Made any New Year's resolutions? CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe certainly has.
Blythe has been at the helm for four years now, and over that time he's made some significant changes: banning alcohol at Englemere, opening boards and committees to applications and dropping age restrictions for fellows, not to mention a wholesale re-organisation of staff and departments. But now it's time for more a more radical overhaul of the institution; ending the right of branch chairmen to sit on Council, for example, and encouraging more hotly contested elections. Turn to page 12 to find out what else is in store.

How about resolving to make more of an effort with workers' health this year? Nobody should have to work in an environment where damaged joints, rashes and respiratory problems are the norm. Full marks, then, to Multiplex for starting to tackle this issue. They are using a very simple process called body mapping to identify ongoing health problems among the people on site (see page 17). It's not rocket science, so there's no excuse not to give it a go.

If you're plotting a change of career, we've got some ideas for you in our feature about jobs that weren't around in 1994. Do you know what it takes to be a whole life cost consultant? Or how about becoming a knowledge manager? It sounds nerdy but it's a highly strategic role. Find out more on page 34.

Perhaps you're seeking out new areas of work for your firm. If you're currently active in the education sector, you may need to look elsewhere, unless you're a PFI player. The government is introducing a brave new system which will see major contractors heavily involved in the procurement of all secondary schools (see page 19) through public private partnerships. Small and medium-sized contractors who want a look-in need to start talking to the big boys. Now. There's £45bn up for grabs.

If all this fails to excite, perhaps your career in construction isn't rewarding enough. So how about trying something completely different? Acting for example. Enter, on page 36, Martin Bishop, the ex-chairman of QS firm Franklin + Andrews, and now an aspiring luvvie. Darling, he's having sooo much fun!

Source

Construction Manager