Links to construction related organisations, trade bodies, Government departments, societies and regulatory authorities.

BERR

Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) – Construction
BERR is the voice for business across Government. It leads the Government’s drive to raise UK levels of productivity, create the conditions for business success and strengthen the economic performance of all the regions.
The construction section of the site contains a lot of valuable information about the UK construction sector, most notably The Construction Statistics Annual and information regarding Government’s Sustainable Construction Strategy with links to all the relevant discussion papers.

BRE

BRE – The Building Research Establishment
The BRE is a charitable trust who provide a complete range of consultancy, testing and commissioned research services covering all aspects of the built environment, and associated industries. The site contains a wealth of information, research material and publications. Register for free to get access to all the site and a regular newsletter.

CABE

CABE – The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
CABE is the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space. They run public campaigns, and provide advice directly to planners, designers, clients and architects regarding planning issues and urban design.
The site has several features which may may find useful when researching matters such as sustainability, public buildings & housing as well as a useful policy document regarding PFI. There are several useful articles and several publications available as a free PDF download.

CITB

CITB Construction Skills
The Construction Skills website is a great resource for anyone embarking upon a career in the construction industry. The site has some concise advice and guidance on career paths and education options as well as regularly updated news, information and policy statements regarding skills and training within the industry. One key feature of the CITB site is the resources section guidance regarding CDM Regulations and how they apply to all duty holders with a downloadable publication for each. The booklets are a great point of reference and explain a difficult subject concisely and in plain English.

English Heritage

English Heritage
English Heritage is the Government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment and works with a range of Government Departments to help realise the potential of the historic environment. Their aim is to: Conserve and enhance the historic environment, broaden public access increase people’s understanding of the past.

The site has a wealth of educational resources including an extensive image catalogue and library of free reports and publications.

Energy Saving Trust

Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is a non-profit organisation, set up to address the damaging effects of climate change. The issues of climate change are explained clearly and concisely with some useful information and guidance on home improvements and details of various energy saving products and technologies.

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency – sustainable construction
The environment agency is responsible for protecting the environment of England and Wales. The Sustainable Construction section gives some useful information about Government policy regarding sustainable development, case studies, links to further information and a downloadable ‘Construction Activity – Carbon Calculator’ tool.

HSE

The Health & Safety Executive
HSE conduct and sponsor research, promote training, provide an information, and advisory service and submit proposals for new or revised regulations and approved codes of practice. The site has comprehensive information and resources regarding all aspects of health and safety legislation. The site is written in plain English with lots of regular features such as Myth of the Month, a regular email bulletin and the Good Practice Discussion Forum.

NetRegs

NetRegs – Construction
NetRegs is a partnership between the UK environmental regulators. They provide free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses throughout the UK. The construction section of the site has a comprehensive listing of environmental legislation specific to each construction trade and operation as well as some good information about Site Waste Management Plans

NHBC

NHBC – National House-Building Council
NHBC is the standard setting body and warranty provider for new and newly converted homes in the UK. They work with the house-building industry to provide risk management services that raise the standards of new homes, and to provide consumer protection to new home buyers. The builder site has a range of information, publication downloads and press packs.

The Planning Portal

The Planning Portal
The Planning Portal is the UK Government’s online planning and building regulations resource for England and Wales. The site gives comprehensive information regarding planning and access to the building regulations. The website has a Professional User section with loads of useful information, tools and resources.

SPAB

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings – SPAB
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive ‘restoration’ of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects. Today it is the largest, most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.
The site offers a range of information for homeowners and professionals regarding the upkeep and repair of ancient buildings. The professional section has an extensive question and answer section, technical advice and access to a range of technical pamphlets and guides.