Industry leaders pledge commitment to zero error

Six high-profile figures in the construction industry have come together to pledge their commitment to the aims of the Get It Right Initiative.

The remit of GIRI's new Strategic Leadership Group is to provide thought leadership and strategic direction, to champion its message of zero error and to highlight the many benefits – for productivity, safety, sustainability and reputation – of getting it right first time. 

The group will assist GIRI to forge stronger links with policy makers in government, and at board level across the construction sector, in order to stimulate debate on error reduction, drive change and prioritise routes to improvement.  

GIRI’s push to highlight the wide-ranging impact of error comes at a pivotal moment for construction, with the industry being urged to ‘build back better’ while at the same time taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint and improve sustainability. Recognising and addressing the root causes of error plays a crucial part in pursuit of these goals.

Client, contractor and consultant organisations in the construction industry are represented in the SLG, as well as the insurance industry and professional bodies that serve the sector. Expedition Engineering senior director Ed McCann, who is also ICE senior vice-president and a committed supporter of the zero error agenda, was one of the key players in the formation of GIRI, along with Emer Murnaghan, who is head of responsible sustainable business at contractor Graham as well as being ICE vice-president (UK regions).

Dr Alistair Hitchcock and Sarah Williamson represent the experience and views of key infrastructure clients HS2 and Sizewell C respectively, while Weightmans partner Paul Lowe contributes an unrivalled insight into both the specialist insurance sector, and the progress of Building Safety Bill legislation. As director of engineering knowledge at the Institution of Civil Engineers and former editor of New Civil Engineer magazine, Mark Hansford is perfectly placed to advise on effective communication channels and knowledge-sharing networks.

Strategic leadership group:

• Dr Alistair Hitchcock, Head of engineering, Phase 2, HS2
• Paul Lowe, Partner, Weightmans
• Emer Murnaghan, Innovation director, Civil Engineering, Graham
• Ed McCann, Senior director, Expedition Engineering and ICE senior vice-president
• Sarah Williamson, Civil programme director, Sizewell C
• Mark Hansford, Director of engineering knowledge, ICE
  

GIRI executive director Cliff Smith said: "This strategic step forward for GIRI will help us to get more traction in the industry for our message that error reduction has benefits right across the board. It demonstrates our continued commitment to industry improvement and providing value for our member companies."

ICE senior vice-president Ed McCann said “I believe that this highly experienced group will help ensure that we have the right strategy in place to deliver on GIRI's mission to eliminate error in construction in pursuit of waste reduction, improved quality, enhanced safety and overall better value to society.”

Meet the Strategic Leadership Group members

Paul Lowe, Partner, Weightmans

Dr Alistair Hitchcock, Head of Engineering, Phase Two, HS2

Mark Hansford, Director of Engineering Knowledge, Institution of Civil Engineers

Emer Murnaghan OBE, Innovation Director Civil Engineering, Graham

Ed McCann, Senior Director, Expedition Engineering & ICE President

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