Welcome

2020 will surely be remembered as an extraordinary In fact, our Association’s investment in digital has stood us year for all of us with challenges and opportunities in good stead and the modernising of our website capabilities that we could not have imagined. Of course, the has been a boon to delivering continuous member services scourge of Coronavirus is still with us. We are throughout the pandemic. The CABE Built Environment Awards all doing our best to keep business as usual. still took place last year, albeit with less pomp and ceremony What has been shown over the past 12 months than planned, and you may still view the winning projects at is how, on a human level, local cbuilde.com/awards, together with the round communities and businesses have come together to support each other. “Modernising table discussion on Accountability across the built environment. You can also access a

Businesses have embraced innovation to survive, adapting positively to the restrictions and regulations and now Covid-safe working our website capabilities selection of interesting news articles and CPD webinars, details on membership, jobs and the CABE Community forum where members practices have become the new norm. At my workplace I have seen a shift to has been can engage directly with each other. Despite this I k now that, for some of you, homeworking and online meetings. Naturally, there are issues this raises in terms of managing remote and fragmented teams. a boon to delivering 2020 was not the best of years. The CABE Benevolent Fund has supported members in dire need, and the CABE team has rallied

Keeping people connected and being mindful of their wellbeing becomes a key priority, continuous round to ensure that members have access to essential training, professional support especially understanding that everyone’s circumstances are diff erent and the journey is diffi cult for all of us in its own way. For instance, member services” and networking. CABE has also been reaching out to members and talking about mental health and wellbeing and codes going to work may no longer be a refuge of conduct and ethics. The past year has from diffi cult home circumstances. Other demands may put seen the membership grow, with a very pleasing increase in pressure on loyalties, and prioritising may become a struggle. diversity. CABE Board is more representative of the industry

The responsibilities of modern leadership have evolved and demographics, with a 40% increase in women members and it is more important than ever to build those networks and a shift in reducing the average age. CABE is indeed a forwardcollaborate and support each other. looking organisation.

The traditional ways of meeting in person over a conference It just remains for me to thank our Chief Executive, and a coff ee have been stymied by Covid-19. Our fabulous Gavin Dunn, with the support of all the crew at HQ, my fellow series of BuildEng events had been growing in popularity Board Directors, all the regional chairs and committ ees and all and recognition around the regions, and so it was extremely of you – our membership – without whom there would be no disappointing for the entire calendar to be postponed. CABE. Together we hope 2021 brings smoother water ahead.

As your President I know how much hard work and planning goes into these events and it has been so frustrating that I ILLUSTRATION: SAM KERR have not been able to travel the country to meet our dedicated regional committ ees and their members. I am also saddened that I have missed the opportunity to travel further afi eld to visit the CABE international chapters. Though, by the powers of modern technology, I will be able to speak to many of you this year at online events. Jayne Hall BSc (Hons) PCABE FCABE Chartered Building Engineer CABE President