The construction industry is gearing up for a significant shift with the recent appointments of Dr. Bryn Wilde as the incoming president of the Association for Project Safety (APS) and Mark Robinson as co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC)’s Building and Places workstream. These leadership changes come at a critical juncture for the industry, where the stakes are high, and the need for effective collaboration and innovation is more pressing than ever.
Dr. Bryn Wilde, a chartered civil engineer with over two decades of experience in the APS, is set to take the helm in February 2027. His extensive background in health and safety, coupled with his active involvement in various committees, positions him well to influence the future of safety regulations in construction. Wilde’s commitment to ensuring that the APS remains a key player in navigating the complexities of the new building safety act and post-Grenfell recommendations is commendable. He understands the importance of representing the collective voice of the membership in discussions with Parliamentarians across the UK. His vision of making construction and occupied buildings healthier and safer resonates with the industry’s evolving standards and expectations.
On the other hand, Mark Robinson’s appointment as co-chair of the CLC’s Building and Places workstream signals a renewed focus on integrating public and private investments in infrastructure and community regeneration. Robinson’s emphasis on collaboration and public-private partnerships is a nod to the changing landscape of construction, where siloed operations are increasingly seen as a barrier to progress. His experience at SCAPE, where he has championed these collaborative efforts, will be invaluable as he works alongside the government to shape policies that drive efficient, sustainable, and innovative construction practices.
The re-establishment of the Building and Places workstream in 2023 reflects a broader industry trend toward placemaking and sustainable development. With a focus on achieving net-zero construction and enhancing productivity, the workstream is poised to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector. By developing a playbook for improving private sector construction productivity and responding to government consultations on infrastructure levies, Robinson and his team are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive industry.
As Dr. Wilde and Mark Robinson step into their respective roles, the construction sector stands at a crossroads. The legislative landscape is shifting, and the pressure to adopt sustainable practices is mounting. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision for a safer, more integrated future. Their collaborative efforts could very well redefine how the industry approaches health and safety, productivity, and community engagement.
The implications of these appointments extend beyond just leadership; they signal a turning tide in the construction industry’s approach to safety, collaboration, and innovation. As the APS and CLC work together to implement these changes, the potential for a more cohesive, sustainable construction environment is not just a dream—it’s becoming a reality. The industry must embrace this momentum, leveraging the expertise of its leaders to foster a culture of safety, efficiency, and community-focused development.
