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Articles by Will Mann
CIOB Academy at 10: meeting the needs of a fast-changing industry
From digital learning to building safety and new qualifications, the CIOB Academy has evolved with construction’s skills requirements. We speak to director Adrian Montague to find out more The Academy offers shorter courses that professionals can fit around their working lives.
What are the main causes of construction disputes? Take our survey
Construction Management and CIOB have launched a new survey to find out whether contractual disputes are increasing in construction – and what is driving them. Run in association with Ideagen, the survey asks construction professionals about the issues most likely to trigger disputes, from payment, variations and delays to design responsibility and defects.
CEnv at 20: Seven chartered environmentalists on how it boosted their careers
To mark the 20th anniversary of CIOB’s chartered environmentalist designation – the qualification available via the Society of the Environment – CM spoke to a range of CEnv members on how it has helped them with their work, and in spreading the sustainability word Hero Bennett MCIOB CEnv Director and sustainability partner, Max Fordham I received my chartered environmentalist (CEnv) designation 11 years ago, two weeks before going on maternity leave.
Things we learnt from the fire: two years on from the Somerset House blaze
In August 2024, the Grade I-listed Somerset House in London caught fire. Head of estate Mick Figg FCIOB talks to Will Mann about what happened that day, the aftermath and rebuild – plus the lessons for other heritage clients Inspecting the aftermath of the fire. Image: MSMR Architects Mick Figg FCIOB remembers exactly where he was on the day Somerset House caught fire, Saturday 17 August 2024.
The AI optimist running construction in the City of London
In CM’s latest client profile, Will Mann talks to the City of London Corporation’s Ola Obadara FCIOB about the challenges of construction in the Square Mile, plus her passion for technology Ola Obadara will become the next CIOB president in 2027 Ola Obadara FCIOB oversees one of the most diverse and exciting construction portfolios in the UK.
The Mace project director leading complex commercial retrofits
For our latest project leadership interview, CM speaks to Mace Construct’s Matt Burley, project director for a major retrofit job in central London, about the complexities of reshaping an ageing commercial building into a sustainable, modern workplace Tell us about your most recent project. What were the biggest technical challenges and how did you approach them?
Arup to progress new DLR station for £2.5bn London docks development
Location of the Thameside West development highlighted. Image: Arada Arup has been appointed to lead the design and delivery of a new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station as part of the £2.5bn Thameside West regeneration scheme in London’s Royal Docks. Developer Arada has picked Arup to work alongside architect Gensler and landscape architect Planit to deliver the first phase of the 19-hectare riverside development, which has outline consent for at least 5,000 homes.
CIOB fellow welcomes government inquiry into son’s death
Zane Gbangbola. Image: Kye Gbangbola The government has announced an inquiry into the death of Zane Gbangola, following a long campaign by his father, a CIOB fellow. Kye Gbangola FCIOB has been calling for a change to the law on contaminated land after the death of his seven-year-old son in 2014. Gbangbola and his family had moved into a house in Surrey 10 years earlier but were not informed it was next to a landfill site.
The Tilbury Douglas PM who rebuilt a RAAC school
The rebuilt St John’s Catholic Primary School in Hertfordshire. Image: Tilbury Douglas My most recent project was St John’s Catholic Primary School in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, a two-storey school for the Department of Education. The project is the first school to be rebuilt to permanently remove reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) through the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
2 Finsbury Avenue: How sustainability reshaped McAlpine’s latest City landmark
Finsbury Avenue is located in the heart of the City of London. Image: SRM Sir Robert McAlpine is no stranger to ambitious City of London projects. Yet few have been so fundamentally reshaped by sustainability as 2 Finsbury Avenue (2FA), which has undergone major changes to its design, engineering and construction since the project’s conception seven years ago. Rising 170m above Broadgate, this is McAlpine’s sixth project delivered under a long-running framework agreement with British Land.
‘Clients wanting to control cost should look at design’
Sizewell C’s supply chain chief Malcolm Dare. Image: xxxxxxx On the Suffolk coast, one of the UK’s largest and most strategically important infrastructure projects is taking shape: Sizewell C nuclear power station will comprise two EPR reactors capable of generating 3.2GW of electricity, enough to power around six million homes. The £38bn project extends far beyond the power station.
‘On climate change, construction can be part of the solution’
CIOB president Saul Humphrey. Image: Atom Saul Humphrey’s message as he starts his CIOB presidential term is stark – but optimistic. “Construction’s carbon footprint has been a big part of the climate problem,” he says, bluntly. “We’re partly responsible for the floods, the storms, the overheating, which are already changing how projects are designed, delivered and operated.
