The following is an update from the Joint AGS/BDA Task Force regarding the initial feedback and results from the recent industry-wide survey conducted to evaluate the current state of the UK’s ground investigation industry.

A survey of the UK ground investigation industry was conducted in July and August 2016.

The results are being assessed by the joint AGS and BDA Taskforce, and will be published over the next few weeks. Opportunities for comment and further discussion will be provided subsequently.

This notice gives initial feedback on the Survey.

• The Survey attracted 585 responses from across the industry, which is very encouraging for such an exercise. There was considerable diversity within the population. Interestingly, fewer than half the respondents were members of either Association.
• In addition to answering the quantitative questions, respondents were very generous with their comments and suggestions on how the industry could be improved.
• 60% of respondents reported that they had a good working knowledge of the relevant Technical Standards for the industry (EC7). This implies that 40% do not!
• 70% of respondents reported that they always or usually applied the Technical Standards in their work (and had the authority to do so). This implies that 30% do not!
• 75% of respondents had a good working knowledge of the relevant Health and Safety legislation for the industry (and had the authority to apply it). This implies that 25% do not!
• 80% of respondents thought that procurement decisions based on cost discouraged adherence to the Technical Standards.
• 55% of respondents thought that Technical Standards are not rigorously enforced, and that people are not honest/open about how much they adhere to the Standards.
• 50% of respondents thought that there was a skills shortage in the industry.
• 35% of respondents thought that some practices in the UK ground investigation industry were no longer ‘fit for purpose’. Only 20% disagreed; the remainder were neutral.
  • Particular practices were clearly targeted ahead of others.
• Respondents thought that the 5 most important challenges facing the industry were:
  o Availability of suitably qualified people
  o Raising the understanding of those involved in the procurement process
  o Attracting young recruits to the industry
  o Improving the image of the industry
  o Encouraging innovation

There is a lot more detail to analyse.