staff will be the first stage.
“With the health and safety rules being applied, we might look at a gradual rollout towards a state of near-normal, though this assumes, of course, that our colleagues are prepared to co-operate and return to a changed workplace.”
That changed workplace will include plenty of twists and turns along the way, and Marcus acknowledged that he, his staff and family are facing a leap into the unknown.
He said: “We’re just ordinary working people like anyone else, with mortgages and families to bring up. But at the moment, I just can’t tell what the future holds.
“What I do know is that it’s vital for all of us – SMEs, bosses, staff, banks and governments alike – to do our bit in the safe, steady and secure recovery of our economy, and shoulder the risk and responsibility together.”
By signing up, organisations vow to work proactively to avoid conflict, facilitate early resolution of potential disputes and promote collaborative working.
Alan Wilson, Forum Chair and Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are delighted to sign the Pledge and add the Forum’s name to its signatories page.
“Disputes in the construction industry cost billions of pounds, causes immeasurable harm to business relationships and reputations, and are extremely slow and difficult to resolve.
“Such problems mean that projects are frequently delivered behind schedule and over budget, which adds further strain to an already stressful industry.
“By joining others to encourage collaborative working and the use of early intervention techniques, we can help the construction industry perform better when restart eventually happens.”
The Forum joins a host of leading UK construction and engineering bodies who have pledged to reduce the cost of conflict and deliver major infrastructure and property development projects on time and on budget.
The collaboration aims to promote greater understanding and use of conflict avoidance techniques, which help contracting parties deal with differences of opinion early and amicably, and avoid costly, slow and potentially damaging litigation.
The CAP is also developing initiatives to inform high-level decision-makers about the added value of these techniques and how to access and use them.
In addition, the Conflict Avoidance Coalition Steering Group has developed a toolkit which offers a guide to best practice, tips for implementation and other tools to effectively apply the Pledge within an organisation.
Shaped by feedback from industry partners to ensure it meets the needs of users, the toolkit aims to educate people working across the industry about the lifecycle of conflict avoidance and early intervention to prevent disputes.
The CICV Forum has welcomed the launch of a new fast-track summary adjudication process for low-value disputes, complete with a capped adjudicator’s fee.
As the economic effect of the Covid-19 impacts severely on the construction industry, many contractors in the smaller end of the market are struggling to access dispute resolution even under the reduced cost of Low Value Adjudication process.
As a specific response to the needs of the industry, Forum member the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is now offering summary adjudication for claims below £20,000, for an initial limited period until the end of July.
Parties can apply for the nomination of a qualified adjudicator who will be able to deliver a summary decision, with outline reasons only, restricted to one A4 page, within 14 days of referral. There will be no inspection or site visit involved and the fee will be capped at £1,000 plus VAT.
Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV Forum and Managing Director of SELECT, said: “The Forum welcomes the initiative by the RICS to introduce a very fast adjudication process for low-value disputes with a very restricted adjudicator’s fee. The supply chain in Scotland will welcome this initiative.”
Dr John Fletcher, Director of Dispute Resolution at RICS, added: “RICS DRS is responding proactively to the current market and user feedback. As the largest adjudicator nominating body in the UK, we believe we should do what we can to provide much needed relief to the SMEs most badly affected. I am deeply grateful to the skilled adjudicators on the RICS President’s Panel who have volunteered to staff this service at the hugely reduced rates involved.”
To apply for the nomination of an adjudicator under this scheme, complete and return the summary adjudication application form. There is an application fee of £250 + VAT for this type of nomination.
For further information, see the RICS website, email DRS or call: +44 (0) 20 7334 3806.
The CICV Forum has issued protective signage for key workers carrying out emergency and essential projects in another initiative to support the construction sector in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The posters and stickers, designed to be displayed on sites or on vans, carry the legend ‘Key worker on site: carrying out essential work’. They are designed to deflect reported harassment and abuse which has been directed at employees by members of the public.
The signage will alert the public to the fact that workers they see in the streets or on sites are not flouting the rules but instead are performing vital roles, in line with guidelines, to ensure that the fabric of the country remains in good condition during the lockdown.
John McKinney, secretary of Forum members the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group, said: “As a consequence of mixed messaging from government, there has been some confusion among certain members of the public about what is essential working.
“However, that is no excuse for harassing people who are going about their legitimate business, and we hope these signs, which carry an information helpline number, will help clarify the situation.”
As well as posters and stickers for contractors, the signage also include posters for customers to put in windows, with the collateral now distributed to each of the Forum’s 23 member organisations.
Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director of the Scottish Building Federation, said: “This is a time when we should all be working together and the Forum is keen to reduce any possible tensions between key workers and misinformed members of the public.
“In a period when the Scottish Government is asking people to remain in their homes, it is important that these homes are watertight, safe and have essential working facilities, such as water, gas and electricity, and that is what the construction sector’s key workers are ensuring.”
The CICV Forum, which was set up two months ago, now has 23 trade and professional bodies as full members. A further 27 organisations have input on its seven influential sub-groups, dealing with mission-critical aspects such as health and safety, skills and future planning.
The Forum has been lobbying vigorously on the industry’s behalf since Holyrood shut down the construction sector, apart from work on hospitals and emergency interventions.
The CICV Forum has written to Holyrood urging the Government to adopt a five-point plan to assist contractors through the worst of the COVID-19 crisis.
The collection of 23 trade and professional bodies has addressed its appeal to Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning.
The letter asks the Scottish Government to implement the following five key points, along with desired aims:
Agreement by public sector procurers on all project costs at March 31, including resolution of disputes, and payment within 14 days.
Aim: Release cash to the industry and the supply chain.
Public sector procurers to consider release of all or part of retentions.
Aim: As above.
Introduction of 14-day payment period when construction recommences.
Aim: Improvement of cashflow.
Introduction of Project Bank Accounts (PBAs) when construction recommences.
Aim: Ensuring rapid cashflow.
Lowering PBA threshold on public sector procurement to £250,000.
Aim: As above.
The urgency of the appeal was highlighted by the fate of the latest victim of the building industry shutdown – Central Building Contractors (Glasgow), which went into administration at the end of April, making 148 staff redundant and sending shivers down the supply chain.
Len Bunton, head of the CICV Forum Clients sub-group, said: “Even before the sudden shutdown of the construction industry in Scotland, the sector was experiencing extreme difficulties in relation to cashflow and payment. Urgent attention to payment cash flow and fairness is now needed by the public and private sector in Scotland.”
Ian Honeyman, Commercial Director of Forum member the Scottish Building Federation, said: “From the end of March, most contractors and the supply chain in Scotland have been unable to generate work in progress on sites. This situation will continue for a significant period beyond the date of a return to operational sites.
“The Forum has produced realistic recommendations on improving cashflow and if there was co-ordination on these matters between local authorities, Scottish Government procurement departments and the Scottish Futures Trust, this would give a significant lead to the Industry on to how to sensibly manage a way through this crisis.”
The Forum’s plea to the Minister also follows a major survey which showed that cash flow has completely dried up for nearly 80% of firms in the construction industry in Scotland and that close to two thirds of businesses are being hit by late payments.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF), said: “Retentions are something we have to look closely at in the future, but even a temporary release of public sector contract retentions would generate significant cash flow throughout the industry.”
The CICV Forum, which was set up two months ago, now has 23 trade and professional body members. It has established a series of influential sub-groups dealing with mission-critical aspects such as Health and Safety, Skills, Communication and Future Planning.
A new CICV Forum infographic aims to provide greater clarity over essential work and help the public understand exactly what construction projects key workers can carry out.
The infographic was developed by the Forum after key workers reported being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects.
Forum members reported an increasing number of tradespeople being intimidated and verbally abused by the public while carrying out legitimate projects in line with CICV Forum guidelines.
The graphic has therefore been developed to show a checklist of projects that will help the public understand the range of work classified as ‘essential’ by key workers.
John McKinney, secretary of Forum members the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group, who said: “Essential construction work is not confined to building a major hospital for COVID-19, but we know that people might not be aware of this.
“Greater understanding is needed among the public to understand that the key workers carrying out such work aren’t flouting the rules – they are performing essential tasks and should be allowed to do so without fear of abuse.”
The reach of the CICV Forum continues to grow, with more organisations coming on board to help play their part in the recovery of the industry.
A total of 78 individuals are now involved, representing 48 different official construction bodies from across Scotland and beyond, including Government agencies, private companies, professional services firms and training bodies.
In addition, some 26 other organisations are now represented on the Forum’s seven sub-groups which help shape guidance and support on mission-critical aspects such as employment, health and safety, skills, client liaison and future planning.
Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs at the CIOB, said: “In a very short space of time the CICV Forum has demonstrated its effectiveness and, as the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership, we are very keen to be able to play our part in supporting the industry at this trying time.”
