Welcome

This is the last issue of 2024, before we begin our centenary year celebrations in 2025.

It’s fitting that the theme of this issue, professional standards and accountability, concludes the year that saw the final Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report Phase 2 published – something that we consider in more depth with contribution from our Head of Technical Insight Hywel Davies. Hywel has settled into his new role and is a welcome addition to the CABE team. We will also hear from Past President Stewart McArthur on the recent launch of the Scottish Building Standards Hub, the latest on safety case reports, an update on professional indemnity insurance and an article shedding light on CABE’s investigative and disciplinary processes.

September and October were busy months and I was delighted to have been able to attend our Built Environment Series event in Ireland, held in the picturesque setting of Lough Ree in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone. This was particularly special for me as an Irish member and President of CABE and I would like to thank all of the members, north and south, who took the time out of their busy schedules to attend.

We had excellent speakers and presenters on government reform including building regulations, compliance and regulatory changes, fire safety and changes to Technical Guidance Document B, as well as a very interesting paper on solutions to climate breakdown in water and land management.

Now that our Built Environment Series has concluded for 2024, we have commenced a review and research project to ensure that CABE delivers the events and training that members truly want and need in the future. At the time of writing, there have been numerous workshops across our regions, speaking directly with members to get their feedback, and a survey. Its responses will be analysed in the coming weeks. With your assistance, we will ensure the best possible programme of events and CPD be put in place.

Congratulations to the successful CABE members who were among the first group of professionals to achieve Higher-Risk Building (HRB) Registration. HRB Registration is assessed against the UK-SPEC HRB Standard, with competences developed by the Engineering Council in collaboration with the profession.

As per the Engineering Council, this standard was developed in response to the recommendations of the Hackitt Report, which called for a stronger regulatory framework and improved safety standards for those involved in the design, construction and management of HRBs. This is just another step towards ensuring that we have a safer built environment for our industry and society as a whole.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank CABE members, staff, colleagues and friends for your kind and thoughtful messages following the recent passing of my son Brian. He was a remarkable, determined young man who loved life, and was a very proud member of CABE. Brian was too young to die and he is too loved to be forgotten.

Richard Flynn PCABE CEng CEnv C.Build E FCABE CABE President

Image credit | Sam Kerr