Looking back on 2024

Looking back on 2024, CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group has achieved significant milestones, demonstrating its commitment to driving progress and supporting the industry. Here are some of the key highlights:

1. Strategic Document Development

• Finalised and implemented the CONSTRUCT FSG Formwork Products Policy, providing clear guidelines for sustainable and efficient formwork usage.
• Published the Policy on Copyright Infringement, reinforcing ethical practices across the sector.
• Updated the Articles of Association 2024, establishing a robust legal framework to guide the organisation’s operations.
• CONSTRUCT members and non-members worked together to completely update the guidance document A Guide to Contractor Detailing of Reinforcement in Concrete.
• Led by CONSTRUCT’s Dave Armsworth, a dedicated working group has collaborated with CITB to develop the Working at Height for Formwork The work on this important safety standard is now complete, and we are currently awaiting final approval from CITB. Once approved, this standard will provide essential guidelines to enhance safety practices for those working at height in the formwork sector, ensuring compliance and promoting safer working environments across the industry.
• In collaboration with our members, CONSTRUCT has compiled the CONSTRUCT Accident Statistics, which provides a transparent overview of accident data across the membership. This report highlights member compliance with RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations), showcasing a commitment to safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the concrete structures industry. By openly sharing these statistics, we aim to promote higher safety standards and foster a culture of transparency in health and safety practices.

2. Leadership and Sustainability

• Welcomed Richard Gaskill, National Key Account Manager at Fosroc and Marcus Rappensberger, UK Materials – London and South Coast General Commercial Manager at Cemex as the new CONSTRUCT Council Members.
• Welcomed Daniel Bannister, HSSQ Director at Morrisroe Group, as the new CONSTRUCT Sustainability Chair. His leadership promises a strengthened focus on health, safety, sustainability, and quality in the construction industry.

3. Member Engagement and Networking

• Hosted interactive quarterly meetings, including Health and Safety, Groundworks, sustainability and the CFTF (Concrete Frame Training Forum) sessions, which featured updates from industry leaders, CITB collaborations, and the launch of the Structures Super Sector working group.
• Hosted engaging events, including our Charity Golf Day, AGM, Principals Lunch and Construct Day, which brought members together to network, celebrate industry achievements, and support charitable causes.

4. Industry Promotion

• Continued to promote the benefits of working in the construction industry through fresh, positive narratives. This includes emphasising health benefits, career growth opportunities, and success stories from current members.

5. Skills and Training Initiatives

• Supported member training and development, including updates and announcements facilitated through partnerships with key organisations like CITB and the Skills Centre. Running training including Concrete Structures and Groundworks – Temporary Works Coordinator course and Mental Health Awareness courses.
• CONSTRUCT was appointed by the Construction Leadership Council to lead the Structures Super Sector, a vital role within the industry that unites expertise to develop the competence pathway for structural construction. This leadership is significant as it positions CONSTRUCT at the forefront of driving the sector’s future, ensuring exceptional competence standards while promoting collaboration across the broader built environment.
• In collaboration with City Temporary Works, CONSTRUCT has developed the CITB-approved Concrete Structures and Groundworks – Temporary Works Coordinator course. This course, designed to enhance industry knowledge and skills, has been assigned a GET code (GET3386) and qualifies for a CITB grant at a rate of £60. As a tier 1 course, it is being delivered at The Skills Centre venues, providing participants with valuable training and certification in managing temporary works for concrete structures and groundworks.
• CONSTRUCT’s Dave Armsworth has been delivering Mental Health Awareness Training to the CONSTRUCT membership. This training aims to raise awareness of mental health issues within the construction industry, equipping members with the knowledge and tools to support colleagues facing mental health challenges. By fostering a more open and supportive work environment, this initiative helps reduce stigma, promote well-being, and enhance the overall mental health culture within the industry.

6. Strengthened Partnerships

• Collaborated with industry leaders to ensure alignment with upcoming standards, such as the 5th edition of the National Structural Concrete Specification (NSCS), ensuring members stay ahead of regulatory changes. Paul Toplis, Jenny Burridge, and their working group have introduced significant updates to the 5th edition of the UK’s National Structural Concrete Specification for Building Construction (NSCS). Funded by CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group, the updated NSCS will soon be accessible on the CONSTRUCT website. This new digital format will offer users a more interactive experience, making it easier to navigate and engage with the document’s content.
• CONSTRUCT, alongside a dedicated working group chaired by the highly respected Dennis Keogh, has thoroughly revised and updated the document “A Guide to Contractor Detailing of Concrete in Reinforcement.” Now available as a downloadable PDF on the CONSTRUCT website, the guide offers essential guidance for contractors on best practices for detailing reinforcement in concrete structures. It provides clear recommendations aimed at improving accuracy, efficiency, and communication between contractors and design teams, ultimately ensuring high-quality construction outcomes.

7. Communication Excellence

• Enhanced member communications through newsletters, updated resources, and a modernised approach to sharing industry updates and achievements.

8. Working with Charities

• In 2024, CONSTRUCT has strengthened its ongoing collaboration with the Lighthouse Charity while also forming partnerships with two additional organisations, Autistic FC and Life After Cancer Essex. These charities champion vital causes that align closely with our values, promoting mental health and well-being, fostering inclusivity, and providing critical support to individuals and communities in need. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our members in events like CONSTRUCT Day and our Charity Golf Day, we’ve been able to raise funds to support these worthy initiatives, making a meaningful impact together.

These accomplishments reflect CONSTRUCT’s dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the concrete structures industry. With these successes, the organisation is well-positioned to build on this momentum in 2025.