The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has highlighted a distinct lack of construction industry representation on the new Panel on Fair Access to Professions, announced by Cabinet Office Minister Liam Byrne as part of the Government's New Opportunities White Paper.

The Panel aims to identify options that the professions, working with government, could take to improve access. The role of the panel is also to ensure that everyone has a chance of a career with the main professions, regardless of background.

Currently the Panel is made up of 18 members, from which it considers to be the "main professions". However, other than architecture, represented by the Royal Institute British Architecture (RIBA), there is no mention of any construction or engineering disciplines, an industry that accounts for approximately nine per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).


In a letter to David Knott, Head of Secretariat to the Panel, CIOB Chief Executive Chris Blythe expressed his disappointment that construction industry professionals have not been invited to participate.

One salient issue is that the CIOB has a history of working hard to provide professional routes to people from a variety of different backgrounds.

As Chris Blythe stated: "We have worked for many years to provide access to professional (Chartered) status through an exciting ladder of opportunity, whether it be through degree, NVQ or work experience. In particular, we have a significant number of Chartered members who came through the trades route."

The CIOB awaits response from Mr. Knott on the development of the Panel, as an already proven provider of professional development and providing opportunities for individuals from a variety of backgrounds, the Institute believes its members could provide significant value.

(CD/JM)