In November 2025 the JIB hosted the London, South and South-Eastern RJIB Forum: Powering Excellence through the Supply Chain at Surveyors House, RICS in Westminster.
Chaired by Mark Soave, Regional Officer at Unite and Chair of London, South & Southeastern RJIB, the event brought together employers, educators and policy makers to discuss key sector challenges.
In the first session of the day: ‘Powering Demand – Building Capability for Infrastructure and Net Zero’ JIB COO, Andy Reakes focused on ‘Supply and Demand in the Electrical Industry’ addressing key themes including:
- The vital role of competent and skilled electricians in achieving infrastructure and net zero goals
- The importance of collaborative efforts between government, industry, and training
- The barriers to increasing apprenticeships as a route into the industry and how these might be overcome
Head of Skills Delivery at the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), Keith Sanderson, spoke about how we can collectively build the skills needed to meet current and future demands in London, highlighting:
- Potential shortages of skilled workers within the region and what needs to be done to ensure labour stability in the future
- The importance of apprenticeships and closer alignment with formal education paths
Next on the programme, Ann- Marie Soyinka, Assistant Director of Skills and Employment Policy at the Greater London Authority (GLA), outlined the strategies for skills and employment within London, such as the Employer-Led Apprenticeship Creation Programme, the work of the Sector Talent Board and ongoing liaison with Skills England. She stressed the importance of taking a whole system approach, working with colleges and the industry, to create pathways to essential skills.
Alistair Green, Head of Industrial Relations at Dalkia, rounded out the session. with insights into how direct employment helps sets the standards for competence, training and safety and the efforts of Dalkia to increase Direct Employment in London, the South and South East.
The topic then moved on to the JIB’s Resolution Procedure and the importance of early resolution of disputes to maintain productivity and ensure an engaged workforce. We were pleased to welcome Kevin Rowan, Director of Disputes Resolution and ACAS, who outlined potential areas of tension in the workplace and how escalation can be avoided. He shared his views on:
- The strength of the JIB’s collective agreement as a gold standard
- Employers of all sizes developing negotiation and bargaining skills
- How to ensure that compliance is built into the philosophy of the company
- The importance of transparency and clarity about roles and responsibilities
These themes were expanded on by Jason Poulter, National Officer at Unite. He spoke about the power of collective and sectorial bargaining and detailed how the JIB Resolution Procedure can be followed to resolve issues without interrupting work on projects.
To round off the session Dean Hedges, Senior Project Manager, and Harry Price, 4th year Apprentice, from JIB Member J Brand talked about the importance of apprenticeships as a route into the industry and how employers can support them to success.
Panel discussions between speaker and attendees address some of the key challenges raised, with fruitful discussions continued over lunch.
Our thanks to all who attended and contributed.
Speakers;
| Mark Soave | Chair of London, South & Southeastern RJIB | Unite |
| Louisa Weinstein | Head of Industrial Relations | JIB |
| Andy Reakes | Chief Operating Officer | JIB |
| Keith Sanderson | Head of Skills Delivery | ECA |
| Ann-Marie Soyinka | Assistant Director of Skills and Employment – Policy | London Assembly |
| Al Green | Head of Industrial Relations | Dalkia UK |
| Andrew Eldred | Deputy Chief Executive | ECA |
| Kevin Rowan | Director of Dispute Resolution | ACAS |
| Jason Poulter | National Officer | Unite |
| Dean Hedges | Senior Project Manager | J. Brand |
| Harry Price | 4th Year Apprentice | J. Brand |
