We're excited to announce that our Membership Satisfaction Survey 2026 is now Live, and we invite all CABE members to have their say. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape the future of CABE membership, helping us deliver even greater professional development opportunities, technical resources, events, and services that matter to you most.

The survey is open from 8 June to the 10 July 2026. All responses are completely anonymous, and it should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Take part in the survey

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. If you are a non-member, we'd still like to hear from you. Take part in the non-members satisfaction survey 2026.

CABE has published the findings of its 2025 Employment Survey, providing valuable insight into the experiences, challenges and career outlook of professionals working across the UK construction industry.

Based on responses from 374 CABE Members in the UK, the survey explores remuneration, workload, career intentions, employee benefits and industry challenges, offering a detailed snapshot of the profession during a period of significant regulatory and legislative change.

The results highlight a highly experienced and skilled workforce. More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents have over 20 years' experience in their professional role, while 85% hold a chartered grade of membership.

Strong Earnings Across the Profession

The survey found that remuneration remains strong across construction professions, with:

• 67% of respondents earning more than £50,000
• 24% earning more than £75,000; and
• 10% earning more than £100,000.
  

The findings also suggest a positive relationship between professional recognition and earnings with nearly three-quarters (73%) of Chartered Building Engineers reporting earning more than £50,000, compared with 51% of Associate Members.

Workload Pressures Continue

While construction remains a rewarding professions, the survey highlights ongoing workload pressures across the sector. More than half of respondents (54%) reported working above capacity, including 17% who described themselves as feeling overwhelmed.

Despite these challenges, the results show signs of improvements compared to the 2024 survey, with fewer professionals reporting they feel overwhelmed.

Looking Ahead

Most respondents remain committed to the construction industry, with 60% planning to continue working within their current sector over the next three years. However, workforce retention remains a concern. Almost one quarter (23%) of respondents expect to retire within the next three years, while a further 5% are considering leaving the construction industry altogether.

When choosing where to work, respondents identified salary, location and attraction to the role as the three most important factors influencing their decisions.

Challenges Facing the Industry

Members identified regulatory requirements as the biggest challenge affecting both recruitment and retention across the industry. Other key concerns included perceptions that construction is not an attractive career choice, uncertainty about the future of the sector, and the level of personal responsibility placed on individuals.

These findings reinforce the importance of continued investment in professional development, support and industry engagement to help attract and retain talent.

The Value of Professional Membership

The survey also highlights the positive impact of professional membership on career development.

• 70% of respondents said CABE Membership has helped them progress their career
• 87% would recommend CABE to a colleague

These findings demonstrate the value members place on professional recognition, support and ongoing development throughout their careers.

Download the Full Report

The Employment Survey 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of employment trends, remuneration, career aspirations and industry challenges affecting Building Engineers and construction professionals across the UK.

Download the full report to explore the findings in more detail and gain deeper insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping the profession today.

*It must be noted that 65% of respondents worked within the Building Control sector, and therefore, the findings are more heavily representative of this discipline.

On Wednesday 24 June 2026, CABE’s Built Environment Wales – Regulatory Reform Conference will bring together professionals from across the Welsh built environment for a full day of insight, discussion and technical update.

Taking place at Cardiff Metropolitan University, this in-person conference will explore the latest regulatory reform and what these changes will mean in practice for those working across building control and the wider built environment in Wales.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear technical sessions from leading experts including Mark Tambini (Head of Building Regulations Policy, Welsh Government), Audrey Johns (Head of Building Safety Policy: Occupation Phase, Welsh Government), Sarah Salmon (Barrister, Cornerstone Barristers), Alberto Gallotta (Decarbonisation, Design & Manufacturing Associate Researcher, Cardiff Metropolitan University), Andrew Gordon (Director, Part B), with networking opportunities throughout the day.

The conference offers a valuable opportunity to explore key insights including:

• the current and emerging regulatory landscape

• safety in occupation (including the implementation of the Building Safety Bill (BSB) in Wales)

• sustainability – a Welsh approach (proposed changes to Parts F, L and O and what they mean for future building projects)
• duty-holding roles and responsibility – the need for proving your competence; and
• fire safety reform.

Gain 6 hours CPD, while strengthening your understanding of the regulatory changes shaping the future of the built environment in Wales.

Book your place by visiting Built Environment Fire Safety Conference. 

CABE’s Built Environment Wales – Regulatory Reform Conference is kindly sponsored by Coopers Fire.

Alongside its annual awards, CABE presented two new accolades at this year’s presidential inauguration ceremony on 8 May.