The Forum, which was formed only last month, has already played a major role in clarifying conflicting information for the sector and issuing practical guidance for companies, clients and employees. Its sub-groups now provide further insight into the wealth of talent and experience to which it now has access.
Representatives from the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) and the Scottish Building Contract Committee are playing a key role in the Commercial sub-group.
The Skills sub-group now includes experts from Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust, Skills Development Scotland and the Construction Industry Training Board.
Lending their insight to the Health & Safety sub-group are the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists & Construction Industry Council, Building Safety Group, McConnell, Hardies, Fisher Group and ISG Construction.
The Forum’s Future Planning sub-group enjoys contributions from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, Specialist Engineering Contractors’ Group Scotland, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Futures Trust, Gardiner & Theobald LLP, James Frew, Hardies, Interserve and Currie Brown.
And the Communications sub-group is now benefiting from the input of key staff members from Blueprint Media and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre.
A new Clients sub-group has also been created, helmed by experienced Arbitrator and Adjudicator Len Bunton of Bunton Consulting, which contains representatives from the Society of Construction and Quantity Surveyors, Scottish Property Federation, NHS, SFHA, SFT and Gardiner & Theobald LLP.
The Employment group is currently made up of full Forum members.
Stephanie Lowe, Head of Employment Services at Forum member SNIPEF, said: “It is no surprise that the CICV Forum continues to attract such influential support, since the work it has done to back the industry since it was established has been quite remarkable.”
Ian Cuthbert, Programme Manager for the Energy Saving Trust, added: “The growth of the CICV Forum is a classic illustration of just what can be achieved if the many disparate elements of our vital construction industry work together for the good of the sector as a whole.”
And Anne Galbraith, CEO of the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust, said: “A great deal of talent and expertise has been assembled in a very short time in response to an unprecedented emergency and it is clear that the CICV Forum is reacting in a cohesive and considered manner. I think we can expect more good work from this body.”
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson, who chairs the CICV Forum, said: “The Forum has been delighted with the speed, willingness and efficiency with which agencies and individuals have contributed their experience and expertise in the wider interests of the industry.”
The CICV Forum has welcomed the news that the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is backing the new Conflict Avoidance Pledge.
The CLC this week announced their support for the pledge, which sees clients and contractors committing to implementing conflict avoidance measures in their contracts and on site.
The measure, which was developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, will reduce the financial cost of disputes and help projects be delivered on time and in budget.
Alan Wilson, Chair of the Forum and Managing Director of SELECT, said: “The introduction of an early intervention process into the sector is very welcome news for the construction industry in Scotland, as is the endorsement of the CLC.
“The timing of this is perfect given the current circumstances and all construction companies can use this process to resolve any contractual and payment issues. Members are encouraged to sign the Conflict Avoidance Pledge.”
Len Bunton (pictured above), Forum member and one of the country’s most experienced dispute resolution consultants, added his support.
He said: “This pledge means that we now have in place a proven and cost-effective process to resolve any contentious issues on construction projects and importantly to preserve relationships.
“I also encourage all construction organisations to sign the Conflict Avoidance Pledge.”
Andy Mitchell, chair of the CLC, said: “Preventing the escalation of problems with the delivery of construction projects into disputes is in the best interests of the whole supply chain and will save the industry significant time and money.
“The pledge has already delivered measurable results for those organisations that have used it, and we hope others will adopt it and help to build a more collaborative and stronger industry.”
The Conflict Avoidance Procedure has been designed to help parties avoid disputes and agree a settlement by mediating discussions, providing impartial and objective assessments of the issues, recommendations for bases for settlement and providing expert advice.
Organisations signing up to the pledge are encouraged to work collaboratively and use early intervention techniques throughout the supply chain to try and resolve issues before they escalate into disputes.
Several professional bodies in the construction and engineering sectors have already signed up, including the ICE, the RIBA, Transport for London and Network Rail.
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 two bodies stressed that the industry must prove that it is trying to help itself.
Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV Forum and Managing Director of SELECT, said: “The construction sector is facing extraordinary difficulties at the moment and these problems will only be exacerbated if everyone delays or simply refuses to pay their suppliers.
“There has been some evidence that some businesses have chosen to delay payments or extend credit terms, which is quite unacceptable – and wholly the wrong response to the current situation.
“Put simply, we will only come out of this with a viable construction sector if the cash keeps flowing and businesses which are the lifeblood of the economy can maintain enough liquidity to meet their own commitments.”
Ken Gillespie, Chairman of the Scottish Construction Industry Leadership Group, said: “Cashflow works if everybody in the chain plays their part. It is vital for everyone, especially at a time like this to ‘pay it on’, and enable others to pay their bills as well.
