Natalie Finnigan appointed as the new Vice Chair of the Chartered Institute of Building Ipswich Hub

We are delighted to announce that Natalie Finnigan has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of the CIOB Ipswich Hub Committee.

From construction to consultancy, Natalie Finnigan entered the industry 24 years ago. Starting as an office administrator and progressing to an Associate Director, Natalie shares her recent achievement of joining the CIOB Ipswich Hub Committee.

The CIOB promotes the science, ethics, and practice of built environments worldwide. It aims to train, shape, and support those in the industry and improve the quality of life for those using and creating the built environment.

Why did you decide to become part of the CIOB Ipswich Hub Committee?

After being a member of CIOB for over ten years, I am finally at a place where I can give back. I am a single parent, and as my son grows up to be more independent, this became the perfect time for me to take on a new challenge. When the CIOB advertised an opportunity to become part of the Ipswich Hub Committee I decided to apply as I’ve always wanted to do more to support the local construction industry. After an informal chat and a formal interview, I was accepted into the position.

Why did you choose CIOB?

CIOB is a professional accreditation open to all those working in the built environment. The CIOB recognises that a degree is one of many ways people can show their dedication to the built environment and considers experience and seniority within a professional’s chosen field, which only some professional bodies do.

Becoming MCIOB ensured that my professional standards could be instantly recognised by clients and colleagues alike, and the CIOB is an international organisation. I’ve always liked the inclusive atmosphere of the CIOB to support its members with the CIOB Academy, its forum to support those in the industry, mentoring opportunities, and the CIOB Assist.

What is the CIOB Ipswich Hub Committee, and what does your new role entail?

CIOB Ipswich Hub Committee are a working group of CIOB members who meet quarterly to discuss initiatives and how they can support others within the industry and East Anglia, providing both a local community network of like-minded professionals and access to training and development opportunities to support professional development. Support isn’t just available for those part of CIOB but also regularly open to the broader construction community and anyone interested in the built environment. It gives people a sense of community as we discuss all topics, from updates in regulations to sustainability and ED&I and any relevant policies that add value to the current climate. We also have a charity and help to organise CPD sessions across the county. This is a volunteer role, and I am lucky enough to have Concertus’ support behind me.

The CIOB have these hubs all over the world. We address key industry issues and discuss topics vital to the built environment. Last month, the discussion was around the Building Safety Act, and we are looking to support a future session around Passivhaus design and construction, where we work alongside industry partners who are experts in their field to deliver workshops. We work alongside other professional bodies, such as RICS, allowing us to reach a wider audience across the industry. This also supports other businesses in sharing their knowledge and expertise to help shape and support those who make the industry what it is today and the future leaders shaping it tomorrow. The CIOB has no political affiliations but will engage with politicians to discuss crucial construction issues and endeavour to ensure these are given the attention that is required.

Are there any changes to the industry/area that you like to see in the next five years?

I am pleased to be part of the team that will promote and continue the path of increasing presence and knowledge in the East Anglian region. The CIOB’s inclusivity ensures that new generations and individuals new to the industry are heard. This will not only maintain but improve innovation within the built environment. I want to influence future leaders and promote people’s expansion of skills and confidence.

There are so many opportunities to network within CIOB which is fantastic because you aren’t just making relationships with your peers but also linking up with (potentially) future colleagues, clients and experts from across different disciplines, organisations and sectors. Some events are even available to those no longer in the industry, such as retirees or those interested in the built environment but not working directly within it. I wouldn’t say changes need to be made within the industry as such, but I would like to be part of the team that helps it continue to evolve and develop.

I am looking forward to contributing to their ongoing efforts and initiatives in the future.

Natalie has inspired three team members to start their CIOB journey, too. How did you gain the interest of others within Concertus?

Many professional bodies support the development of colleagues within the industry, but entry without a degree can be extremely challenging for some. Having been at Concertus for nearly nine years, I pride myself on training and mentoring colleagues to recognise their potential. Having learned all, I have about CIOB over the last decade, it was only fitting to share how inclusive CIOB is to colleagues. There was a real interest within the team where years of experience has led them to be talented professionals and experts in their field but without the degree qualification to support the recognition of their skills to a wider audience. The CIOB professional route allows them access to a chartership qualification.

With the support of regular local events, a team around them and the guidance of the CIOB training professionals, I hope the journey of my colleagues is a positive enhancement of their career route to date and enables them to encourage others to consider the CIOB as a professional body to support their ongoing development. Anyone interested in the built environment can book courses in the CIOB Academy, all relevant to the present topics of interest to construction professionals. Using this and the designated training scheme, they can gain CPD experience during their journey and learn from other individuals within the industry.

After the journey you have had, what does it mean to you to become Vice Chair of the CIOB?

I am incredibly honoured to have been appointed Vice Chair of the CIOB and hope that I do the role justice. I really love working within the built environment and am very proud of what the industry has achieved. Hopefully, some of that enthusiasm will translate into some great events during my tenure on the Hub Committee. I genuinely look forward to collaborating with everyone involved and contributing to our collective goals and successes.

Since meeting with Natalie, she has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of the CIOB Ipswich Hub Committee. Natalie hopes she can make a difference and has positioned herself in this new role to make a real difference not only to the industry and the built environment but also to those who work there. Please join us in congratulating Natalie on this outstanding achievement.

Sarah Laing, Member Services & Events Coordinator at The Chartered Institute of Building, said: “As Vice Chair of the CIOB Ipswich Hub, Natalie will play a crucial role in supporting the committee’s initiatives, promoting professional development, and advocating for best practices in construction management. Even before Natalie was an official committee member, she was actively involved, sharing ideas and good practices, and began her tenure with enthusiasm and a commitment to improving the industry for those coming through. I know she will be a great advocate for the Ipswich hub and the Eastern region as a whole.”