Earl of Lytton Award

The inaugural Earl of Lytton Award, so-called in honour of CABE Patron Earl John Lytton, has  been established to recognise individuals holding CABE Membership who have made a significant contribution to the built environment outside of the Association. CABE was delighted to bestow this first Earl of Lytton Award to David Barley FCABE C.Build E. 

David was nominated for his commitment to education, qualification development and the unwavering support offered to others across professions. He has made a profound difference to hundreds of students for more than 20 years, offering accessible learning experiences and actively working to advance their professional grades of membership. A professional panel interviewer, CPD assessor and regional committee member for CABE for many years, David continues to give back to industry and remains committed to the positive development of education within the built environment.

Special Board Commendation

A Special Board Commendation was given to Bernard Halliday ACABE Retd during the  inauguration.

A CABE Member for almost 40 years, Bernard has offered long-standing support to CABE’s North West Region, currently serving as treasurer. Although retired, Bernard’s contributions continue, with voluntary activity including community and hospice support. The Board felt that Bernard’s exceptional personal commitment and service to both the profession and the wider community was worthy of recognition this year.

Honorary Fellow

CABE is happy to present this year’s Honorary Fellowship to Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). 

Eddie was nominated for demonstrating exceptional leadership and influence over his 16-year career at CIOB, shaping its approach to policy and external relations while fostering a unified voice across the built environment. 
Widely respected, he has championed critical industry issues including housing quality, building safety, and modern slavery, driving meaningful change through high-profile initiatives such as the Sir James Wates lectures and the CIOB Quality Commission. His strategic collaboration with professional bodies, government, and regulators, combined with a considerable public sector background, working with ministers on complex legislation, has positioned him as a key figure in advancing standards, the role of professional bodies, and best practice. 
The Board concluded that Eddie’s sustained impact, thought leadership, and commitment to improving our industry make him a highly deserving Honorary Fellow.

For full information and criteria to nominate for all CABE awards, see cbuilde.com/awards

The annual presidential inauguration on 8 May had a different flavour to it this year, being held for the first time at the beautiful Knebworth Barns, Hertfordshire.

New CABE Board members:

• Gary Cass FCABE C.Build E – Vice-President
• Thomas Fleming FCABE C.Build E CEng CEnv – Ordinary Board Member
• Neil Horsfall FCABE C.Build E IEng – Ordinary Board Member

The full CABE Presidential Team 2026/2027: 

• Paul Grinyer PCABE FCABE C.Build E – President
• Veronica Fiore VPCABE FCABE C.Build E IEng – Vice-President
• Gary Cass FCABE C.Build E – Vice-President
• Zoe Cox PPCABE FCABE C.Build E IEng – Immediate Past President

For a full course overview, and to book for 26 May, see cbuilde.com/BuildingSafetyAct

Keep checking for future course dates at cbuilde.com/events

CABE has released new guidance on its revalidation assessment through the CABE Building Inspector Competence Assessment Scheme (CBICAS).

CBICAS revalidation is the process through which CABE confirms that Building Inspectors certified through the scheme continue to meet the required standard of competence for their current class and scope. (Revalidation takes place every four years.)

All Building Inspectors certified through CBICAS should have received an email from CABE on 6 April 2026 with full details and links to the published guidance, which advises on process steps and appropriate timelines. Building Inspectors may submit their revalidation application
no earlier than nine months before their certificate expiry date.

For the published guidance and all revalidation information, go to cbuilde.com/cbicas_revalidation

It may also be useful to recap on the following webinar hosted by Richard Harral, CABE CEO:
CBICAS Update: Scope Extension and Revalidation

If you are a new applicant considering CBICAS, visit cbuilde.com/cbicas_docs

CABE will be exhibiting at this year's Surveyor Live 26 event, hosted by the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA).

Taking place on 14 May 2026 at the National Self-Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, the conference has been created by surveyors, for surveyors, in partnership with Skyline Surveyors and Howden Insurance.

Surveyor Live 26 has been designed to be practical, open and genuinely useful. It will feature interactive discussions and live demonstrations, with open Q&A encouraged rather than too much emphasis on one-way presentation.

Representatives of CABE's Membership Team will be there to answer any attendee questions on routes to membership of the Association, including the Residential Surveyor Section, plus all the benefits and training opportunities on offer to members.

Tickets are £35 + VAT which includes event entry, parking, lunch and refreshments. Attending the event counts for 6 hours CPD.

Spaces are starting to run out - to book your ticket, go to the RPSA event page.

CABE looks forward to seeing everyone there.

