CIOB launches industry’s first ethical construction MOOC

CIOB Academy launches online course on ethics and compliance made purposely for construction professionals.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Academy is launching a massive open online course (MOOC), tailor made for construction professionals. The course, which lasts five weeks, is free and open to anyone working in the built environment sector globally.

The online programme includes contributions from construction clients and contractors, but was largely devised in collaboration with experts, including Jay Blithe of the Barrett Values Centre, sustainable construction consultancy Responsible Solutions, and Ethical Leadership author Andrew Leigh.

The course is aimed particularly at those in construction management, site management, design, HR, procurement, and surveying, suitable for all levels of seniority.

Designed to empower people to make better decisions in their daily construction work, the course focuses on improving relationships, identifying conflicts of interest and taking steps to minimise risk. IOB Academy wants to create a new generation of ethical leaders, to show why it is sometimes necessary to go beyond legal compliance and to give people the confidence to speak out when something is wrong.

The course will give participants the opportunity to develop their ethical leadership skills and reflect on interactive exercises, exploring dilemmas that are relatable in their everyday roles, such as compnayy policy and interactions in the workplace. This is done through social learning, questionnaires, videos, articles and quizzes. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with each other, and the course leader in a safe and managed forum. Tutors and constributors are available online for any support.

Course leader and owner of Construction Coach, Maria Coulter said: “Construction is a fast paced industry and people are working under tremendous pressure to deliver for clients and employers within complex frameworks. Unfortunately, conflicting requirements can sometimes force people to compromise their personal values. This can lead to disillusionment which not only erodes trust, but also damages morale and wellbeing, negatively impacting the performance of individuals and teams.

“By providing a safe place to explore and discuss ethical issues, and by opening this course up to anyone in the industry, we hope to facilitate positive change on a large scale.”

Holly Walton, Head of CIOB Academy said: “Since launching the CIOB Academy in December, we have received an enthusiastic response for our targeted construction courses that have been designed by industry, for industry.  We welcome businesses and industry bodies to share and promote this course widely, and to help make a difference to the ethical standards of constructors.

“CIOB Academy’s ethics and compliance MOOC is the first in a series of free training that will be launched over the coming months. It’s part of our commitment to raising professional standards globally, enhancing the quality of life for everyone working in construction.”

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