GIRI board announces new executive director

The Get It Right Initiative board of directors has announced the appointment of Cliff Smith as the organisation's new executive director, effective 1st January, 2021. 

Cliff takes on the role that was held by Tom Barton since GIRI was formally established in 2017, and will have responsibility for directing the day-to-day operation of the organisation and supporting the board of directors in setting GIRI's strategic priorities. It follows from his appointment in October as interim chair of the board, to assist with the transition to new leadership after Tom's sudden passing. 

Cliff is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and has more than 40 years’ experience in the construction industry; 38 years at contractor Sir Robert McAlpine and subsequently as a consultant offering specialist engineering and technical support, project and design management and strategic quality leadership. 

He has been a director of the Get it Right Initiative since its formation and was involved in the development of the Guide to Improving Value by Reducing Design Error and a number of research reports on the use of technology in the construction industry which have been published on the GIRI website. 

In addition to leading the board, Cliff will take direct responsibility for the agile GIRI delivery team which covers administration, communications, finance and research. 

He says: "I am honoured to take on the responsibility of this vital role at a time when quality, safety and competency in the construction industry are in the spotlight like never before. Tom's legacy has created a solid foundation on which the board and GIRI's 59 member companies can continue to build, in pursuit of our common goal to eliminate avoidable error. 

"A principal GIRI theme for 2021 is that errors result in wasted time and resources; hence eliminating error can contribute significantly to minimising construction's carbon footprint. In this way, GIRI’s strategic aims relate directly to the industry’s commitment to reduce carbon and improve sustainability. 

"As well as supporting the roll-out of GIRI's industry-backed training courses, which our team has adapted so that they can be delivered remotely under the current restrictions, we will continue to host our programme of online forums and guest presentations to bring our message to as wide an audience as possible.

"Tom's passion for improving the productivity and the reputation of construction was inspirational to many people. We at GIRI remain committed to making available the tools and knowledge that will assist them in achieving the strategic goals that we all aspire to."