Maro Itoje: Let’s connect construction and communities through art
Maro Itoje in action for England. Image: Dreamstime Maro Itoje is used to building teams on the rugby field; now the Saracens, England and British & Irish Lions captain is bringing people together through art – connecting construction projects with local communities and artists.
BAM digital twin helps world’s largest Passivhaus school exceed energy targets
Dunfermline Learning Campus. Image: BAM UK & Ireland BAM has explained how a digital twin developed for the Dunfermline Learning Campus is helping optimise the performance of the world’s largest Passivhaus-certified educational building.
‘Gateway 2 is delaying our project. Who bears the risk?’
We are a developer of a 22-storey residential building in London. We appointed our contractor on a design and build contract, and the programme assumed construction would start within three months of planning consent. Our Gateway 2 application was submitted to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) eight months ago. It was initially rejected, resubmitted, and we are still waiting for approval.
The Legendre PM thriving on complex London refurb jobs
Shorts Gardens, a former warehouse, during the refurbishment. Image: Legendre My last project was Shorts Gardens, a £23m ‘cut and carve’ mixed-use scheme in London’s Covent Garden, which I was involved with from tender stage. This project included refurbishment of two buildings totalling 3,700 m2. The first had to be converted into office space, with a two-storey extension on the top. The 7.5-metre-high basement below was split into two levels for restaurant use.
Tell us about rogue operators, Building Safety Regulator urges
Deputy director of the BSR Tim Galloway. Image: Julie Kim The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has urged the built environment sector to share intelligence on rogue operators, amid continuing concerns over industry competence and the quality of higher-risk buildings (HRBs). Speaking at a CM building safety roundtable, attended by several major HRB asset owners, deputy director of the BSR Tim Galloway said: “If you are aware of a rogue operator, tell us.
Question time with the Building Safety Regulator
Tim Galloway and Sarah Buxcey from The Building Safety Regulator. Image Julie Kim Our discussion began with Tim Galloway describing the four-year journey of the BSR, its strategy and ambition to change industry culture. Sarah Buxcey explained the role of the occupied buildings function, the feedback received from dutyholders and plans to evolve the building assessment regime.
Excel ‘a starting point, not the destination’ – rethinking data management
Construction teams are still relying heavily on spreadsheets to manage critical project data, despite widespread recognition that the approach is inefficient and error-prone. That was one of the key insights from a recent webinar, hosted by Construction Management and Digital Construction Plus, in partnership with construction data specialist EviFile and AtkinsRéalis.
‘Contractors need strong client direction to deliver sustainable schools’
Sustainability is a key priority for the Department for Education (DfE) – and for building contractors, that means the bar for new school construction projects is high. Richard Taylor, regional head of construction delivery at the DfE, explains: “The department has recently launched new design standards, which set out new and updated requirements for all school buildings delivered by the department.
‘Inadequate planning’ causes three-quarters of errors by value, contractor study shows
Inadequate planning is the single biggest cause of construction error by value, according to a new report from CITB and the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) Productivity Commission. The findings are based on a 26-month programme involving four major contractors – Kier, Vinci, BAM and VolkerStevin – which tested the impact of GIRI’s error-reduction training across 25 UK construction projects with a collective value of £942.5m.
‘Delivering for our community’: Thames Water’s Roselyn Unegbu
Thames Water’s delivery director for non-infrastructure (London and Home Counties) Roselyn Unegbu is clear about her current priorities: enabling an effective delivery discipline will be the “defining factor” in driving success as the organisation prepares to execute the largest capital investment programme in the company’s 150‑year history. She is also currently evaluating how AI can support those objectives.
Lasdun Wall – the rebirth of a brutalist icon
4D animation of Mace’s build programme at Lasdun Wall. Video: Mace Few university buildings in the UK carry the architectural and cultural weight of Lasdun Wall at the University of East Anglia (UEA). Designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and completed in the mid‑1960s, the brutalist concrete structure – along with the neighbouring “Ziggurats” student accommodation – are among the standout features that defined UEA’s campus as one of the most important post-war university developments in Britain.
Pagabo warns of outdated contract management
More than four in five UK construction projects still rely on manual or inconsistent contract management – rather than digital systems – according to a new survey from framework specialist Pagabo. The poll, compiled by Pagabo’s contact management software business Sypro, interviewed contractors, consultants and clients across live projects – spanning NEC, JCT, FIDIC and bespoke contract arrangements. Just 19% said they manage contracts consistently through a structured digital system.
