Managing People in the Construction Industry

Managing People in the Construction Industry

A guide for RICS APC candidates

Managing people is one of the core competencies that RICS APC candidates need to demonstrate in their assessment. It involves planning, organising, leading and controlling the human resources of a project or an organisation. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key aspects of managing people in the construction industry, such as data communication systems, stationery, secretarial/administration support services, space planning, facilities management, hot desking, and homeworking. We will also provide some real-life examples, relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for each topic.

Data communication systems

Data communication systems are the methods and technologies that enable the exchange of information between different parties involved in a construction project. They include hardware, software, networks, protocols, standards, and security measures. Data communication systems are essential for managing people in the construction industry, as they facilitate collaboration, coordination, communication, and information sharing among project stakeholders. They also enable remote working, monitoring, and reporting of project progress and performance.

A real-life example of data communication systems in the construction industry is the Building Information Modelling (BIM) approach, which involves the creation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. BIM enables the integration of different disciplines and stages of a project, such as design, construction, operation, and maintenance. BIM also supports the implementation of data standards, such as the Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie), which is a data format for the delivery of asset information.

The relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for data communication systems in the construction industry include:

• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), which require the provision of pre-construction information, construction phase plan, and health and safety file for a project [1].

• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, which regulate the processing of personal data and the rights of data subjects [2].

• The RICS professional statement on data handling and prevention of cybercrime, which sets out the obligations and best practices for RICS members and regulated firms in relation to data protection and cybersecurity [3].

Stationery

Stationery is the term used to describe the materials and supplies that are used for writing, printing, and office work. Stationery includes items such as paper, pens, pencils, envelopes, folders, labels, staplers, clips, etc. Stationery is important for managing people in the construction industry, as it enables the documentation, recording, and distribution of information and data. Stationery also supports the branding, identity, and professionalism of a project or an organisation.

A real-life example of stationery in the construction industry is the use of standard forms and templates for contracts, invoices, reports, letters, etc. These forms and templates ensure the consistency, clarity, and accuracy of the information and data that are exchanged between different parties involved in a project. They also reflect the image and reputation of a project or an organisation, as they are often printed on letterheads, logos, and colours that are associated with them.

The relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for stationery in the construction industry include:

• The Consumer Rights Act 2015, which regulates the contracts between traders and consumers, and the rights and remedies of consumers [4].

• The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, which allows the recovery of interest and compensation for late payment of invoices [5].

• The RICS professional statement on service charges in commercial property, which sets out the standards and best practices for the management and administration of service charges [6].

Secretarial/administration support services

Secretarial/administration support services are the activities and tasks that are performed by secretaries, administrators, assistants, and clerks to support the management and operation of a project or an organisation. Secretarial/administration support services include functions such as typing, filing, copying, scanning, emailing, answering phone calls, scheduling meetings, booking travel, ordering supplies, etc. Secretarial/administration support services are essential for managing people in the construction industry, as they enable the organisation, coordination, and communication of the work and the resources. They also improve the efficiency, productivity, and quality of the work and the services.

A real-life example of secretarial/administration support services in the construction industry is the role of a project administrator, who is responsible for providing administrative support to the project manager and the project team. A project administrator may perform tasks such as preparing and updating project documents, maintaining project records, tracking project progress and performance, liaising with project stakeholders, facilitating project meetings, etc.

The relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for secretarial/administration support services in the construction industry include:

• The Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination, harassment, and victimisation on the grounds of protected characteristics, such as age, disability, gender, race, religion, etc [7].

• The Working Time Regulations 1998, which regulate the hours, breaks, and holidays of workers [8].

• The RICS professional statement on conflicts of interest, which sets out the obligations and best practices for RICS members and regulated firms in relation to identifying, managing, and disclosing conflicts of interest [9].

Space planning

Space planning is the process of designing and arranging the physical space and layout of a building or a workplace. Space planning involves the consideration of factors such as the function, size, shape, location, accessibility, flexibility, and aesthetics of the space. Space planning is important for managing people in the construction industry, as it affects the performance, comfort, health, and safety of the workers and the users of the space. It also influences the cost, efficiency, and sustainability of the building or the workplace.

A real-life example of space planning in the construction industry is the application of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which specify the minimum standards for the provision of space, ventilation, lighting, temperature, cleanliness, sanitary conveniences, etc. in a workplace. These regulations aim to ensure that the workplace is suitable and safe for the workers and the activities that are carried out there.

The relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for space planning in the construction industry include:

• The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which regulate the conditions and environment of the workplace [10].

• The Building Regulations 2010, which set out the requirements for the design and construction of buildings, including aspects such as fire safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, etc [11].

• The RICS professional statement on property measurement, which sets out the standards and best practices for measuring and reporting the floor areas of buildings [12].

Facilities management

Facilities management is the process of managing and maintaining the physical assets and services of a building or a workplace. Facilities management involves the planning, delivery, and evaluation of functions such as cleaning, security, maintenance, catering, waste management, etc. Facilities management is essential for managing people in the construction industry, as it ensures the functionality, safety, and quality of the building or the workplace. It also supports the strategic objectives, operational needs, and environmental responsibilities of the project or the organisation.

