New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament

The Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) new (2nd edition) CIOB Client Guide: Leading Projects in the Built Environment was officially launched during an event in Parliament on June 3.  

The free to download guide explains how projects are structured and managed, and what to look out for along the way, empowering clients with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. It is aimed primarily at construction clients tasked with running larger projects, but the principles apply to all clients regardless of project size.  

The reception was hosted by Mike Reader MP, Labour’s Business Champion for Construction and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment, who spoke about his own background in the construction sector and the importance of clients being well informed, particularly on matters such as sustainability, the use of artificial intelligence and the Building Safety Act.

He thanked CIOB for producing the guide and said: “There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and be equipped to ask the right questions, bring in the right people around them and establish the right controls and governance to make decisions that stand the test of time. Getting the client side of a project right is vital to help improve the quality and safety of the built environment, so I encourage everyone involved in commissioning and overseeing projects to read CIOB’s Client Guide and use it as a tool to aid project success.”

Attendees also heard from former CIOB President Mike Foy FCIOB, who was influential in CIOB developing its client strategy and subsequent resources, including the Client Guide. He added: “Clients play a pivotal role in our efforts to raise industry standards, improve collaborative working, encourage innovation and push towards net-zero. The guide is a valuable tool, but we’ll only know it’s done its job when the relationships between contractors and their clients run smoothly and, more importantly, outcomes are long-lasting and meet society’s many needs.”

Drawing on CIOB members’ experience, the guide incorporates best practices and guidance to improve project outcomes, create more value and drive culture change across the industry. The guide (first and second editions) has already been downloaded more than 1,400 times, although its reach is believed to be far higher as many clients described sharing it with colleagues and others in their professional networks.

Ola Obadara FCIOB, Group Property Director, City of London, and CIOB Client Champion concluded the speeches. She said: “I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in the role of construction client to download the guide, digest its contents and, indeed, to have it to hand at key points during any project planning.

“It’s an eminently readable resource giving you a practical step-by-step guide through the process so you can make informed decisions from inception onwards. ensures we as clients are aligned with consultants’ and contractors’ processes and by following it, we can deliver safer, more efficient, and innovative construction projects.”

The guests at the event included members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords as well as experienced clients (many of whom are CIOB Client Champions), contractors and representatives from built environment professional bodies.