15 December 2010

In a move that reflects credit on Costain and offers it an opportunity to improve the business prospects both for itself and the construction sector, Group Technical Director, Bill Hewlett has been appointed a vice-president of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Hewlett, an ICE member since 1990 and a Fellow for the past three years, will serve a three-year term as vice-president for membership and ethics.

The role includes chairing the membership panel that maintains the infrastructure supporting people aiming to join the institution and reviews their applications. It also aims to ensure that the need for ethical behaviour in the job is understood.

The role requires a substantial commitment in time, says Hewlett, typically a day a week.

This effort and commitment does bring returns. “I see some very strong benefits for Costain. It’s a highly visible signal that Costain promotes professionalism. I think that’s important to our people as well as to our supply chain and customers.

“As far as our people are concerned, many are striving both in and beyond their daily work to develop themselves to achieve professional qualifications.” The company’s close involvement with the ICE gives a signal to staff that we value such qualifications, he said.

“As far as customers are concerned, the message is about what we stand for and that we are prepared to offer leadership to the profession, that we’re leaders, not followers.”

From Costain’s perspective, everything that can be gleaned from his role that provides insight into qualification and professional development is helpful.

And from a business point of view, the position gives Costain access to people in Government and other stakeholders in the marketplace: “I will do what I can to ensure that the priorities of our customers are represented at that level.”

Ends