“The industry has already shown that it can act in concert and now it has to recognise that it is vital that invoices are paid on time. It’s the one really constructive thing everyone can do to keep the industry alive.”
Mr Wilson said the importance of the construction industry to Scotland was illustrated by the fact that it employs more than 175,000 people, or around 10% of the total workforce.
It contributes £21.5 billion to the country’s GDP and acts as a strong economic multiplier, with £2.94 generated for every £1 spent on construction output. Vitally for the industry’s future, it also supports around 10,000 apprentices.
The CICV Forum has presented Holyrood with a paper of comprehensive recommendations to ease the cashflow crisis as the group continues fighting to save Scotland’s construction sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The paper, which outlines a series of urgently-needed actions to improve liquidity in the industry, will go to both public and private sector clients, while the Scottish Government will be kept informed and its support sought.
The most recent initiative by the Forum reinforces calls to the industry to ensure that payments are made on time to safeguard the sector’s future.
And it follows the revelation in a major survey in mid-April that cashflow has completely dried up for nearly 80% of firms in the sector and that that close to two thirds of businesses are being hit by late payments.
The paper, agreed by all members of the Forum, is aimed at assisting the supply chain through the months ahead to enable construction businesses to survive. It proposes:
An agreement of an effective Final Account between contractors and employers, as well as between public bodies and design teams, on the value of work completed by March 30 this year and compromise to resolve disputed issues.
Reduction in the payment cycle time frame for public bodies and agreed cash flow forecasts on recommencement.
Involvement of the whole supply chain.
Alternative methods of dispute resolution.
Dealing with liquidated and ascertained damages at Final Account stage.
The release of 50% of retentions held by the public sector, and of sector-wide historic retentions. Also, a retentions embargo for six months.
The reduction of PBA thresholds and the use of existing low-cost adjudication schemes.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of Forum member SNIPEF, the plumbing and heating employers association, said: “The construction sector as a whole is currently facing extraordinary difficulties, which will only be exacerbated if companies and public bodies take unnecessary time to pay their suppliers.
“This paper outlines a multi-pronged strategy to improve cashflow and introduce some creative thinking on addressing what lies ahead.”
Ms Hodgson pointed out that the importance of the construction industry to Scotland was illustrated by the fact that it employs more than 175,000 people, or around 10% of the total workforce.
It contributes £21.5 billion to the country’s GDP and acts as a strong economic multiplier, with £2.94 generated for every £1 spent on construction output. Vitally for the industry’s future, it also supports around 10,000 apprentices.
Grahame Barn, Chief Executive of Forum member CECA Scotland, added: “Just as the Government has rightly stepped in to inject cash into the economy, contractors and clients must play their part by keeping cash circulating through the sector.
“The construction industry needs to emerge from this crisis in the best shape it can and the best way of achieving this is for everyone to pay our suppliers in full and on time.”
The CICV Forum has already played a major role in clarifying conflicting information for the sector and issuing practical guidance for companies, clients and employees. It has now established a series of influential sub-groups dealing with mission-critical aspects such as Health and Safety, Skills, Communication and Future Planning.
The CICV Forum is helping to provide greater visibility on what constitutes ‘essential work’ to prevent key workers being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects.
Forum members have reported an increasing number of tradespeople being intimidated and verbally abused by the public while carrying out legitimate projects in line with CICV Forum guidelines.
One contractor said: “On one commercial job, our engineers were subjected to a barrage of abuse by residents and staff. Our guys were upset and didn’t want to be there, so in the end, the local authority had to put up posters explaining that we were carrying out essential work. It was the only way our engineers could be left alone to do the work.
“Not all essential obvious work is obvious to the public, but that is no excuse for the behaviour that some of us in the construction industry are having to put up with.”
To try and diffuse the situation, the Forum is producing a checklist of projects to help the public understand the range of work classified as ‘essential’. It also plans to offer on-site signage to help workers make it clear to the public they are carrying out essential work only.
He said: “The general public may not be aware of the full range of projects that constitute ‘essential work’, but these are workers who are performing a vital role safely and responsibly.
“At a time when the Scottish Government is asking people to remain in their homes it is even more important that these homes are watertight, safe and have essential working facilities, such as water, gas and electricity.
“Builders and plumbers’ merchants are also needed to provide supplies for essential repair and maintenance, such as heating and hot water breakdowns, roofing repairs, and electrical and fire safety.”