Therefore, on 12 March 2026, at the rescheduled AGM, CABE President Zoe Cox was happy to announce the following members will be joining the Board from June 2026:

• Gary Cass FCABE C.Build E – Vice-President
• Thomas Fleming FCABE C.Build E CEng CEnv – Ordinary Board Member
• Neil Horsfall FCABE C.Build E IEng – Ordinary Board Member

Your new Vice-President: Gary Cass FCABE C.Build E 

Gary has worked for over 20 years within building control across public and private sectors. He is Chief Executive Officer of Broste Rivers Group, encompassing Hertfordshire Building Control, Build Insight, BCC Consultancy and Adaptations. Under his leadership, the Group has expanded into consultancy areas while raising the profile of building control within local communities and the wider industry.

Gary has also served on the CABE Membership Professional Standards Committee (MPSC) and supported the formation of the Association of Registered Building Inspectors to enhance information for Registered Building Inspectors. A former CIOB Policy Board member, he engages regularly with professional and political stakeholders to strengthen ethical and competent practice.

Holding a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment, Gary’s leadership philosophy centres on ‘New Professionalism’, competence, collaboration, and integrity.

As Vice President, and in promoting CABE, Gary will bring extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to ethics and the public good. As President, he will champion competence and collaboration across the industry to improve outcomes for all who use the built environment, recognising, as the WHO highlights, that we spend 65% of our lives in our homes and over 90% overall within buildings.

Your new Board members:

Thomas Fleming FCABE C.Build E CEng CEnv

Thomas has worked in the construction industry for over 30 years. Starting his career as a site engineer, his experiences in the industry to date are broad based, ranging from property development, consultancy and contracting experience in building and civil engineering works and specialist contracting.

Thomas has been with Smith Demolition Limited as a Director since 2000. In this role, he has full responsibility for the commercial and engineering aspects of the company’s operations. In this role he is responsible for the implementation of works, monitoring and ensuring compliance with method statements, risk assessments, construction standards and all relevant legislation. He also oversees the operations of the firm’s third party certified and integrated health and safety, environment and quality management system.

Thomas became a CABE Member in 2001, progressing to Fellow in 2017 before applying for and achieving Chartered Engineer status from the Engineering Council in 2022. He also achieved Chartered Environmentalist with the Society for the Environment through CABE in 2025.

Thomas also serves as an interview panellist with CABE and has done so since 2022.

Thomas is dedicated to providing high standards of professionalism and, with his skills, is a great addition to the CABE Board.

Neil Horsfall FCABE C.Build E IEng

Neil has built a career across the regulatory and building control sectors. After leaving the army as a Royal Engineer following deployments in Bosnia and Afghanistan, he worked hands-on in construction as a carpenter before moving into technical and inspection roles. He then moved into training with NHBC before progressing to senior leadership roles within Building Control and Warranty services.

Since 2020 he has been Managing Director of ICW Building Control Limited, overseeing national expansion of its building control service, development of inspection software and training pathways as the business aligns to the new building safety regime.

Neil is a Fellow of CABE, demonstrating his commitment to professional standards. He also served on the MPSC, bringing governance, oversight and peer review skills to the Association’s professional competence framework.

With operational leadership experience, regulatory insight and dedication to mentoring and development, Neil embodies CABE’s values of competence, integrity and lifelong learning. His military background and broad experience in inspection, regulation, business growth and training make him a strong addition to the Association’s Board, able to contribute strategically, provide technical leadership and uphold CABE’s mission across the membership and industry.

Congratulations to all three new Board members and we wish them well in
their forthcoming tenure.

This addition will allow the website to be translated into your choice of six languages - Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Irish Gaelic, Malay, Scots Gaelic or Welsh.

This brings the journal website in line with CABE's own website, cbuilde.com, which started hosting the Google Translate module in late 2025.

The team hopes this new service will enhance accessibility and improve engagement and inclusivity for members globally across CABE's digital platforms.

To use the translator, simply scroll to the foot of the website home page and select your language option.

, CABE's consultation paper on our future professional standards, closed for responses on 16 February 2026. 

The Association would like to extend thanks to all members and respondents for participating in this consultation.

CABE's leadership team and Board will now be taking time to fully digest all comments in order to start formulating next steps. The key findings will be presented to the CABE Board at the June 2026 meeting, where decisions will be made to help shape the Association's future strategic direction.

Thank you for supporting Future Professional and CABE's next phase of development as a modern, accountable professional body.

CABE has been running its Building Control Survey since 2022, gathering perspectives on the building control system from those working across England and Wales.

