The minimum requirements for project managers’ understanding of information management and digital technology have been set out in a new competence framework.
An industry consensus group developed the Competence Framework for Project Managers in the Built Environment in England – in response to the Grenfell tragedy, Judith Hackitt’s review and the Building Safety Act 2022 – to establish core competence criteria for project managers working in the built environment.
Improvements in the competence of these individuals will support better compliance with building regulations and in particular ensuring that buildings are safe throughout their lifecycle, according to the framework authors.
The framework was drafted by:
- the Association for Project Management (APM);
- the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB);
- the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS);
- the Royal Institute of British Architects; and
- the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
The framework states that a project manager shall be able to:
a) apply information management principles throughout the project, including the use of relevant digital technology;
b) assemble or evaluate an information management assignment matrix to ensure that all activities within information management are assigned across the project team;
c) create information management resources to enable information management across the project team, to the extent of the project manager’s appointment;
d) create and manage project management information;
e) manage the process of drawing together information, ensuring all information from concept through to delivery is included (noting some of this information may have been produced prior to project manager appointment). Where appropriate, this needs to meet the requirements of the golden thread;
f) understand requirements for exchange of fire safety information; and
g) present information in the format required by the contract to ensure compliance.
Furthermore, the framework states that a project manager should communicate with stakeholders effectively through use of oral, written, drawn, digital or graphic information and in accessible formats.
Proving competence
Between now and September 2025, project managers can demonstrate their competence to the regulator by achieving chartered status with APM, CIOB or RICS, and by demonstrating relevant experience in the built environment.
From September 2025 until 2027, project managers will be able to demonstrate competence either by achieving certification against the new competence framework, or by holding chartered status with APM, CIOB or RICS and having the relevant experience in the built environment.
From September 2027, project managers will be assessed against the new competence framework.
A webinar introducing the framework, and featuring representatives from the APM, CIOB and RICS, will take place on 29 February.
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