Mr Stewart added: “It is important that the public understand that there is still a need for essential works to be carried out in these challenging times and industry professionals should be able to complete repairs in safety, without fear of criticism and rebuke.”
His words were echoed by John McKinney, secretary of Forum members the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group, who said: “Essential construction work is not confined to building a major hospital for COVID-19, but we know that people might not be aware of this.
“There are dozens of other construction works that are classed as essential to keep the fabric of Scotland intact. At the very least, homes need to be watertight and safe both inside and out for people to be able to live in them. That’s why the construction industry is working hard across Scotland to ensure people can stay at home during these times to protect the NHS.
“Greater understanding is needed among the public to understand that the key workers carrying out such work aren’t flouting the rules – they are performing essential tasks and should be allowed to do so without fear of abuse.”
To help the public, the Forum has now compiled a list of essential work that is permitted to be carried out, including:
Making safe buildings or building sites which could be a danger to the public
Repair and construction of critical road and utility infrastructure
Emergency call-out services, e.g. electrical, plumbing, glazing and roofing
Making inhabited buildings safe and watertight, e.g. after storm damage
Domestic repairs to ensure occupants’ safety and wellbeing, e.g. the elderly
Repair and maintenance of essential buildings, e.g. fire and police stations, food retailers
Safe operation of faulty heating and water systems
Essential inspections to prevent health outbreaks, e.g. legionnaires
Supply of materials for these and other essential COVID-19 projects.
In addition, the Forum is developing a series of free signage for contractors to use to make it clear that any work being carried out is essential.
Designed to be printed out and inserted in van windows and properties, the read: “Key Worker: Carrying Out Essential Construction Work.”
Andrew Renwick, Managing Director of Caltech Lifts, who represents Forum member the Lift and Escalator Industry Association, said it was vital that this new collateral was used responsibly.
He said: “It is imperative that this material is only displayed and worn by individuals undertaking qualifying work, so employers should also issue employees with appropriate paperwork so that they can provide evidence if question by the police.
“Anyone caught abusing this material should be dealt with and the employer spoken to by the authorities.”
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.
Since the HMRC portal opened on Monday 20 April, more than 140,000 companies employing around a million workers have applied to the furlough scheme. The cost of about £1 billion is expected to rise significantly as more companies take up the offer.
Vaughan Hart, Managing Director of Forum member Scottish Building Federation and chair of the Forum Employment sub-group, said: “The Forum wishes to record its appreciation of the intense amount of work that has been undertaken behind the scenes by HMRC to so effectively address a situation that, just a few short weeks ago, nobody could have envisaged.
“Fears that the system might be overwhelmed seem unfounded as the rollout and handling seems to have gone smoothly so far.
“Feedback also seems to suggest that payments are now being made as scheduled, so fingers crossed this continues and a vital lifeline is successfully delivered.”
Andrew Renwick, Managing Director of Caltech Lifts, and also a member of the Forum Employment sub-group, said: “The Revenue has taken on a mammoth task and seems to have made a really good start, demonstrating admirable speed and efficiency.
“The circumstances have been unprecedented and it is very gratifying to see the importance that government attaches to the small businesses which are the lifeblood of the economy.
“However, the job is still only half done, and the real test will come over the next week or so when it will become clear if funds are paid out on time to those who need them most.”
The scheme means that employers who cannot maintain their current workforce because their operations have been severely affected can “furlough” employees and apply for a grant that covers 80% of their usual monthly wage costs, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance and pension contributions.
The scheme is temporary, in place for four months starting from March 1, 2020, but it may be extended if necessary and employers can use this scheme at any time during this period.
The CICV Forum has already played a major role in clarifying conflicting information for the sector and issuing practical guidance for companies, clients and employees. It has now established a series of influential sub-groups dealing with mission-critical aspects such as Health and Safety, Skills, Communication and Future Planning.
The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) has produced a paper on how authorities may interpret the provision of the Scottish Government’s Construction Policy Note 1/2020 for existing construction projects in the hub programme.
By presenting this view, the SFT hopes that there may be a common approach adopted with appropriate levels of collaboration between authorities and contracting parties. The aim is to mitigate the impact of the crisis on all parties with a pragmatic approach being recommended.
Further information and the full paper can be found here.
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 emergencies following recent Scottish Government instruction for all non-essential work to cease.
The theme of cooperation also echoes the strategic aims of the Forum itself, which now has 16 members from across the construction sector pulling together in the interests of the industry.