Responses to the survey are critical to the Association's understanding of what's truly going on in the sector and how the workforce is feeling. For 2026, the questions are aimed at trying to gauge how issues such as individual capacity, retention and legal liability are being perceived and what the impact is on professionals today.

Talk to us about building control - take part in this year's survey before it closes at 5pm on 27 March 2026.

You can scan this QR code to access the survey: 

or visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6BR6ZZ8

Feel free to share the survey link with colleagues. Thank you for taking the time to participate.

Alex Suter attended the University of Wolverhampton and has graduated from its CABE-accredited BSc (Hons) Building Surveying course.

CABE's Membership Director, Sharon Spice, attended Alex's graduation ceremony last week and presented him with his award. Alex now has 12 months of free, non-chartered membership of CABE, and we wish him all the best for the future following the completion of his studies.

Richard Harral, CABE Chief Executive, will be speaking at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' Building Safety Conference on 17 March 2026. 

Richard will be part of a panel discussion on Competence, Certification and Accountability in the Building Safety Era, alongside James Lane, International President, Institution of Fire Engineers, and Mark Snelling, President, Association for Project Safety (APS). The panel is due to tackle questions such as:

• how can professional institutions work together to strengthen competence frameworks?
• how can institutions and government address the shortage of qualified, certified professionals to meet demand?
  
• what reforms are needed in certification and registration to meet demands of the Act?
  
• where should accountability sit when failures occur - with individuals, institutions, or clients?

The speaker line-up on the day will also include CABE Fellow Frances Peacock, who will be taking part in a session called 'The Application of Architectural Fire Dynamics to Fire Investigations.'

For more information on the event, visit the IMechE events portal.

The one-day event takes place on 18 March 2026 at the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, bringing registered building inspectors and building safety professionals together for focused learning, practical updates, and high-value networking.

ARBI was created by building inspectors for building inspectors. It exists to provide a united voice for Registered Building Inspectors (RBI); recognising the vital public safety role they play and to promote best practice across the profession regardless of where they work.

The Building Control Conference has been designed to support professionals working through fast-changing requirements in building safety and regulatory reform. The programme provides targeted insight into compliance, standards, and practical decision-making, with 6 hours of CPD available and the opportunity to network with other RBIs.

Key sessions include:

· construction product standards and testing including PAS 2000 and updates from BSI

· fire safety including PAS 9980, external wall risk assessments and updates to Part B; and

· structural safety including RAAC, punching shear and the Eurocodes.

Speakers include Gill Kernick (Arup), Paul Morrell (Paul Morrell Consulting), Aman Sharma MBE (Totus Digital), and other expert contributors covering the government perspective and the technical detail building inspectors need on the ground.

Richard Harral, CEO at CABE, said “Competence sits at the heart of public safety. Registered building inspectors make complex judgements every day, often under pressure, and the bar for consistency and confidence keeps rising. That is why collaborations like this one with ARBI matter. When professional bodies share knowledge and bring experts into the room, we help inspectors stay current, strengthen decision-making, and support better outcomes across the built environment. This conference gives practitioners the updates and practical insight they need, and it creates the connections that improve competence long after the day ends.”

As a supporting partner, ARBI will help widen awareness of the event across the building control profession and encourage attendance from registered building inspectors working across England.

Places are now available. CABE Members can attend for £95 and non-members for £125. ARBI members will also be able to access the CABE Member rate via a dedicated booking route.

Book now to secure your place.

Find out more about ARBI:

Website

LinkedIn

CABE regrets to inform members of the passing of Bill Black VPBEng Hon FCABE C.Build E. 

Bill first became a member of The Incorporated Association of Architects & Surveyors, as CABE was known then, in 1960. He was heavily involved in many functional, organisational and regional aspects of the Association, serving as Honorary Secretary from 1986-1999.

Past President of CABE, Joseph Twomey PPBEng FCABE C.Build E Ret. has kindly submitted the following dedication to Bill:

"Bill had been a member of this Association for many, many years, and for a long time was its Honorary Secretary. Bill always strived to ensure that the Association of Building Engineers (ABE) and, as it was known before that, the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors (IAAS), was a true professional body representing the principles of design and construction.

The foundation of ABE came about when Bill had a quiet meeting with some of the council members, proposing that the IAAS needed to move with the times because the construction industry was becoming more sophisticated. Bill worked hard over several years as Honorary Secretary and, together with the team at HQ, developed an understanding that the formation of ABE would lead to greater things − ABE was set up, and the rest is history. 

On a personal note, Bill and I became good friends, and I would call on him for advice whenever I was in need. He never let me down.

