A new Civils & Infrastructure Focus Group has been set up to raise awareness of, and find solutions to, the key issues affecting the industry.
CESW exists to drive change in the construction industry and are always looking for ways to bring construction professionals together to share knowledge and collaborate, which is why the new Civils & Infrastructure Focus Group has been set up.
The group is chaired by Claire Coetzee, Engineering Director of MJ Church. Claire brings a wealth of experience having worked in the sector for more than 30 years, with the past eight years at MJ Church. She previously chaired the South West National Highways Community, bringing together 27 contractors to drive continuous improvement.
Meeting industry issues head on
The first meeting, held in May, was attended by 12 engaged members.
“Our first meeting started off on the right foot,” said Claire. “It was really steered by our members, who want to find solutions to improve the common issues that we are all facing within the sector.”
The group are aiming to produce papers and information to help colleagues understand more about key topics and issues, with the first being geotechnical engineering. The group also want to help tackle the skills shortage that are causing a real problem in the sector.
Claire said: “A lot of the people who work in this industry are good problem solvers and we want to use their skills to help debunk myths and get information and knowledge out there. We want to simplify complex issues, so people in the industry can break it down and understand it, no matter their job role.
“I think in 12 months’ time, it would be great to see the work of the focus group influencing a change in civil engineering or infrastructure in some way. That would be a really positive outcome.”
The group are planning to meet bi-monthly, and the next stage is to appoint a co-chair to assist Claire in the management of it and to help action change.
Inspire change
We want like-minded individuals who want to improve the industry to join the Civils & Infrastructure Focus Group.
Interested in driving change? Sign up through your membership account or contact Robyn Chatterton at robyn.chatterton@cesw.org.uk.
