CECA provides advice, information and other services to CECA regional associations and contractor members which includes the following:
Contractual and Legal - In the important area of legal and contractual affairs CECA is a sponsor of the ICE Conditions of Contract. It also produces the relevant Sub-Contracts for use with the ICE Conditions and GC/Works Contracts and provides advice for users. Legally qualified staff ensure that current legislation and the effect of legal judgments are taken into account in advising members on a range of procurement and other issues.
Technical and Environmental - CECA advises members on technical matters including quality management systems and is represented on national and other technical committees producing standards and product certification.
CECA provides guidance on environmental matters to members (such as pollution of ground water on site and waste management) and assists and encourages them to develop environmental policies which are realistic and deliverable.
Dayworks - CECA produces the Schedules of Dayworks carried out incidental to contract work and ensures that these remain relevant and up to date. CECA provides advice for users on the interpretation of Schedules.
Training - A well qualified and skilled workforce is essential, therefore CECA actively promotes careers in civil engineering to young people as well as fully supporting qualification initiatives and working with those who both fund and deliver academic and vocational training. CECA members are committed to achieving a fully qualified and certificated workforce under the Construction Skills Certification Scheme by the end of 2007.
CECA is represented on the Construction Industry Training Board and on its key committees and working groups.
Employment - Employment and social legislation have a significant impact on business and information is provided by CECA on the content and effect of legislation put forward by the EU or UK Government and other bodies that may affect members’ employees or impact on employment practices.
Taxation - Industry views are made known to the Inland Revenue, Customs and Excise and Government on proposals for changes in taxation or the manner in which it is levied which may affect the industry. Information on industry specific taxation such as the Aggregates Levy and the Landfill Tax is provided to members.
Industrial Relations – CECA is represented on the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) through which wage negotiations are conducted and which agrees the content of the CIJC Working Rule Agreement with the relevant Trade Unions.
External and Public Affairs - To ensure its voice is heard CECA aims to establish a dialogue with all those whose activities and decisions influence the industry. As the voice for civil engineering contractors CECA speaks to Government at local, national and European level including the devolved areas, Parliamentarians of all Parties, senior civil servants, major clients, industry regulators, trade associations, relevant national bodies and professional institutions.
CECA produces briefing sheets containing information relevant to members' business activities as well as a bi-monthly newsletter, 'CECA Communicates', which is sent to members. CECA has also developed and maintained effective relations with the press.
Health and Safety - Health and safety has never been more important to the industry. CECA promotes health and safety issues and is represented on bodies which influence the content and impact of health and safety legislation and codes of practice.
CECA supports the Government’s Revitalising Health and Safety agenda, and produced its Health and Safety Action Plan and Strategy in October 2001. This includes commitments by CECA to a target reduction of 10% year on year in the incidence rate of all accidents and incidents, workforce consultation on health and safety matters and occupational health issues.
Publications - CECA produces a range of publications at preferential prices for members, as well as a free newsletter and an annual Members Directory.
Europe - CECA recognises the importance of European issues and through the Construction Confederation’s membership of the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) seeks to influence policy makers at the highest levels in the EU.
Industry Image - CECA works to promote a positive image of the industry to both Government and the public.
Media - CECA promotes members’ views and provides information on industry issues through its links with the media.
State of Trade Survey - CECA conducts and publishes a regular and much respected quarterly Workload Trends Survey, providing a vital picture of the state of its members’ trade.
Membership is open to companies engaged in civil engineering work in the UK