Rob Neilson is a Senior Clerk of Works who has been with Rund for over 20 years. Currently, projects he is working on include Welborne Garden Village, a major mixed-use regeneration scheme, and Europa House & Brunswick House, both Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) buildings in Hampshire.
Can you share a little about your professional background and how you arrived at your position at Rund?
I joined Rund in 2004, when I was working as an Estates Officer for a housing association on a project where Rund was acting as Employer’s Agent. I had some previous surveying experience and building upon this with a consultancy seemed like a great way to expand my portfolio of work.
What drew you to the construction industry?
My family has been in the building trade for three generations – my dad and grandad before me, so I followed in their footsteps. Starting out, I liked the idea of becoming a Chartered Surveyor, and I knew this was an option through Rund. However, as I explored the different roles available in the company, I realised what I enjoyed most was being on site. As a Clerk of Works, you get to meet different people, manage a varied workload, and spend plenty of time outside, which is valuable to me. I also enjoy the independence – you’re empowered to organise your workload, giving you freedom and responsibility. Every day is different and I relish the challenge.
What are some of the key responsibilities of your role?
I act as the eyes and ears for the client, Employer’s Agent, or Project Manager, checking buildings and infrastructure are constructed as contracted and according to quality standards, health and safety requirements, and building legislation.
What project have you most enjoyed working on and what was your role?
The project I have most enjoyed working on is Brunswick House, Southampton, a high-rise PBSA building undergoing essential re-cladding and fire stopping works. Our insights were greatly valued by the client and main contractor, who was grateful for having independent Clerks of Works ensuring safety, quality and compliance. It was gratifying to see how our work contributed to the high-quality finish.
What has been your proudest moment at Rund?
When a client requests you for another project. It’s great to feel that your expertise is valued on-site. In fact, we have recently been picked up for another project in the PBSA space thanks to our meticulous approach at Europa and Brunswick Houses, which reflects our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
What is a challenging aspect of your role and how do you overcome this?
Occasionally, when you identify issues with construction works in relation to quality or compliance, you have to make the case for remediation even when it’s inconvenient to the builder. By the nature of our independent monitoring, we push best practice in the interests of the client, but you can encounter resistance from others on site, which can be a challenge to overcome. By remaining persistent in referring to manufacturer guidelines and statutory requirements as a fundamental benchmark, you can ensure that high standards are upheld throughout every stage of the project.
What do you think sets Rund apart from other consultancies?
Questions are welcomed by anyone, to anyone. Also, Rund really looks after its staff and offers flexibility when it comes to personal issues, so you feel genuinely valued by the company.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I volunteer with my local Scouts group on Fridays, something I got involved in through my son, who has now outgrown it! Spending time outdoors is important to me, so I enjoy walking my labrador and spaniel and make sure to set aside time for gardening.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ensure you’re speaking to the people in your field. When you build up a rapport with people on site, you can ask for their expertise. Just be friendly and appreciate that everyone is human – so don’t be afraid to reach out!
How do you stay up to date with changes in building regulations, materials, and construction methods?
My primary method of staying informed is through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - completing 20 hours of training a year. CPD sessions go into intricate detail on relevant issues in the Clerk of Works field. We also have monthly meetings as a team, enabling us to sustain a collaborative culture where we keep each other informed on legislative updates and issues encountered on site, sharing pictures for clarity. Independently, I research new materials I see on site to ensure their quality and compliance. I also talk to the NHBC and Rund has obtained training sessions from them on current topics, such as Part M and Fire regulations – this way, I keep myself appraised of the latest news on legislation and building regulations. I’m also a member of the Institute of Clerk of Works and a CPD Officer for the Institute, which means I annually review and audit the CPD from various members. This is a good way to source new CPD and training.
How has the use of technology in your role evolved since first starting out in the industry?
I would say that technology has significantly enhanced the Clerk of Works role, making our inspections more efficient, accurate, and transparent. In the past, we recorded everything with just pen and paper, which of course meant slower reporting and a higher risk of lost information. The transition to digital tools, including tablets and our site reporting software, has undoubtedly streamlined the process for us. Now, we can document findings on-site, attach high-resolution photos, and generate instant reports for our clients, further ensuring that issues are flagged and addressed promptly. Looking ahead, I’m intrigued to see how AI tools could be integrated with the role – I’ve seen discussion around capabilities such as enhancing defect detection, predicting risks, and automating reporting – offering us more time on-site to focus on quality assurance. In any case, it’s a role that has evolved with technology, and I’m confident it will continue to adapt in line with the dynamic and hands-on nature of the job.
What’s an underrated aspect of the Clerk of Works role that you think more clients should know about?
Our quality inspections go further than those of anyone else on site. We check specification and finishes and ensure all appliances and facilities are working properly so that our clients receive value for money. Because we inspect more frequently – often weekly – we are seeing work in between the warranty providers’ inspection schedule. This means we can review works that would normally be hidden, and this is often where we find issues, this approach means we can push for swift resolution during the build programme, ensuring the project remains on track and preventing costly implications from defective work once the building is in use.