Contractors warn government steel strategy will hike prices
Sir Robert McAlpine is building an Electric Arc Furnace for Tata Steel at Port Talbot. Image: SRM The constructional steelwork sector has given a lukewarm reaction to the government’s new steel strategy. Business and trade secretary Peter Kyle announced the new steel strategy on a visit to Tata Steel in Port Talbot. It sets the ambition for up to 50% of steel used in the UK to be made in the UK.
How do contractors innovate?
Will Mann: What is the most important benchmark for your organisation when introducing innovation and how do you measure this? Paul Gandy: Wearing my contractor hat, the driver has to be the bottom line. That does not always mean immediate returns, but we must understand whether an innovation or investment will increase productivity, help win work, or importantly, de-risk what we do.
CIOB modernises CPD system to strengthen professionalism and competence
Rosalind Thorpe, CIOB director of education and standards. Image: CIOB CIOB is introducing a new CPD Policy for members, replacing its points-based system with an hours-based model, designed to meet regulatory expectations and align more closely with other professional bodies. Under the new system, which was formally announced at CIOB Members’ Forum on 27 January, CIOB will no longer allocate CPD “points” to specific activities. Instead, members will record learning time in hours.
‘Clients should engage with the journey towards contractor regulation’
Ayo Allu. Image: Julie Kim Will Mann: Congratulations on the new role, Ayo. As someone who has worked client-side, what do you think are the biggest issues for clients today? Ayo Allu: Economic viability is central to every project and so clients are understandably apprehensive about the level of financial commitment necessary for a project to achieve approval. The availability of skilled labour also significantly affects costs, as does a project’s sustainability credentials.
Client survey – project monitoring popular among digital tools - Construction Management
Keeping track of project and contractor performance is the top priority for construction clients who use specialist digital technology in their work. The survey of more than 100 built construction clients carried out by Construction Management and CIOB also showed evidence that clients are improving their information management – though perhaps not as widely as might be expected.
Client survey – red flags over contractor workmanship - Construction Management
Quality and workmanship shot to the top of construction industry concerns post-Grenfell – and it seems these are still very real worries among built environment clients. In the survey of more than 100 built construction clients carried out by Construction Management and CIOB, complaints about contractor performance were common and many clients explained the mitigation measures they were putting in place.
Client survey – refurbishment tops pipeline priorities - Construction Management
Confidence among construction clients is broadly high at present, but work priorities are centring on reconfiguring or refurbishing existing assets. Those were among the findings of a survey of more than 100 built environment clients carried out by Construction Management and CIOB, which provides insight into how organisations are prioritising investment, selecting contractors and responding to new regulatory and technological pressures.
APS appoints new board members
Stefan Mordue. Image: CIOB The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced the appointments of Stefan Mordue and Stewart McArthur to its board. Mordue is a chartered architect and senior manager for education and partnerships at infrastructure engineering software business Bentley Systems and has been a leading advocate for adoption of digital construction processes over the past decade.
Care homes stay outside higher-risk building definition, pending review
Care homes will remain outside the higher-risk building (HRB) definition under the Building Safety Act for the time being, following a government review. This is despite long-running concerns that care home residents’ vulnerability makes them particularly exposed in the event of a fire.
How do construction clients drive value from supply chains?
Dan Hollas, director of building safety, Clarion Housing Group Derek Cuthbertson, lead programme manager, Royal Mail John Green, senior asset strategy manager, Anglian Water Jason Glasson, head of asset management development, National Highways Leigh Renshaw, responsible engineer and associate director for construction, AstraZeneca Julie Blight, property and contracts manager, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Terry Gray, project commercial director, Ferrovial...
‘Best in class’: new CEO Victoria Hills on her ambition for CIOB
New CIOB CEO Victoria Hills. Image: CIOB Dr Victoria Hills takes up her role as CIOB CEO on 2 January 2026 believing a “golden opportunity” lies ahead for construction – and the institute. She elaborates: “The UK government clearly has a major growth agenda, and it’s ‘rolled the pitch’ through legislation like the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Bid rigging: CMA offers lessons for construction from cartel prosecutions
The Construction and Markets Authority (CMA) has posted some lessons from its successful £60m prosecution of 10 construction firms for cartel activity two years ago. In 2023, 10 construction firms were found to have broken competition law by making illegal arrangements to rig bids for demolition and asbestos removal contracts. The case also saw four directors personally held to account and disqualified from acting as directors for nearly 25 years in total.
Apprenticeships key to delivering government housing pledges, says APPG chair
Andrew Pakes MP, co-chair of the Apprenticeships APPG, was speaking at a CIOB Houses of Parliament event Andrew Pakes MP. Image: CIOB Construction apprenticeships must sit at the heart of government plans to tackle housing shortages, according to Andrew Pakes MP, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships.
