Raising the Standard

Richard Flynn CEnv CEng FCABE, Chair of the MPSC, discusses continuously improving professional standards in building engineering

The Membership and Professional Standards Committee (MPSC) was established two years ago with the purpose of ensuring that CABE’s membership and professional standards, through excellence in our corporate governance procedures, are consistently applied across all grades of CABE Membership.

As a sub-committee of the CABE Board, the MPSC works closely with the COO and CABE membership team to protect the rigorous membership processes that make up the application and disciplinary processes for both CABE membership and registrants with the Engineering Council and Society for the Environment. Alongside this, it works to ensure that CABE’s Code of Professional Conduct and Guide to Ethical Professionalism reflect the highest standards that members work and aspire to.

By using the committee’s industry knowledge and skills, the MPSC provides advice, guidance and implementation of informed decisions relating to all membership grades. They continually review procedures such as those recognised professional bodies that allow potential members to come through the equivalent route. By cross-referencing requirements and entry criteria with CABE’s own competency frameworks, the committee has safeguarded the reputation of building engineers and made sure that applicants applying through the equivalent route meet the high standards that CABE expects of its members.

Another significant part of the MPSC’s work is the ratification of applications for professional registration with the Engineering Council and for fellowship of CABE. It is encouraging to see members dedicating themselves to their professional development and raising their levels of competency. Registration with the Engineering Council is a big commitment to upholding standards; its development and design of processes are key to driving support for CABE members to become registrants. The MPSC continually reviews interview panel training, ensuring that the professional review interview process is fair and meets the requirements of the Engineering Council.

About the committee

The MPSC holds three formal meetings per year, and provides the board with reports, advice and recommendations that improve and enhance CABE’s membership structures. Chaired by myself, with Dan Fordham as Vice Chair (we both sit as CABE board members) we are committed to raising competency in the industry.

George Paton and David Taylor have completed their two-year terms on the MPSC, and we are pleased to welcome Mishka Scott and Tony Hopkin (who joined in April this year) and Paul Eslinger (who joins in September). They join serving members Veronica Fiore and Paul Grinyer. Both Mishka and Paul Grinyer also serve as CABE Board Members.

Mishka, Tony and Paul Eslinger have been CABE members for many years and understand the importance of competency and maintaining professionalism in the industry.

The MPSC will be a key part of providing the necessary support to the CABE team as they assess the structures and requirements of how the Building Safety Regulations will affect the industry and our members, ensuring we can offer the development required as the industry moves into a new era.  

More on the role of the MPSC can be found at bit.ly/MPSCterms

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