Anne Vessey, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Electrical Distributors’ Association(EDA) and Head of the CICV Forum Communications Sub-Group, said that the new film was open source and was designed to be shared by as many people as possible.
She said: “It has become very clear that we will only beat this devastating virus by co-operating, and the different members of the Forum have come together in a remarkable way to support a sector which itself supports so many different trades and skills.
“This concise animation clearly explains how we can all reduce risk of Coronavirus exposure when necessary emergency work or repairs have to be carried out in the confined spaces of the domestic environment.”
The animation advises that contractors:
Use the CICV Forum template to communicate and plan work
Check that no one in the work site has symptoms, and assure that contractors have no symptoms
Stand 2m apart and don’t shake hands
Wash hands during and after work, using their own towel
Wipe down all tools and instruments.
Ms Vessey said the film also emphasised how homeowners can also play their part by:
Opening doors and windows and staying in a separate room
Signing work off electronically
Using bank transfers, not cash, for payments.
The animation, which was developed by design agency Connect Communications, is now being shared widely across the construction sector.
Ms Vessey added: “This film is a further initiative in the Forum’s campaign to provide clarity and transparency to Scotland’s construction firms during the current pandemic emergency.”
The CICV Forum has already acted swiftly to help to end the uncertainty around which construction works can be undertaken and has issued guidance to companies to resolve the conflicting messages from the Scottish and UK Governments.
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 private sector clients, with invoices now overdue.
As a consequence of the current pandemic, more than two-third of all companies who took part in the survey say they’ve furloughed staff, over a third are shut completely, while more than a quarter currently have staff and sub-contractors in self-isolation.
The effect of the COVID-19 crisis and the recent Scottish Government instruction for all non-essential work to cease is revealed in the survey, which was carried out on behalf of the CICV Forum between 1 and 14 April.
The survey analysed responses from 377 construction companies across Scotland, ranging from electricians, builders and plumbers to surveyors, architects, roofers and joiners.
Among its findings, the poll revealed that:
78.92% of respondents, or 262 firms, said cashflow has stopped.
67.74% of respondents, or 231 firms, have furloughed staff.
36.53% of firms are now closed, while 54.13% are carrying out emergency work only.
56.10% of firms have overdue invoices that were sent directly to public sector clients.
55.42% of firms have overdue invoices that were sent directly to private sector clients.
26.39% of firms have staff and sub-contractors who are currently self-isolating
33.13% of firms say they are finding it difficult to source appropriate materials
John McKinney, Secretary of Forum members the National Federation of Roofing Contractors(NFRC), the Stone Federation and the Scottish Contractors Group, said: “These disturbing results illustrate very clearly that the construction sector in Scotland is being hard hit, despite the measures that have been put in place to alleviate the pain.
“It is clearly incumbent on all branches of government and public bodies to step up efforts to expedite payments under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme announced by the Chancellor in March. However, there is a danger that even this may be too late for many firms, especially smaller enterprises.
“The same urgency is required for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which needs to be fast-tracked. Nearly half of companies which have applied have found the process cumbersome and difficult.”
The online survey also gathered feedback from respondents, who painted an increasingly bleak picture of the current construction landscape.
One respondent said: “Cashflow is a major concern; we will only last a maximum of six weeks if government funding or bank loans don’t come through. We will then have to start making staff redundant.”
Another contractor voiced his frustration at those businesses still ignoring the lockdown, saying: “I’d like to see a clampdown across the whole industry, with penalties enforced on those flouting government instructions.”
Respondents also called for better information from the UK and Scottish Governments, with requests for greater clarity over both what work can be carried out and the financial and commercial implications of the virus.
One contractor said: “What about when it’s all over – how heavily are we going to be penalised financially through tax and VAT? The mixed messages from both governments have made things very difficult to understand.”
Ms Hodgson, who is leading the Commercial Sub-Group of the CICV Forum, said: “Small construction sector companies are taking the brunt of the shutdown at the moment and many simply do not have the resources to sustain a long period of inactivity.
“As the CICV Forum survey shows, cash flow is a major issue and fast-tracking of financial support from government will be crucial as this crisis develops.”
The analysis of how businesses are coping – or not coping – is the latest initiative by the group, which is made up of respected construction industry bodies including the professions, and which was formed as a direct response to the epidemic emergency. The CICV Forum has already acted swiftly to help to end the uncertainty around which construction works can be undertaken and has issued guidance to companies to resolve the conflicting messages from the Scottish and UK Governments.
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 Model Adjudication Procedure (LVD MAP) procedure set up by the Construction Industry Council (CIC).
