The Paul Dockerill Award
In February 2024, CIOB announced that it was launching the inaugural Paul Dockerill Award, open to anyone in the UK, which provides up to £10,000 to fuel innovation, resident engagement, and an increased focus on fire safety.
The award celebrates Paul Dockerill FCIOB, who passed away suddenly in November 2022. Paul, a CIOB Trustee, was a visionary and a dedicated professional in the construction and built environment industry, and the award reflects his passion for innovation in building safety through mentoring, skills development, and, most importantly, the improvement of fire safety and resident engagement in the UK.
His pioneering initiatives, notably the development with DEEO of the Twinnedit digital twin solution created following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, showcased his commitment to enhancing fire safety and building regulations. Paul was a founding member of the Housing Safety and Wellbeing Taskforce.
His legacy lives on through The Paul Dockerill Award, inspiring future innovators in the construction sector. The prestigious award is managed by the CIOB and is open to any UK resident looking to develop a research project fuelled by innovation, skills development, fire safety, and resident engagement. Paul believed that positive change could come from anyone, regardless of their background or professional affiliation, and as such the award is open to anyone with fresh and innovative ideas, CIOB members and non-members alike.
Your application should meet one or more of the key focus areas listed below:
- Innovation: Ground-breaking ideas that can revolutionise construction, particularly in the context of fire safety and resident engagement.
- Skills Building: The development of skills, people looking to enter the industry that can elevate the construction and built environment industry.
- Fire Safety: Projects that focus on improving fire safety measures in residential settings.
- Resident Engagement: Fostering strong connections between residents and their surroundings and enabling resident participation.
Possible projects for the award could include, but are not limited to:
- Renewable energy systems for residents.
- Safety app to allow residents to communicate about fire risks and building updates.
- Educational materials for building safety.
- A toolkit for landlord-resident collaboration.
- Virtual reality for building safety training.
- A real-time safety dashboard for housing.
- A housing innovation challenge.
- Professional development in building safety.
- A resident voice group.
- Or any other project that fits with the key focus areas.
Applications open on 1 February 2024, and must be submitted by 30 June 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in July 2024 (date TBC), with the funding available to successful applicants for up to 18 months.
You can find out how to apply here.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.