MEMBER NEWS
SCOTLAND
Raising the standards As FMB Scotland Board member Samantha MacCuish explains on page 19, the operation and enforcement of the building standards regulations in Scotland is a key area for the FMB. As members know, local authorities – through each building standards team – are the sole verifiers of the building standards system in Scotland. Members from all over Scotland report their frustrations about the lack of consistency within and across local authority building control teams. Since 2019 the Scottish Government has led discussions on how to strengthen and improve the system. Scotland Director Gordon Nelson joined the Building Standards Futures Board to ensure the FMB has a voice in shaping this, with members being critical partners in ensuring the system works and that the building regulations are met. In October and November, members such as Samantha got involved in focus groups to amplify the FMB’s efforts. Led by Professor Billy Hare from Glasgow Caledonian University, the focus was on how an enhanced digital Building Standards system would work. Also running is a consultation on building standards enforcement and sanctions, with the aim of strengthening existing enforcement powers used by local authorities and to increase existing penalties for offences to act as a deterrent to persons who commit offences under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. By the time this edition of Master Builder has been published Gordon will have been in touch with some members about the consultation, but please feel free to participate before 12 January 2024 by visiting tinyurl.com/MB-consult
Peter Tait, Gordon Nelson and Steven Farquhar in Shetland Isles
SCOTLAND Construction training on the Shetland Isles
October marked Scotland Director Gordon Nelson’s return to Shetland after last meeting members on the islands 5 years ago. FMB Scotland Board member Peter Tait of D.I.T.T Construction and his colleague James Johnston invited Gordon to a speaking slot at the Shetland Construction Training Group’s AGM. “I was able to update everyone with news on the FMB’s work and our business support services, as well as meet contractors who aren’t FMB members. I was impressed by the volume of training undertaken by the group and the participation of our members,” says Gordon. Touring some of the construction and house building projects of Scottish members, Gordon was impressed by the size and high-quality finish to the houses constructed by E & H Building Contractors Ltd for Hjaltland Housing Association. “My thanks go to all the members who took time to meet me during my visit, with special thanks to Paul Georgeson of NCG Builders for driving me to Sumburgh airport in time to catch my flight home,” Gordon says. To find out more, visit tinyurl.com/MB-shetland
SCOTLAND
Staying in touch Most of you will have heard from Simone McAllister who works with Gordon to support members in Scotland. Please feel free to reach out to Simone or Gordon if you would like to find out more about our activities in Scotland or have a clear explanation of FMB’s range of services and benefits available to you.
CONTACT Gordon Nelson, FMB Scotland Director
Email: gordonnelson@fmb.org.uk | Call: 07769 687 232 Simone McAllister , Membership Engagement Executive Email: simonemcallister@fmb.org.uk | Call: 02894 460 416
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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