On Tuesday 15 September, the APS Fellows recently came together for the Late Summer Fellows Forum. A wide range of topics were disucssed covering some of the key issues currently shaping the built environment. 

The meeting began by congratulating Sofie Hooper on her appointment as APS Chief Executive Officer. Fellows welcomed the opportunity to discuss a number of current priorities with Sofie, including feedback relating to the government's Call for Evidence: Strategy for the Built Environment Professions, Trades and Occupations, an area where Fellows have provided support and insight. While there is currently no update to report, members look forward to further developments in due course.

We were also delighted to be joined by APS President Mark Snelling and President Elect Bryn Wilde, both APS Fellows. Their participation led to an informed and insightful discussion reflecting on another successful APS Annual Conference.

The conversation explored several themes emerging from the conference, including the continuing importance of cultural change across the industry, the evolving role of advisors supporting clients in meeting their CDM duties, and how these responsibilities align with obligations under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. Fellows also discussed the ongoing challenges of managing information effectively and the rapidly developing competence landscape linked to the building safety regime.

Another topic on the agenda was work involving domestic clients. APS is currently contributing to a Construction Industry Council (CIC) paper examining this important area, and Fellows shared their perspectives on the practical challenges and opportunities associated with domestic projects.

The Forum also revisited an ongoing and thought-provoking discussion around a fundamental question for the industry: what is design? As always, this generated valuable debate and highlighted the importance of continued professional dialogue around the definition and scope of design responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the current consultation for As Built & Handover Information: Requirements. As APS played an integral role in developing the document, the Association will not be submitting a formal response to the consultation. However, Sofie encouraged Fellows and other members to share any broad observations or feedback on the proposals directly with APS.

The APS Fellows Forum continues to provide an important opportunity for experienced professionals to exchange ideas, discuss emerging issues and help shape the future direction of the profession.

If you would like to become involved in future Fellows Forum meetings, you will need to be an APS Fellow. More information about achieving Fellow membership can be found here. If you are already a Fellow, we look forward to welcoming you to the next Forum meeting in November.

Philip Baker
Fellows Forum Convenor