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The Academy’s Knowledge Hub

Empowering Industry Excellence: The Academy's Knowledge Hub revolutionising learning with over 200 resources

Dr Gina Al-Talal (FCIOB)

Head of Technical and Standards Development

Last updated: 13th December 2023

The Knowledge Hub was set up in 2017 to be a platform for bridging the knowledge gap and sharing best practice and therefore,  it’s accountable for shareable CPDs on the CPD portal and the online library and information services.

The CPD project was a big success and we have over 200 resources now, CPD | CIOB Academy. During that time there were some requests to deliver more publications and in particular updating the Code of Practice for Project Management 5th Ed. 

This has led to the formation of a Technical Assets department in Dec 2019 to deliver different types of publications which carry different governance as follows:

  • Codes of Practice
  • Guides
  • Technical Information Sheets

Our first priority was always to update our Code of Practice for Project Management as it’s been referred to as the ‘bible’ for our industry and we were receiving demand for a 6th edition. The word bible is clearly justifiable as we always receive praise on this publication and it’s been endorsed by other institutions like ICE, RIBA, APM, etc. 

So the work started on the code in Dec 2019 and the working party agreed that it is not just an update but indeed a total revamp. We were delighted to have successfully published it in June 2022. The structure of the code is based around eight life cycle stages that address the work necessary to Identify, Assess, Define, Design, Implement, Validate, Operate and Retire assets.

Examples are weaved in throughout the text to illustrate applications and common situations. In addition, eight themes are applied to each stage where applicable to cover:

  • Quality 
  • Sustainability
  • Values 
  • Productivity 
  • Leadership 
  • Collaboration 
  • Knowledge 
  • Management 
  • Risk

And while we were busy updating the code, we also delivered some technical information sheets (TIS) on topics like, conservation, planning protocol, temporary works, logistics, Facilities management, Digital transformations for SMEs, and quality planning for SMEs. All technical information sheets are offered free for members. 

We also developed Guides, some of which are offered free but others are at a discounted rate of 20% for members. We are very proud of the three guides we produced in 2023 on Building Performance and Evaluation, the Guide to Sustainability in the Built Environment, and the Guide to Managing Safety-Critical Elements in Building Construction. The latter was in Collaboration with RIBA and is offered free to members and non-members, but most importantly, all our guides have been welcomed by the industry.

We are thrilled to announce the completion of updating the Code of practice for Programme management 2nd Edition, and it has been submitted to  the publisher. Anticipated publishing date May 2024. 

There is always demand for guides and TIS, to help the project manager, environmental manager, and everyone in the project team. We ensure that collaboration, and roles and responsibilities are highlighted where possible in the products we deliver.

The message I would like to bring here is not only to visit our academy site to search for publications, CPDs, or training courses but also get in touch if you have a topic in mind, would like to contribute to a topic or have expertise in peer reviewing or working party participation. We acknowledge contributors and welcome ideas from academics, and practitioners.  Email us at [email protected]