“None of us could have known the uncertainty and upheaval that COVID-19 would bring, but I’m proud of how our association stepped up and adapted to every challenge”
represents. SELECT has always prided itself on the quality of advice and guidance it issues, whether on technical, employment, contractual or other subjects, and we have always sought to keep our Members ahead of the curve. The last 18 months have
proved how important this service is. For a period of time last year, we were issuing daily updates on a range of diff erent subjects related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this advice and information has been invaluable to Members. As my predecessor,
Kevin Griffi n, said at last year’s AGM, the association has more than stepped up to the mark and provided an excellent service during the pandemic.
It is truly heartening to see this wealth of advice and information still being shared as we enter the next phase of the COVID-19 journey.
Collaborating and cooperating
When it comes to working together, the last year especially has shown the great advantages that collaboration and cooperation can bring. As well as our regular contact with colleagues at
the ECA and other trade bodies, we have joined Actuate UK, which is made up of eight organisations, including BESA, the ECA and SNIPEF. During the year, Actuate UK – which has taken on a number of activities previously undertaken by the SEC Group – will be focusing on four strategically important themes: ● Skills ● Building safety ● Carbon reduction ● Commercial issues. Another great example of working
together is the wealth of work we have done via the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, and I’ve been hugely impressed by the huge amount of advice and information produced. Finally, SELECT has been an active member in the work of EuropeOn, the organisation that represents electrical trade bodies across Europe. The secretary of EuropeOn made a presentation on future opportunities for electricians at a recent meeting of our Central Board, and I’m pleased to see SELECT playing such a vital role in its operation.
Adapting to unprecedented times None of us could have known the uncertainty and upheaval that COVID-19 would bring, but I’m proud of how our association stepped up and adapted to every challenge. Wherever there was an issue, the SELECT team found a way to solve it, going above and beyond to help Members and would-be Members. This included the introduction of Conditional Membership, which
allowed electrical businesses to continue enjoying the support, assistance and many benefi ts of Scotland’s largest construction trade association.
Carrying out technical assessments
remotely via video link was another innovation of which I was particularly proud, ensuring that there was no interruption to the excellent technical service for which we are renowned. And the sheer volume of calls handled by the Employment and Skills team was something to behold, delivering clear and concise advice about the impact of the pandemic, just when it was needed most. I was also incredibly impressed
by our ever-growing online training off ering, which brings me on nicely to…
Skills and training Training continues to play a large part in SELECT’s activities. We now off er more than 20 diff erent technical and management-based courses, covering topics such as BS 7671, health and safety and Scottish Building Standards.
With nearly 400 delegates trained online from the beginning of 2021 – including delegates in Mexico, Spain and Russia – we are busy reviewing all our practical courses with a view to updating them to suit future needs. In the meantime, we have now restarted limited training assessment sessions at The Walled Garden, which is pleasing to see as we return to at least some kind of normality! My fi rst year as President has been slightly unusual, but I am very proud to have played a part in helping SELECT’s invaluable work prosper during this extremely challenging time.
I also appreciate the hard work carried out by my fellow offi ce bearers, Branch Members and SELECT staff as we keep progressing the work and reach of our trade association. I think we can all be very proud of
everything we have achieved together – and know the good work will continue over the next six months, into 2022 and beyond.
CABLEtalk JUNE/JULY 2021 23
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