SNIPEF

The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has set up a new specialist sub-group to gather and share expertise from some of Scotland’s leading consultants, as well as welcoming a new member.

Trade association DHF has become the latest organisation to become a full-time member, while the creation of a new Consultants sub-group has seen 12 professional bodies swell the collective’s ever-growing roster of experts.

Their arrival means the Forum now has 25 full member bodies from across Scotland and beyond – including Government agencies, private companies and professional services – plus eight sub-groups receiving input from more than 40 separate organisations.

Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “It’s great to have new members join the Forum and give their expertise and knowledge to help the industry. Now that the industry is restarting and getting back to work, it is important that we continue to work together to provide support and guidance for the construction sector."

Since its creation in mid-March, the Forum has been at the vanguard of the battle to save the construction sector in Scotland, distributing information and becoming the first port of call for clarity of advice.

Its latest initiatives include the release of an animation about returning to work safely and a free downloadable restart pack containing posters, checklists and fact sheets advising how to manage the restart while keeping staff safe.

It also recently provided health and safety underpinning guidance, furloughing information for employers, a consultation about the future of the industry in Scotland and vital advice for apprentices and staff preparing to return to college.

The Forum has also carried out a series of surveys, hosted popular webinars on health and safety, financial and employment issues, and maintained regular dialogue with the Scottish Government to help ensure a safe return to work across the sector.