2 minute read
From the CEO
KEVIN WELLMAN
Chief executive officer
kevinw@ciphe.org.uk
YOUR INSTITUTE, YOUR VALUES
The CIPHE’s manifesto details the Institute’s mission to safeguard public health, to improve education, support research and further our members’ career development. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3klbmwF
It’s been a tough year and there are challenges ahead but we’re fi ghting your corner
We’re all facing more uncertainty than usual because of the signifi cant challenges that are with us. That’s why the best thing you can do is make the most of your membership of the Institute. All those things that sounded nice to have a few months ago – like legal cover – suddenly are really useful.
The need for expert advice in government has also handed us an advantage. I’m delighted to say that not only have the conversations that started in March continued but backbench MPs have also begun to ask for updates.
We’ve also added our voice to the 42 other professional engineering organisations urging the Treasury to invest in skills. The only way we will move forward from this crisis is by investing in jobs and projects that are sustainable in every sense. We couldn’t have been clearer in our advice to the Chancellor.
Brexit
Like everyone else, we’re working out what will change and how it will affect members. It’s going to impact manufacturers more than anyone else but there are also going to be issues around regulations and supply chains. We’re hoping for better clarity by the end of November and as soon as we have that, we will be sharing it with our members.
COVID-19
I think we need to be realistic and accept that the virus is going to be a fact of life until beyond the fi rst quarter of 2021. During that
We’ll be living with COVID-19 for some time
time people are still going to need plumbing, heating and ventilation engineers to come into their homes and workplaces.
We’re taking a common sense approach: our advice is to follow the government advice by wearing a mask, washing hands and keeping your distance. Until there’s a vaccine, and most likely beyond that, we have to get through this as a way of living and working. As guidance and restrictions change at both national and local levels, we will keep members updated.
The best thing we can all do is stay connected to be as best informed as possible – and that’s the job of the CIPHE. So now it’s even more important to be involved with the Institute. We give clear, impartial advice and with more members that makes our argument bigger and stronger.
