A life sparking innovation

From leaving school with no qualifications, to becoming an FCIOB and CIOB Trustee, the life of Paul Dockerill FCIOB touched many and left a lasting impact on innovation and fire safety within the construction and built environment sector.

Now, just over a year since he suddenly passed away in November 2022, his legacy is being honoured through the launch of the inaugural Paul Dockerill Award, open to anyone in the UK, which will provide up to £10,000 to fuel innovation, resident engagement and an increased focus on fire safety. 

Paul was a visionary and a dedicated professional in the industry, and the award reflects his passion for innovation in building safety through mentoring, skills development, and, most importantly, improving fire safety and resident engagement in the UK. Paul’s daughter, Kayleigh Hills, says his family is extremely proud of his achievements and outstanding contributions to health and safety, construction, and housing. 

“Dad was extremely humble, having been born into poverty and raised in a single-parent household after losing his dad at an early age,” she says. “He often moved house, living in pre-fabs and looking after his younger siblings while his mom worked three jobs.”

Due to this, Paul left school without any qualifications, and began working as a carpenter and joiner after marrying his wife Karen when he was 20. “When my brother and I came along, he wanted more out of his career,” Kayleigh says. “I remember he would work seven days a week while also attending night school.”
After completing his degree, Paul was promoted several times, earning the title of director by the time he was 35.

“Dad was well loved by everyone who had the fortune to meet him, and he often shared his knowledge and skills to anyone who would listen,” Kayleigh says. “He never forgot what it felt like to be the family scraping by in social housing, or the new kid on the construction site getting his hands dirty.”

Paul worked in social housing for more than 20 years, and before he passed away was director of energy and programme management at Midlands non-profit housing provider whg where he led the company’s approach to the “Building a Safer Future” agenda, as well as its energy strategy. This included spearheading a pioneering project to improve building safety for whg’s high-rise buildings.

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, Paul worked closely with the fire brigade to ensure their response to a fire in a high rise was as quick, safe and effective as possible. He also led the development of the Twinnedit digital twin solution following the tragedy. This work earned him recognition from experts including Dame Judith Hackitt, who led the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety in the wake of Grenfell.

The award was created in his honour by a group of partners, family, friends and colleagues, who were all touched by Paul’s passion and generosity. “Sadly, my dad passed away suddenly in November 2022, and unfortunately with him went his experience, innovative mind and that great smile,” Kayleigh says. “This award is to ensure his passion and drive for better lives on.” 

The prestigious Paul Dockerill award is managed by the CIOB and is open to any UK resident looking to develop a research project fuelled by innovation, skills development, fire safety, and resident engagement. Paul believed that positive change could come from anyone, regardless of their background or professional affiliation, and as such the award is open to anyone with fresh and innovative ideas.

Applications opened on 1 February 2024, and must be submitted by 30 June 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in July 2024 (date TBC), with the funding available to successful applicants for up to 18 months.