In the first event of its kind to be held in the region, more than 30 ICE members joined a virtual community in the ICE East Midlands “Webinar” (or Web-based Seminar) on ‘Contracts and Frameworks: Do they deliver?’
The online presentation, held on 6 May, allowed members to log in during their lunch hour to hear Andy Louden, Operations Manager, MWH, give a whistle-stop tour of the role and effectiveness of delivering contracts in the role of designer and contraction.
Andy’s experience is broad, spanning the water industry, flood defence, highways maintenance and local authority projects.
He discussed the value of ‘early contractor involvement’ in the context of recent public sector spending cuts as well as different forms of contract, fair allocation of risk in contracts and if procurement methods impact on behaviour.
Andy is a past chair of ICE Northamptonshire branch and the East Midlands Water Professional Interest Network (PIN).
The event was intended to give greater flexibility to members taking part, particularly those who may find it difficult to attend a breakfast or evening meeting and were able to share knowledge with colleagues without having to leave the comfort of their own offices!
The event was fully interactive with members taking part in a Q&A session after Andy’s presentation. The technology is flexible enough for individuals or groups to take part.
Feedback from delegates has been positive, with comments including:
“The method of delivery was spot on. Great technology.”
“Fantastic to have an online event at lunchtime - more please!”
“[I appreciated…] being able to sit at work during lunch and gain Continued Professional Development (CPD) time.”
“I have other commitments and find it hard to get to after work lectures especially with travelling time included which is usually an hour each way. This lunchtime event was perfect for me.”
ICE East Midlands is looking to hold more of these events in future and suggestions have already been received about topics which may be discussed at future events.