The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has marked the end of 2025 by hosting a reception in the Houses of Parliament.
Politicians from across the political spectrum gathered alongside experts from the built environment industry on Wednesday 10 December to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what further support the sector needs to thrive in 2026.
Attendees heard speeches from CIOB President Paul Gandy FCIOB, as well as Lord (Andrew) Mawson, Andrew Pakes MP and Will Forster MP.
Apprentices and CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders representatives were also in attendance, sharing first-hand experiences of joining the construction sector, the challenges they have faced, the support that made a difference, and the actions policymakers can take to encourage more people to enter the industry.
Photo left to right - Ola Obadara (CIOB Vice President), Andrew Pakes MP, Lord Mawson, Paul Gandy (CIOB President)
Eddie Tuttle, director of policy, external affairs and research at CIOB, said: “2025 has been a busy year for us at CIOB and the wider construction industry but there remains much to do as we move into 2026. Engaging with policymakers in Parliament is important as it enables us to connect them with our members who are working on the front line of the industry day in day out, and can talk with authority on the challenges they face and what they’d like to see change.
“Many of Government’s priorities including the ambitious housebuilding targets, rely on our industry so it’s vital that issues including skills shortages, procurement practices and building safety are given due attention and policy support. Our thanks go to everyone who took the time to come to the reception, and we look forward to continuing conversations into next year.”
CIOB’s 2025 highlights, which were showcased at the reception, include launching CIOB Aspire, a new portal packed with resources to guide young people through their first steps in the construction sector, the publication of its Guide to Products Critical for Safe Construction, the publication of the second edition of its Client Guide and a campaign and research based around parent and young peoples’ attitudes to construction careers.
The institute also expanded its mental health work through the Need to Talk campaign, with 29,000 QR code stickers now on construction sites across the UK and published important research into stress and wellbeing in the industry.
Andrew Pakes MP, who sponsored the reception, said: “I am deeply passionate about apprenticeships because they change lives and strengthen communities, giving people the skills and confidence they need to get on in life.
“Meeting CIOB members, apprentices and Tomorrow’s Leaders in Parliament shows how investing in skills not only opens doors for individuals but also builds the workforce our construction sector needs to deliver safe, sustainable homes and infrastructure.
“Getting apprenticeships, skills and standards right in construction must be a core priority for Government if we are serious about delivering the housing, growth and opportunities this country deserves.”