Calling all construction clients – take the CIOB/CM client survey - Construction Management
Construction Management and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) are inviting built environment clients to take part in a new survey exploring key issues shaping project delivery – from innovation and sustainability to safety, procurement and productivity. The survey supports the CIOB client strategy, which aims to strengthen collaboration and understanding between clients and the wider construction industry.
How can AI help with construction defects management?
AI could play a transformative role in reducing costly construction errors – but the industry must lay solid data foundations and use it safely, experts warn. During a session at this month’s Digital Construction Summit, panellists from the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI) and software firm Elecosoft explored how technology is already cutting mistakes on site, and how AI could help drive a step change.
Key building safety group opens competence consultation
A consultation has been launched on new draft guidance for managing competence in the built environment. The Industry Task and Finish Group on the management of competence in organisations (ITFG) is inviting feedback on its document, Managing Competence in the Built Environment: A Guide,until 10 November 2025.
How the golden thread is improving fire safety
Will Mann: The ‘golden thread’ of information is central to the new safety regime. Where are we up to with guidance and standards development? Aman Sharma: There are now several guidance documents that set out how dutyholders can meet their obligations under Regulations 31 and 38 of the new Higher Risk Buildings Regulations. These duties, around handing over fire safety information, are part of the broader obligations under the Building Safety Act.
‘1.5 million homes is completely achievable – but they must be good quality’ - Construction Management
Former Mace director Mike Reader MP has quickly made his mark in Parliament since last year’s election and chairs the newly formed APPG for Excellence in the Built Environment. He talks to Will Mann about housing targets, MMC, a mooted construction GCSE – and wrestling. Construction professionals are known for cramming a lot into their day – and Mike Reader seems to have brought that with him to Westminster.
Fire safety standards: what’s coming next for construction?
Will Mann: Tell us about your work as chair of the FSH/0 committee. What changes can the construction industry expect in fire safety standards development? Aman Sharma: One of my priorities is to bring greater transparency and inclusivity to fire safety standards development. There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion in the industry about how standards are created, and I want to break down those walls of opacity.
Head of Building Safety - Property Services
Newlon Housing Trust is a successful charitable housing association and one of the major providers of new affordable housing in north and east London. Supporting the Property Services Director and wider Executive Team, you will be responsible for the development and leadership of the Building Safety Team.
Senior Building Safety Manager
Location: 100 Temple Street Redcliffe Bristol BS1 6AN Salary: BG14: £49,764 – £52,805 Are you passionate about building safety and eager to contribute to the safety of residents in Bristol? We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Senior Building Safety Manager to join our team at Bristol City Council. This is a fantastic opportunity to support the council’s statutory duties and ensure the safety of occupants in high-rise multi-occupied residential buildings.
Building Control / Principal Building Control Inspector
Salary: £40,476 – £54,917 per annum + £10,000 Market Rate Supplement – Pay Award pending + Extensive Benefits Package Contract: Permanent Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week Bedford Borough Council are looking to bolster our friendly Building Control team to prepare for the growth expected with and alongside the exciting Universal Studios Theme Park development.
DeSantis Races to Open Immigrant Detention Camp in Swamp Amid Hurricane Season
DeSantis Races to Open Immigrant Detention Camp in Swamp Amid Hurricane Season Even before “Alligator Alcatraz,” Ron DeSantis had defined his political legacy by gleeful cruelty against immigrants. By Thomas Kennedy & Will Mann , Truthout Published July 3, 2025 President President Donald Trump, alongside Florida Gov.
In pictures | Walter Lilly completes major renovation of Lambeth Palace
Walter Lilly has completed the first significant refurbishment of Lambeth Palace in more than 70 years – a £40m infrastructure and reservicing project aimed at improving accessibility and sustainability across the historic site. The works were carried out while maintaining the operation of the Palace, which serves as the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and includes buildings dating to the 12th century.
Paul Gandy: ‘Let’s raise the bar on competency’
Construction contributes so much to society – but the industry needs to get its house in order on competency, says new CIOB president Paul Gandy. Will Mann speaks to him. Paul Gandy is passionate about social value. “It’s a visible and tangible way for the industry to show the good it does,” says the new CIOB president. “Construction enables all major government objectives – transport, levelling up, clean water, green energy, healthcare. None of it happens without us.
Building the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project
The Natural History Museum’s new Urban Nature Project is a biodiversity project like no other. Will Mann meets the Walter Lilly team who helped bring it to life. The Natural History Museum (NHM) is one of the UK’s most visited museums – and this year another attraction opened. The Urban Nature Project has involved the transformation of 2ha of the museum’s gardens into a biologically diverse green space with plants, wetlands and a life-size bronze cast model of a diplodocus.
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