Modern Professionalism is More Than a ‘Brass Plate’ Outside Your Door

LONDON - In a submission to the Government’s Panel on Fair Access to the
Professions the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has suggested that
what currently constitutes a profession, or more broadly professionalism is
outdated.

Professor John Bale CIOB Ambassador said; “In the 19th and early 20th
centuries, the word ‘profession’ tended to be restricted to activities that
were fee-paid. This was based on the assumption that you couldn’t get a
competitive price without impartial professional advice by supposedly learned
professionals in fusty offices.

“During the 20th century new professions emerged, frequently in
activities performed within commercial industrial organisations, so that the
distinction between ‘trade’ and ‘profession’ became increasingly outdated.

“We are a good example of how a professional body has successfully
extended access to professions through widening the scope of its intake. This
has been achieved without lowering the standards of entry, but by addressing
the barriers that exist to obtaining the required qualifications. We believe
our experience is relevant to the Panel, as the same principle could be
applied to other industries.”

The CIOB has highlighted a number of areas where increased Government
funding should be considered and barriers that need to be removed if access
to the professions is to be improved. In particular, barriers that prevent
people from retraining and moving in to a new profession must be addressed by
government. The lack of career advice to young people has been identified as
a major issue, and the CIOB recommends that funding be provided to support
the training of career advisors. This will ensure a better understanding of
the diversity of roles available and the overall importance of the built
environment to the economy and to our quality of life.

To view the CIOB submission in full please go to
www.ciob.org/about/ciobpolicies.

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chartered Institute of BuildingThe Chartered Institute of Building
(CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of
professionals in the construction industry.Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible
construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social
challenges faced in the 21st century. Our 7 Guiding Principles

- Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and
continuous personal development.

- Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for
everyone everywhere.

- Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.

- Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and
transparency.

- Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological
innovation rooted in evidence based science.

- Being socially responsible and working responsibly.

- Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute;
their success is our success.

We have over 40,000 members around the world and are considered to be the
international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled
body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a
true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have
a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible
standards within the built environment.

Source: Chartered Institute of Building

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB press and communications manager on tel: +44(0)1344-630-766 or email: stownsend at ciob.org.uk