CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2023 17 Q&A WITH STU MCINROY: 2 What presents the biggest challenge? The answer to this one will depend on who you ask, as priorities differ depending on individual member circumstances. The CPA has to be mindful of this and ensure that every member company feels it is being listened to and its interests are represented appropriately. That said, if I was forced to pick only one topic, carbon footprint and the transition to net zero is likely to touch every single member - the CPA will be increasing activity in this area in the coming months to protect the commercial interests of its members. Who or what inspires you? Individuals who achieve success when it’s not been easy/handed to them on a plate. What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given? There are two that stick with me. The first was from my Drill Instructor during officer training - ‘’Most of us have two ears and one mouth; the people that will one day work for you would appreciate it if you used them in that ratio.” The second was from a wise old flying instructor - ‘’The first time you get airborne and don’t learn something, give up, because the next time you fly you’ll be killed by complacency.” It sounds dramatic but probably boils down to ‘never think you know it all’ and can be applied equally to any workplace environment or role. If things had been different, what other career might you have chosen? I’m very lucky not to have had to have that conversation with myself. Not many people get to fulfil their ‘what do you want to be when you grow up’ question - I did and I am. Perhaps a Prosecution Barrister, but I guess with a degree in Geography/Physical Education a Professional Orienteer would have been an option if they exist. But as I say, I’m very lucky to still be in roles that I enjoy and can commit to 100% rather than just turn up and take the cheque. Do you follow a particular sport and/or team? If you’d asked me that a year ago it would have been a much easier answer. I’ve supported London Wasps (as they were known then) for 20 plus years and for them to disappear almost overnight was tough to take. Ask any supporter of any club in any sport, we all get emotionally invested to a far greater extent than we think, but I remain hopeful that the phoenix will start to rise from the ashes in the 2023/2024 season - fingers crossed. Apart from rugby union I have a keen interest in golf, horseracing and cricket. Finally, is there anything else you would like to add? I’m mature enough (aka old) to realise that a) I don’t know everything, b) I have a lot to learn and c) there is no monopoly on good ideas. I’m looking forward to working with the CPA team and Council to build on Kevin’s legacy as, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing my job. In order to do that, engagement with members is essential - education through communication - so if you see me out and about please come over, say hello and we can start the conversation. In order to help keep the construction sector informed about construction plant-based skills and cards, the industry’s Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) is hosting a webinar onWednesday 17th May 2023 from 10.30am - 12.30pm. The webinar is open to all and will provide an update on the PSRO and its formation, function, work undertaken and future activities in supporting the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to achieve objectives set out within the CLC Skills Strategy. This will include consideration of the implications of the strategy on the construction plant sector. The webinar will be hosted by Kevin Minton, Chair of the PSRO. Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), a PSRO board member and a member of the CLC People and Skills Committee will provide an update on the progress being made with the CLC Skills Strategy. The impact of this skills strategy - designed to help ensure competence across the industry - will then be considered by an expert panel drawn from the PSRO Technical Review Group (TRG) which comprises representation from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Trade Unions, as well as employers and employer representative bodies. At the end of the webinar there will be an opportunity to pose questions to Alasdair and the panel. To book your place on the webinar, please email enquiries @ psro.org.uk with the title ‘webinar’. A zoomwebinar link will then be provided. The PSRO webinar agenda will cover: • 10.30am - Welcome and introductions • About the PSRO and its achievements to date (PSRO Chair) • Update to the CLC Skills Strategy (Alasdair Reisner, Chief Executive of CECA and PSRO Board Member) • Panel discussion with the PSRO Technical Review Group on ensuring and certificating competence within the construction plant sector (Convened by the PSRO Chair) • Delegate questions and answers session (Convened by the PSRO Chair) • Meeting summary • 12.30pm - Meeting close The PSRO is made up of a number of partner bodies representing construction-linked employers directly involved in plant operations, namely Build UK, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), Home Builders Federation (HBF), National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) and the Scottish Plant Owners Association (SPOA). PSRO Webinar