A real-life example of facilities management in the construction industry is the use of the Soft Landings framework, which is a collaborative approach that aims to ensure that the design, construction, and operation of a building meet the expectations and requirements of the client and the end-users. The Soft Landings framework involves the involvement of the facilities managers throughout the project lifecycle, from the briefing and design stages to the handover and aftercare stages.

The relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for facilities management in the construction industry include:

• The Environmental Protection Act 1990, which regulates the control and disposal of waste and the prevention of pollution [13].

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires the assessment and management of fire risks in premises [14].

• The RICS professional statement on facilities management, which sets out the standards and best practices for the provision and management of facilities services [15].

Hot desking

Hot desking is the practice of sharing desks or workstations among multiple workers, rather than assigning a fixed desk or workstation to each worker. Hot desking is often used as a way of optimising the use of space and resources, reducing costs, and increasing flexibility and collaboration in the workplace. Hot desking is relevant for managing people in the construction industry, as it enables the adaptation to the changing needs and demands of the project and the organisation. It also encourages the interaction and communication among different workers and teams.

A real-life example of hot desking in the construction industry is the use of the Agile Working model, which is a flexible and responsive way of working that allows the workers to choose where, when, and how they work, depending on the task and the situation. The Agile Working model involves the provision of a variety of work settings and environments, such as open-plan offices, meeting rooms, breakout areas, etc., that support different types of work and activities. The Agile Working model also involves the use of technology and systems that enable the mobility and connectivity of the workers.

The relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for hot desking in the construction industry include:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires the provision of a safe and healthy working environment for the workers and the visitors [16].

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require the assessment and management of the risks to the health and safety of the workers and the visitors [17].

• The RICS professional statement on agile working and the workplace, which sets out the standards and best practices for the implementation and management of agile working in the workplace [18].

Homeworking

Homeworking is the practice of working from home, rather than from a designated workplace. Homeworking is often used as a way of enhancing the work-life balance, well-being, and productivity of the workers, as well as reducing the travel time, costs, and environmental impacts of commuting. Homeworking is relevant for managing people in the construction industry, as it enables the flexibility and autonomy of the workers, as well as the continuity and resilience of the work and the services, especially in times of crisis or disruption.

A real-life example of homeworking in the construction industry is the use of the Home Working Policy, which is a document that outlines the terms and conditions, roles and responsibilities, and benefits and challenges of homeworking for the workers and the organisation. The Home Working Policy may cover aspects such as the eligibility, suitability, and approval of homeworking, the provision and maintenance of equipment and technology, the communication and supervision of homeworkers, the health and safety of homeworkers, etc.

The relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for homeworking in the construction industry include:

• The Employment Rights Act 1996, which regulates the rights and obligations of the employers and the employees, including the right to request flexible working [19].

• The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, which regulate the provision and use of display screen equipment, such as computers, laptops, tablets, etc., by the workers [20].

• The RICS professional statement on business continuity management, which sets out the standards and best practices for the planning and implementation of business continuity measures, such as homeworking, in the event of a disruption or an emergency [21].

Reflections and Recap

In conclusion, managing people in the construction industry is a complex and dynamic process that involves a range of aspects and factors that affect the work and the workers. In this blog post, we have discussed some of the key aspects of managing people in the construction industry, such as data communication systems, stationery, secretarial/administration support services, space planning, facilities management, hot desking, and homeworking. We have also provided some real-life examples, relevant UK laws and RICS guidance notes for each topic. We hope that this blog post has been informative and useful for the RICS APC candidates who are preparing for their assessment.

Sources

1. Health and Safety Executive (2015). Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htm

2. Information Commissioner's Office (2018). Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/

3. RICS (2019). Data handling and prevention of cybercrime, 1st edition. Available at: https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/valuation/data-handling-and-prevention-of-cybercrime/

4. Legislation.gov.uk (2015). Consumer Rights Act 2015. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/contents/enacted

5. Legislation.gov.uk (1998). Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/20/contents

6. RICS (2018). Service charges in commercial property, 1st edition. Available at: https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/service-charges-in-commercial-property/

7. Legislation.gov.uk (2010). Equality Act 2010. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

8. Legislation.gov.uk (1998). Working Time Regulations 1998. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/1833/contents/made

9. RICS (2017). Conflicts of interest, 1st edition. Available at: https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/valuation/conflicts-of-interest/

10. Health and Safety Executive (1992). Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l24.pdf

11. Legislation.gov.uk (2010). Building Regulations 2010. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2214/contents/made

12. RICS (2018). Property measurement, 2nd edition. Available at: https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/property-measurement/

13. Legislation.gov.uk (1990). Environmental Protection Act 1990. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/contents

14. Legislation.gov.uk (2005). Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/1541/contents/made

15. RICS (2019). Facilities management, 4th edition. Available at: https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/facilities-management/facilities-management-professional-statement/

16. Legislation.gov.uk (1974). Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/contents

17. Legislation.gov.uk (1999). Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/3242/contents/made

18. RICS (2018). Agile working and the workplace, 1st edition. Available at: https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/agile-working-and-the-workplace/

19. Legislation.gov.uk (1996). Employment Rights Act 1996. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/contents

20. Legislation.gov.uk (1992). Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2792/contents/made

21. RICS (2014). Business continuity management, 1st edition. Available at: https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/business-continuity-management/