Welcome

As we start 2024, it is a good time for reflection on the year that has passed and look to the future – making plans and setting out what we aim to achieve. This month I present my final report as Chief Executive for CABE, as I’ll be moving on to a new role at the Fire Protection Association in February. The full report on the Association’s performance over the past year and some key takeaways for the future from my perspective can be found on page 43.

I strongly urge you to review it and, if possible, attend one of the upcoming regional AGMs, which will be held online throughout January, or the Association’s main AGM planned for Saturday 17 February at Lutyens House, Northampton. These meetings are crucial for the transparency and governance by which the Association is operated on behalf of you, the members.

As I reflect on my six years as Chief Executive, I must say what a privilege it has been. I thank all of the members and volunteers I have met and worked with during this time.

It has been a particularly personal journey for me as a member of CABE for more than 20 years. One of my personal ambitions was to help CABE achieve much more of its potential and, in the words I used at the time, “take our rightful place at the top table of engineering institutions”. Six years on, I’m proud to say that the Assocation has undoubtedly achieved that ambition alongside all that was set out in the 2018 strategic plan. Notable achievements include:

• competency – today CABE members are covered by some of the most up-to-date and recognised competency and professional standards of any professional engineering institution

• growth – overall membership has increased by 85% despite the ageing demographics of our sector, while revenue has increased by more than 50%, providing the resources necessary to invest in the Association’s operations; and

• diversity of membership – CABE has evolved with a much more diverse membership. It is now a membership that is significantly younger, has a much greater representation of women, and has members who practise in a wider range of technical specialisms.

Over the past year alone we have seen the resumption of international chapter events following the pandemic and launched our new approach to conference and events, as well as significant new competency schemes to support the implementation of the Building Safety Act for members in England.

As we enter 2024, it is essential to maintain your competence and keep your CPD records up-to-date on the CABE community portal – cbuilde.com/cpdupload – as all member CPD records will be audited in the coming months. Also please pay attention to upcoming board elections. All Chartered Members get a vote to decide who represents you and who will guide CABE into the future.

A big thank you to everyone for being part of this journey. Exciting times lie ahead for CABE and I am confident that the great strides made will continue.

Regards,

Dr Gavin Dunn, Chief Executive