Government to appoint new construction industry 'champion' » Housing » 24dash.com

The Government today announced its intention to consult on a potential new 'champion' role for the construction industry.

The Chief Construction Officer, a civil service position, would serve as the main point of engagement between industry and Government. The Officer would work with and across government departments to help to ease the problem of fragmentation of construction policy across Government.

Full details of the potential terms and scope of the role will be confirmed following engagement with both industry and public sector bodies as part of the Operational Efficiency Programme announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury earlier this year.

However duties could include:

• Working with OGC and other organisations to promote best practice in construction procurement
• Acting as the main point of engagement between Government and industry
• Helping to oversee the implementation of Government policy, such as the Strategy for Sustainable Construction
• Championing the industry's image
• Promoting regulatory consistency across departments
• Helping to co-ordinate the timing of major public sector construction programmes or projects
• Promoting innovation in the industry.

The move comes as part of a response to a key recommendation in the Construction Matters report by the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee.

Business Secretary John Hutton said: "Construction is a key sector of the UK economy, generating nearly 9% of GDP and employing more than 2.8 million people.

"But the construction industry is very broad and almost uniquely impacted by a wide range of government departments both through policy and, as a client, through procurement.

"We have known for some time that the industry has felt it needs more dedicated Whitehall support and for government departments to be more joined-up and holistic in their approach to procurement and policy development.

"That is why we have embraced the BERR Committee's recommendation regarding the creation of a new role to 'champion' the sector and to ensure that Government remains consistent and focussed in its relationship with this vital sector."