May he rest in peace."

Joseph Twomey PPBEng FCABE C.Build E Ret.

On 25 February 2026 discover how Scotland’s construction professionals are at the forefront of delivering change to create safer and more sustainable buildings with CABE’s Built Environment Scotland – Regulatory Reform Conference.

This half-day virtual conference is FREE for CABE Members and only £15 for Non-members and will feature:

• an update and overview of recent regulatory reform to the Scottish Building Standards
  
  
• a case study approach on building to the Passivhaus standard
  
  
• a discussion on the impact the new role of Compliance Plan Managers on Verifiers, Design Teams and Contractors; and
  
  
• a look at what’s next for Scotland’s fire safety regime.

Don’t miss this chance to gain 4 hours of CPD, book your place.

Built Environment Series 

The CABE Built Environment Series is a series of conferences suitable for all professionals working in the Built Environment. Each event will have a tailored focus on regional industry updates and legislative changes, to give attendees an in-depth understanding of how the changes in their region may impact their job roles.

The 2026 programme features three new online events in the form of half-day conferences. Focusing on fire safety, a legal update and health and safety. Each online conference will feature guest speakers with a range of experience within each topic, delivering informative talks to provide attendees with tangible takeaways to apply to their day-to-day working lives.

Future dates:

Building Control - University of Hertfordshire - 18 March 2026

Legal – Online – 19 May – 2026

Wales – Cardiff Metropolitan University – 24 June 2026

Fire Safety – Online – 9 July 2026

Health and Safety – Online – 17 September 2026

Ireland – Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport Central – 22 October 2026

Zoe Cox, President of Chartered Association of Building Engineers, has chosen to support Brain Tumour Research and Dementia UK as both dementia and brain tumours have had a deeply personal impact on her family, as well as on many within the wider professional community.

Zoe’s ‘nanna’, to whom she was very close, lived with dementia for several years before she sadly passed away 12 months ago. During that time, Zoe witnessed first-hand the devastating and often distressing effects of the disease. Dementia not only affects those diagnosed but also places a significant emotional and practical burden on their families. The limited availability of early diagnosis and consistent support makes this journey even more challenging. Supporting improved diagnosis, family support services and research towards a cure is something that matters greatly to her.

Her husband’s family has also been affected by serious illness. He sadly lost his aunt following an aggressive brain tumour, and once again the family saw the profound impact this diagnosis can have on the whole family. While the care and support they received were excellent, there remains a pressing need for continued research to advance treatment options and improve outcomes for those affected.

Zoe, and the rest of the Team are undertaking this coast-to-coast bike ride in memory of Zoe’s nanna and her husband's aunt. By pushing themselves to their physical limits, they hope to raise as much money as possible to support vital research and services, and to help ease the suffering of others now and in the future.

This fundraising effort is also undertaken with thought for Richard Flynn, CABE’s Immediate Past President, who tragically lost his son, Brian, to a brain tumour. His loss serves as a powerful reminder that these conditions affect far too many families, including those within the CABE community.

If you can, please support the ride and donate here. Every contribution helps.

This change is designed to support apprentices progressing within the profession and to ensure timely access to the assessment pathway.

Eligible applicants must be currently undertaking a CABE-accredited building control apprenticeship and have completed their third year of the programme.

Applicants or employers with queries are welcome to contact the Membership Team at membership@cbuilde.com

CABE is delighted to announce that our Head of Technical Insight, Dr Hywel Davies, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year Honours List.

The honour comes in recognition of Hywel’s services to building safety and standards throughout a career spanning over 40 years. He joined CABE part-time in August 2024, taking on the position of Head of Technical Insight.

In recent years, Hywel's work has focused particularly on building regulations, building safety reform, construction product testing, certification, and regulation. He has also worked extensively on ventilation and health risks in buildings and on net-zero buildings. Hywel has been closely involved in the development of the new building safety regime and its practical implementation and is a member of the Building Advisory Committee, which advises the Building Safety Regulator. He also chairs the Construction and Built Environment strategy committee of the British Standards Institution. 

Hywel led the working group that developed the recent CLC guidance on the Golden Thread and chaired the expert group review of the Approved Documents which contributed to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of building regulations and fire safety. He was a contributor to the Morrell-Day review of construction products testing and is the technical author of the new PAS 2000 Code of practice, Construction products – Bringing safe products to market, due to be published by the BSI next month.

Hywel also co-chairs the Engineering Group of the Industry Competence Steering Committee.

For more on the New Year's Honours List 2026, visit the UK government website here.