Presidents inauguration

CABE welcomes new President Richard Smith in a special event at the House of Lords in front of family and colleagues.

Outgoing President Joseph Birt (pictured right), Managing Director and Senior Fire Engineer at Fire Risk Solutions Northern Ireland (FRSNI), passed over the presidential chain following his successful year in office to Richard Smith (pictured left), Head of Standards, Innovation and Research at the National House-Building Council (NHBC), at a ceremony at the House of Lords on 12 May. During Joseph’s year as President, he has prioritised competence and ensured that CABE provides the necessary support for members and professionals to change the culture of the industry and embrace the enhanced standards.

Remarking on his year as President, Joseph shared a quote from Winston Churchill: “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” Reflecting on that statement, he said: “We in this Association shape the minds of the professionals who shape our buildings, which afterwards shape our society. And I am proud to have played my small part as your President.”

 The new President

Richard started his career as a trainee in Building Control, before progressing to Head of Standards, Innovation and Research at NHBC. In his role, he oversees the delivery and implementation of NHBC’s Technical Standards, Policy and Innovation, and plays a leading role in the NHBC Foundation.

On accepting his appointment as President, which was witnessed by his wife Jane and daughters Lauren, Nikki and Ellen, Richard said: “We all must understand the world has changed, and as members we must all always conduct ourselves to the highest professional standards. We must understand our own competencies and act within them [by] standing up for the public interests and treating everyone with decency and respect. These are the values and behaviours that make the title of Chartered Building Engineer mean something.”

CABE Patron Lord John Lytton closed the event reflecting on CABE’s continual growth in membership, its growing credibility with governments and its desire to change the culture of the industry. He commented that CABE staff, elected officers and representatives are shining a beacon in the industry by pushing for professionalism and competency, and this is reflected in the Association’s standards, governance and members, who are actively promoting these values.

Richard becomes President at an exciting time, with the introduction of the new Membership Competency Frameworks – which now meet the requirements of Flex 8670, UK-SPEC 4th edition and the Building Inspector Competence Framework (BICoF) – and specialist technical sections, which will allow CABE to offer more benefits and services to all members.

As membership numbers continue to grow, CABE strives to raise standards, reinforce its commitment to competency and reaffirm the necessity of CPD. Our thanks go to Joseph for his enthusiasm and commitment to the Association. With Richard at the helm, CABE will rise to the challenges and opportunities of the industry and enable all construction professionals to deliver better, safer, more inclusive and more sustainable buildings.  

Welcome to the Board:

Zoe Cox – Vice President

Head of Training and Development at Quadrant Building Control. Zoe has several years of experience as a CABE Board Member, and her understanding of CABE’s values, goals and principles will allow her to bring a broad range of dynamics and experience to the table.

Veronica Fiore – Ordinary Board Member

Major Projects Building Control Surveyor at NHBC. Veronica has been a member of the Membership and Professional Standards Committee since its inception in 2019. Her desire to raise standards, along with her knowledge of the industry, will make her a great asset to the Board.

Michael Wadood – Ordinary Board Member

Director at Sweco Building Control Ltd. Having previously been both CABE President and a Board Member, Michael has a plethora of knowledge and experience. His understanding of CABE’s principles and his desire to improve competency will make him a positive addition to the Board.

50 years

This year 19 CABE members are celebrating the accolade of 50 years of CABE membership, and we are extremely honoured by their dedication and loyalty to both the construction industry and the Association.

Having joined CABE when it was called the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors, they have seen many changes, and their commitment to continually strive to raise standards and collaborate across disciplines is commendable.

The presidential inauguration gave us the opportunity to thank members and celebrate their milestone. Unfortunately not all recipients were able to attend, but we were delighted to welcome (pictured left to right) John Franklin, Stephen Emerson, Tony Van Veghel and Gordon Henderson to present them with certificates to mark their achievement.

Our congratulations and thanks go out to every member who has reached this milestone.

• Rex Andrews C.Build E FCABE Ret
• David Bennett C.Build E MCABE Ret
• Francis Cherington C.Build E MCABE Ret
• David Cooke C.Build E FCABE
• Peter Davidson C.Build E MCABE
• Douglas Edwards C.Build E FCABE
• Stephen Emerson C.Build E MCABE Ret
• Peter Evans ACABE Ret
• John Franklin C.Build E MCABE
• David Foxall PPIAAS C.Build E FCABE
• Philip Gannon ACABE Ret
• Alan Hay C.Build E MCABE Ret
• Gordon Henderson C.Build E FCABE
• Colin Jones C.Build E MCABE
• Keith Price C.Build E MCABE
• Godefridus (Tony) Van Veghel C.Build E MCABE Ret
• Barrie Vincent C.Build E FCABE
• Michael Wallace C.Build E MCABE
• Graham White C.Build E MCABE