Scottish Construction Forum

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History

The Scottish Construction Forum was formed in February 2004, from a Recommendation of the Modernising Construction Strategic Group, and the paper "Achieving Construction Innovation and Excellence in Scotland", published in August 2003.

The aim of that paper was to achieve a step change in the performance of the Scottish construction industry, through the delivery of a plan of action. The main objectives were:

Improve the performance of the industry
Create a connected & innovative industry
Achieve recognition of the industry's contribution to Scotland

Aims

The aim of the Forum was to act as a point of contact between the Construction Cluster, the Scottish executive and the Scottish Parliament to advise at a strategic level on the actions required to promote innovation and excellence across the Cluster.

Specifically, the Forum should:

Build relationships within the Cluster and across the UK to promote construction innovation and excellence.
Encourage employer leadership throughout Scotland
Review progress annually on the implementation of the Modernising Construction recommendations
Advise Ministers and members of the Cluster on actions required to achieve the recommendations.
Advise on the longer term strategic issues affecting the workforce and the competitiveness of the Cluster.
Promote a positive image of the construction industry.

Areas of Focus

The original areas of Focus were:

Procurement
Workforce Development
Image and Awareness
Best Practice

Scottish Construction Forum: An Industry Manifesto

February 2007

As the voice of the industry, the Scottish Construction Forum launched its Industry manifesto in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 15 February. It is calling on parties across the political spectrum to sign up to a series of measures that will help:

Build a more professional reputation for the industry
Simplify and clarify public sector procurement
Improve health and safety
Make training more relevant
Improve the industry's green credentials

Download a copy of the Scottish Construction Forum's Industry Manifesto here

Scottish Construction Industry Plan 2007-2012

Aims

The key aims of the Scottish Construction Industry Plan are:

To ensure continuous improvement in the performance of the Scottish construction industry
To help increase productivity, sustainability, quality and pride in this important industry
To support a construction industry that produces best ‘whole life value' in our built environment.
To improve the image of the industry
To influence the future work of the Scottish Construction Forum, the Scottish Construction Centre and other key stakeholders.

Strategic Themes

The Scottish Construction Industry Plan identifies four strategic themes for the industry:

Positioning
Procurement
People
Planet

The Plan highlights a number of key priorities within each Strategic Theme and identifies the organisations best placed to lead or support in delivering the identified actions.

Priorities

Positioning

1. Create a cohesive and clearly articulated set of needs
2. Develop a stronger profile with key stakeholders
3. Be more connected and networked
4. Understand the current position and measure changes
5. Achieve higher levels of research and development and innovation
6. Increase involvement in planning

Procurement

1. Improved public sector procurement processes
2. Better understanding of future demand
3. Increased use of procurement best practice
4. Higher business standards and increased customer confidence
5. Increased understanding of regulations and legislation for traditional, pre-1919 buildings.

People

1. A safe and healthy industry
2. A strong and sufficiently funded training infrastructure
3. A competent, highly skilled and more diverse workforce
4. Skills gaps in the professions filled
5. Strong leadership and management skills
6. The right skills for the future
7. A sound skills base for the heritage sector

Planet

1. Increased understanding of sustainability
2. Sustainability recognised as a key issue
3. Increased good practice in sustainability.

Download a copy of the Scottish Construction Industry Plan 2007-2012 here

Forum meeting information

The Scottish Construction Forum is made up of senior representatives from across the industry, clients, government and enterprise agencies. The forum meets bi-monthly, and here you can view a calendar of meeting dates, and download the notes of past meetings.

Please select this link to view a list of Forum members, or access the links below to view meeting notes:

Meeting notes:

Scottish Construction Forum Newsletter:

Scottish Construction Forum - Annual Reports

The Scottish Construction Forum plays a central role in co-ordinating the wide interests of the Scottish construction industry. These annual report looks at the success the forum has had over the past years and looks at the way forward.

Annual Reports:

Annual Report 2004-2005

Annual Report 2005-2006

Annual Report 2006-2007

Scottish Construction Forum Protocol

If you are interested in the workings of the Scottish Construction Forum please download the following document:

Download the Scottish Construction Forum Protocol document

Contact the Forum at:

FAO Douglas Fergus

Scottish Construction Centre

Glasgow Caledonian University

Cowcaddens Road