ancient Construction news journalist Sandi Rhys Jones has been appointed president of the Chartered Institute of Building.
Rhys Jones, who worked as a journalist in CN in the mid-1960s, he takes over from Michael Yam as the body’s 120th president
Taking up his new role at the CIOB membership forum this week in Liverpool, he said collaboration would be the theme of his presidential term, pledging to strengthen joint thinking in a sector he sees as combative, adversarial and prone to working in isolation.
“Our strategy … is to drive the concept of modern professionalism, which is imbued with the values of competence, respect, inclusion and trust,” he said. “However, if we want to be true modern professionals, our way of working must be more collaborative.
“Our sector has great examples of collaboration but only in the pockets. What we need now is to expand that collaborative mindset and I look forward to using the platform that the CIOB presidency will give me to engage with people in our industry and beyond over the next 12 months to help drive real change.”
After his time a CNRhys Jones launched his own management and marketing business, working for contractors, consultants, suppliers and government organizations both in the UK and overseas.
A non-executive director with experience in organizations such as the Simons Group, she has also been active in industry working groups such as the Housing Forum and the Innovation Movement.
He chaired the construction equal opportunities group which was set up following Sir Michael Latham’s far-reaching review of the industry’s performance in the 1990s, and was awarded an OBE for his work in promoting women in industry.
Rhys Jones told CIOB members that the industry needs to use all its skill and ingenuity to change the way it works.
“We have a vital role to play in addressing today’s enormous global and societal challenges, from mitigating climate change to providing safe and affordable homes, schools and hospitals, from building offices, factories and stores that represent the foundations of a strong economy to providing safe and affordable housing. rewarding jobs,” he said.
“We have to accept the fact that the world cannot reach net zero without us in the built environment sector.”
CIOB chief executive Caroline Gumble said the institute would benefit from Rhys Jones’ “impressive” depth of industry knowledge and his understanding of its place in society.
“I know he will make a valuable contribution in our drive to address some of the key challenges in this important industry and will provide real leadership on the issues for the CIOB and the wider industry,” he said.