The service is aimed at disputes where the amounts claimed are for £50,000 or less, and the issues in dispute are relatively uncomplicated. RICS has also set up a high-quality panel of RICS adjudicators who have been trained to deliver the service.
RICS is a key supporter of the CIC LVD MAP, which was set up as a direct response to concerns that adjudication had become too costly and complex for smaller amounts and has been involved in its development over the last two years.
John Fletcher, Global Director of Dispute Resolution Services at RCIS, said: “RICS is very supportive of the CIC’s best practice guidelines and as a professional body who can provide adjudication services is happy to be able implement our service sooner to support small businesses in these extraordinarily challenging times.
“With cashflow a growing issue for the sector, this service offers a realistic opportunity for SMEs in the construction industry to have disputes resolved cheaply and effectively, where they might previously have found the costs and complexity of adjudication to be prohibitive.”
Industry Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “As part of our ambition to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business, we will always support initiatives that help companies of all sizes to achieve their potential.
“This new, more transparent process will offer access to justice for small and medium-sized companies in the construction industry, helping ensure small disputes are resolved quickly, cheaply and effectively. We welcome the work of RICS and the CIC in developing this initiative.”
The LVD MAP complies with the Construction Act and includes an uncomplicated timetable and structure. It provides a flexible, yet simple to understand, approach to the key elements of the adjudication process and can reduce the amount of reliance parties may need to place on professional representation.
Crucially, the procedure is relatively inexpensive, and both sides will know beforehand how much the adjudicator will charge and how much each will have to pay.
Details of the CIC LVD MAP will be formally launched at a rescheduled event at RICS HQ on 23 June 2020. Details of the service can be found here.
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 messages from the UK Government about
what construction work could be undertaken, the group acted swiftly in
an attempt to end the uncertainty.
The Forum is now recommending to its members, which include many micro and small businesses, that they:
FOLLOW the First Minister’s advice about closing non-essential building sites
ONLY carry out required repair and maintenance or any emergency work until further notice
SUSPEND other work such as building extensions, installing kitchens and bathroom suites or rewiring properties etc in the meantime.
The prompt and reassuring action follows a strong appeal to the
Scottish Government by the CICV immediately after its inauguration to
help with cashflow and protect construction jobs against the “crippling”
background of Coronavirus.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of Forum member the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbers’ Federation (SNIPEF),
said: “This is a valuable response to a rapidly evolving situation. The
mixed messages from government had created significant uncertainty and
we hope that this new guidance will help employers, employees and
customers to know where they stand.”
Vaughan Hart, Managing Director of fellow member the Scottish Building Federation
(SBF), said: “It is of the utmost importance in these uncertain times
to have the parameters clearly defined. The CICV Forum guidance makes it
clear that, with the exception of sites classified by the First
Minister as being essential, only repair and maintenance of an emergency
nature should be undertaken in the construction industry.”
Gordon Nelson, Director of the Federation of Master Builders Scotland,
said: “The conflicting messages were leaving contractors in the dark
and the most important thing we need from those in charge during this
period of uncertainty is clarity.”
Grahame Barn, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association
(CECA – Scotland), added: “We were in danger of damaging confusion
around what is regarded as safety critical infrastructure work. This new
guidance puts us in a position from which we can plan and move
forward.”
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson represented the Forum in a meeting this week with Fiona Hyslop, Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, during which he pressed for greater clarity on how the current working practices will affect tradespeople across Scotland.
The Forum has also set up two working groups to deal with employment issues, led by Vaughan Hart, and a commercial group led by Fiona Hodgson.
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 Fiona Hyslop, Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture,
urging her to support the Scottish construction sector.
Contractors can also assist by lobbying their own MSPs asking for their support using a letter which they can send to their local MSP.
In its hard-hitting letter, the group says: “Most of Scotland’s
economy is made up of micro and small businesses, many of whom are
already facing the closure of construction sites and a reduction in
domestic work. This will undoubtedly lead to business closures, loss of
jobs and skills at a time that Scotland can least afford and would
seriously dent Scotland’s future economic growth.
“However, what we would do need Scottish Government to do, in this
unprecedented time, is to use its influence with clients to ask that
payments are accelerated as quickly as possible to ensure that the flow
of cash will continue.
“It is also vital that clients ensure that payment must be cascaded
down the supply chain to ensure that everyone who is legitimately due
cash is paid more quickly. We would also request that all public sector
clients immediately release any retentions due to boost cash flow in the
sector.”
