New Scottish construction quality initiative launches

A new campaign to improve construction quality in Scotland has launched today, 9 February 2023, at a joint event with GIRI in Edinburgh.

The Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative is a new initiative under the remit of the Scottish Construction Accord that is dedicated to transforming the sector by improving quality, sustainability and collaboration.

Launched in October 2022, the Scottish Construction Accord focuses on a series of key commitments, including enhancing workforce diversity, reforming procurement, working with digital technology, promoting more modern methods of construction, working towards net zero, and improving construction quality.

To address these challenges, partners from across the construction sector have come together to create the CQIC and define its charter, which encourages organisations to commit to transforming the industry by placing construction quality at the centre of their decision making.

Speaking at a joint CQIC / GIRI conference in Edinburgh to mark the launch of CQIC, Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise and Chair of the Construction Leadership Forum said: “Following the launch of our Construction Accord, the Construction Leadership Forum’s next phase will be one of action and delivery, with quality at the heart of that work. 

“We don’t underestimate the scale of that challenge and, to succeed, every individual must take responsibility for quality. It’s encouraging to see Construction Quality Improvement Collaborative lead in championing this important issue and I look forward to seeing quality improvements across the sector.”

Peter Reekie, chief executive of infrastructure body the Scottish Futures Trust, and chair of the Transformation Board of the Scottish Construction Accord, said: “This is a key moment for the construction sector, and I know that everyone involved is ready to step forward to address the challenges and opportunities set out in the Accord.

“We all know that getting it right first time makes sense financially, environmentally, and importantly, from a safety perspective. It is also vital if we are going to deliver on our target for achieving net zero.”

Commenting on the CQIC launch, Ron Fraser, Chair of the Construction Scotland Industry Leadership Group said: “As we face some of the greatest challenges we have ever had to deal with, we need to work differently, learn from each other, and tackle the things that no longer serve our sector or our clients. 

“While we all aim for the same positive outcomes, we can sometimes find ourselves tackling challenges on our own rather than finding ways to collaborate with others. The CQIC initiative wants to change that so that everyone involved in projects works together to achieve the levels of quality expected.”

Karen Stevenson, Head of Policy and Development at the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: “There are opportunities to improve every aspect of construction project delivery. By committing to the CQIC Charter everyone can be part of the mission to shine a light on the things we all want to improve and to share in the successes we will have along the way.” 

Businesses and organisations can commit to the CQIC Charter at www.CQIC.org.uk.