Building foundations for quality

What prompted you to volunteer for your role as Chair of the CQI’s Construction special interest group (SIG)?

I was approached by the previous chair of the Construction SIG to join the steering committee because of my role as Technical Director at Morgan Sindall and as leader of our quality management function.

As a result of my involvement in the steering committee, I was asked if I would chair it. It was a great honour to be approached and I felt that I could help make a difference for the industry, particularly with the need for a culture change across the industry to focus on quality.

What does your role with the SIG involve?

My role as Chair means I set the vision, purpose and strategic objectives of the SIG steering committee (as outlined below). It enables me to engage with the industry, facilitate collaboration, provide leadership, and co-ordinate our activities with the other SIGs and the CQI in general.

We have two key objectives for the year, which includes the creation of quality key performance indicators and a Quality Competence Framework for quality professionals working in construction. These two objectives have required me to liaise with other professional institutions across the industry, key governmental bodies and the CQI leadership to ensure the objectives align with the broader CQI vision and strategic approach.

How did you come to your role, and how did the CQI team help you with it?

The application process was straightforward and the CQI leadership team and steering committee helped me obtain my chartership.

How has your volunteer role with the CQI assisted you in your career?

Volunteering has helped me to demonstrate leadership, and it has further opened up my ability to collaborate across the wider industry to develop positive relationships for the benefit of myself, my employer and the CQI. It has also enabled me to develop and mentor our steering team members.

What route did you take into quality?

I have held a variety of roles within construction. I started my career as a quantity surveyor and then took on the role of pre-construction bid manager. I then developed into a project manager, taking the lead on all aspects throughout the lifecycle of a construction project.

Following my time in project management, I went into general management, leading a team to deliver a programme of schools for the Building Schools for the Future programme, a private finance initiative that delivered schools with a construction value of around £350m.

After this, I held a role in internal audit that led to business improvement. My view on business improvement is that the easiest way to improve profitability within the industry is to get quality right for the benefit and safety of all who interact with the assets we design and construct. This led to me to focus on quality.

What advice would you give to others who might be considering a volunteer role with the CQI?

The CQI is a great organisation to be involved with. If you are keen to develop in a quality-related role or are already working in such a position, then get in touch with the CQI. The organisation can connect you with the special interest group that’s right for you – so let’s start the conversation! We are always looking for new people to join our working groups, get involved in steering and promote membership across the industry.