The CICV Forum is also asking the government to allow public sector clients to:
Suspend the use of open tenders
Use the Quick Quote method of tendering where possible
Ask public sector clients to provide clarity on existing contracts and on the contractual position regarding delays
Keep the momentum going to ensure the industry survives.
Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are at the
beginning of what is likely to be a prolonged and very difficult time
for a sector which has already been struggling during recent years.
“If the Scottish construction industry is to survive this crisis, it
is absolutely vital that the Scottish Government and public sector
clients continue to procure a steady pipeline of work.
“Given the unprecedented challenges ahead, we would urge the Scottish
Government to relax current procurement rules and procedures, in the
short term, to help industry and public sector clients overcome the
inevitable staffing issues all employers will face over the coming
months.
“We’re also requesting that the government adopt a light touch,
because the private sector may not have the staff to compile large
specifications and the public sector won’t have the staff to mark it.”
Vaughan Hart, Managing Director of the SBF, added: “We are already
seeing a significant impact on the way the industry is having to alter
its mode of operations and we are sure there will be many more issues to
be dealt with as things develop.
“Cashflow has always been a major factor for companies operating
within the construction sector and this is even more important now, as
work streams are restricted and the potential impact on future workload
is unknown.
“Any measure which improves cash flow and easies the route to future
work opportunities has to be looked at seriously in these times,
otherwise we may not have the industry we will need to grow the economy,
once the worst of the impact of the coronavirus is over.”
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “These are desperate
times for everyone. If we go into lockdown, firms will simply not be
able to afford to keep staff on and with redundancies comes a loss of a
skilled workforce which is already in short supply.
“The new CICV Forum will now share views weekly and feed into the
Scottish Government. It is vital therefore that members keep us abreast
of the issues they are facing as they develop.”
The move comes after Aileen Campbell, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, this week announced a package of measures to help Scotland’s communities cope with the “worldwide public health emergency”.
This included an additional £350million for local hardship funds,
£45million for the Scottish Welfare Fund and a £20million Third Sector
Resilience Fund to help organisations cope with cashflow.
Ms Campbell also urged the UK Government to reconsider its approach
to welfare and increase levels of Universal Credit, statutory sick pay
and reverse its cap on children, saying these were “not normal times”.
Alan said: “We have now set up an online advisory group where CICV
Forum members will share intelligence, advice and information across the
whole sector. We will also use it to keep the government informed.
“These are not normal times, which is why it is vital that the
construction industry is helped with these vital issues, just as other
areas are being assisted.
“Now is the right time for Scottish Government to show leadership and
take bold and decisive actions as quickly as possible to keep the
industry afloat.”
Meanwhile. public sector clients have been ordered to settle
construction bills straight away and still pay for work even if sites
are suspended.
The Cabinet Office has issued a new procurement policy note in the
wake of the coronavirus crisis, ordering all public sector clients to:
Urgently review their contract portfolio and inform suppliers who
they believe are at risk that they will continue to be paid as normal
(even if service delivery is disrupted or temporarily suspended) until
at least the end of June.
Put in place the most appropriate payment measures to support
supplier cash flow; this might include a range of approaches such as
forward ordering, payment in advance/pre-payment, interim payments and
payment on order (not receipt).
If the contract involves payment by results then payment should be
on the basis of previous invoices, for example the average monthly
payment over the previous three months.
To qualify, suppliers should agree to act on an open book basis and
make cost data available to the contracting authority during this
period. They should continue to pay employees and flow down funding to
their subcontractors.
Ensure invoices submitted by suppliers are paid immediately on
receipt (reconciliation can take place in slower time) in order to
maintain cash flow in the supply chain and protect jobs.
The emergency guidance comes into force immediately and will last until 30 June.
The Cabinet Office said: “The current outbreak of COVID-19 is
unprecedented and will have a significant impact on businesses of all
sizes.
“Many suppliers to public bodies will struggle to meet their
contractual obligations and this will put their financial viability,
ability to retain staff and their supply chains at risk.
“Contracting authorities should act now to support suppliers at risk
so they are better able to cope with the current crises and to resume
normal service delivery and fulfil their contractual obligations when
the outbreak is over.
“It is vital that contracting authorities pay all suppliers as quickly as possible to maintain cash flow and protect jobs.
“Contracting authorities should also take action to continue to pay
suppliers at risk due to COVID-19 on a continuity and retention basis.
Contracting authorities can consider making advance payments to
suppliers if necessary.”
A full copy of the Cabinet Office note can be read here.
