Constructing Change: Construction Dynamics
This chapter is taken directly from Griffiths & Armour’s publication Constructing Change: Evolving the Status Quo or Time to Reset?, which brings together sector perspectives on key legal, construction and insurance challenges.
In this chapter, the focus turns to cultural, ethical and regulatory change across the construction sector. From the lessons of Grenfell to the demands of the Building Safety Act, the discussion highlights how fragmented responsibilities, fee pressures and systemic siloing contribute to widespread risk and eroded trust — and outlines how a systems thinking approach and stronger accountability can drive meaningful reform.
Extracts from the chapter:
“There’s always somebody willing to do the work for less and there are always clients willing to accept cheaper services. Something has got to give and it is usually quality.” – John Roberts
“There’s a new mandated requirement that has just been put into place by the National Infrastructure Commission, which is for every major project to have a design champion that sits on the Board… to ensure that they have the authority to make strategic decisions on the creative design outcomes for the project at the most senior level of the project.” – Harbinder Birdi
“We need to allow [construction professionals] the freedom to think and act holistically, without fear of assuming career ending – if not firm ending – liabilities. That takes us back full circle to the liability environment in which the industry is mired. Can the status quo be said to be one in which firms are encouraged to think about the big picture?”
