Annual CIOB Lecture: 'In Search of the Leadership - Accelerating the Pace of Change'

She expressed that further regulation could be implemented across the construction industry if action is not taken to stamp out poor practices and a pervasive lack of accountability. During the lecture, titled 'In search of the Leadership - Accelerating the Pace of Change', she responded to the recommendations from phase two of the Grenfell inquiry. Dame Judith led an independent review into the tragedy in 2018. At Thursday's lecture, she called on strong leaders within construction to do more to meet current regulations and drive a cultural change towards increased responsibility and ownership. Further regulation for the construction sector would likely delay the crucial progress made so far.  

For Dame Judith, this leadership takes numerous forms:  

• Admission of mistakes rather than denial 
• Clients who insist on quality, not simply the cheapest price 
• Contractors and designers who refuse to bend to pressure to cut corners 
• The rejection of cheap substitutes which are not fit for purpose 
• Proper design at an early stage involving users and delivering in full 
• Long-term prioritised improvement plans for existing buildings 

Dame Judith complemented those organisations and associations that are leading by example and gave a word of encouragement to the NFRC at the post-lecture reception. NFRC CEO James Talman, who attended the event, agreed with her sentiments and said, "It's up to all to emphasise that Building Safety is not a niche area associated with high-rise buildings - it is fundamental to all construction activity".