In August 2026, the Environmental Policy Forum (EPF) responded to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Call for Evidence: Strategy for the built environment professions, trades and occupations.
SocEnv signed in support of the response, alongside 9 other EPF members.
Work on a building cannot be separated from work on the ground it stands on. Levels, drainage, soils, trees and external spaces determine whether the completed building fulfils its original aims.
From the EPF response
We responded in writing rather than through the survey, because our evidence is cross-cutting in line with our members’ collective expertise.
Our response provides comment on the following aspects of the Strategy:
- The scope.
- Skills, knowledge and experience.
- Interdependencies across the lifecycle.
- System infrastructure: competence standards and frameworks.
- Accountability, enforcement and the limits of professional bodies.
- Behaviour, conduct and culture.
- Cross-cutting functions: planning.
- Insights from previous attempts at reform.
We end our response by offering to provide real-world examples and to convene a roundtable bringing the EPF’s disciplines together.
You can view a copy of our response via the link below.
Useful Information & Resources
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EPF green skills survey | Findings and recommendations
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EPF | Environmental Priorities for the next UK Government (2024)
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EPF evidence to inquiry into: workforce planning to deliver clean, secure energy
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EPF response to the Land Use consultation
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EPF response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation
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The Environmental Policy Forum
The Environmental Policy Forum (EPF) is a network of UK-based environmental professional bodies promoting environmental sustainability and resilience for the public benefit. SocEnv is the Secretariat of the EPF.
