The UK’s Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is a globally recognised professional body for construction management and leadership, dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of construction through education, standards and professional development. Its President, Sandi Rhys Jones, gave an exclusive interview to Bahrain This Month during a recent visit to the Kingdom as part of the CIOB’s role in shaping the construction industry’s trajectory.
Ms. Rhys Jones immediately highlighted the Kingdom’s unique position as a vibrant construction hub, both regionally and internationally. “Bahrain is a very special place with numerous exciting developments in the education of young people entering the industry, addressing a major problem,” she posits.
“It’s not just about vocational and professional training but also about encouraging more young women to join the sector, something which is done very well here. My visit aims to engage with this dynamic community and explore opportunities for collaboration.”
Addressing the evolution of Bahrain’s construction sector, Ms. Rhys Jones emphasised common challenges such as regulation, safety and skill shortages. She stressed the importance of collaboration in overcoming these hurdles, advocating for interdisciplinary teams to efficiently deliver projects.
The CIOB’s role, she believes, is in facilitating knowledge-sharing and dialogue to address industry challenges, particularly in areas like sustainability and communication. She emphasised the importance of practical action and fostering engagement with policymakers to drive meaningful change.
“We have seen success in knowledge-sharing through platforms like the Construction Management magazine, which engages professionals across disciplines. Our focus on people who make a difference and projects that matter extends beyond our membership, fostering a broader community. Initiatives like fellowship forums facilitate networking and expertise sharing. By nurturing this sense of community, we can drive continuous improvement in the industry.”
Looking to the future, Jones expressed optimism about the CIOB’s growth, aiming to surpass its current international membership of nearly 50,000.
“By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing and community-building initiatives, we aim to attract more professionals to join our cause and contribute to the advancement of the construction industry,” she concludes.
