A
few words to Clerk of the Works
As
a member of the professional team responsible for the construction as well
as the up-keep of structures, you will readily appreciate the importance
of selecting a qualified team.
In
this area of technology and continuous education, qualifications are often
interpreted merely as those certificates awarded at the conclusion of a
period of study, completely overlooking the wealth of experience
accumulated by many mature men in important supervisory roles.
As
a Clerk of Works you will be conscious of the important role you fulfil in
establishing minimum standards of workmanship for the contract upon which
you are engaged.
You
may also wonder why your contribution throughout the whole of the contract
does not receive the degree of recognition, your dedication and experience
would normally be expected to warrant.
While
you may be accepted as a responsible member in your professional team, the
isolation of your role on site cannot entirely be disregarded.
When
your colleagues leave the site to return to the office, they can discuss
their contract problems with their professional colleagues.
You will remain alone to withstand the daily challenge of site
problems, relying entirely upon your own initiative and experience to
carry you through.
There
is an answer to this problem of isolation - to the need for recognition
for your experience - and in providing support for your problems on the
site. To
overcome these very same problems a group of practicing Clerks of Works in
1887 formed an association which is the Institute
of Clerks of Works of Great Britain Incorporated (ICW).