CCS appoints first-ever managing director 

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has appointed Desiree Blamey as its first-ever managing director. 

The not-for-profit body was previously headed by executive chair Amit Oberoi, who left the organisation abruptly last month at the same time as former chief strategy officer Alex Minnett. CCS declined to comment on the reasons for their departures. 

Blamey has been working as temporary managing director at CCS since then, having previously been the body’s head of partnerships, where she managed relationships with key contractors, developers, government stakeholders and industry trade bodies. 

Blamey also worked as director of finance at the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers for eight years, having begun her career in Australia as an accountant. 

CCS has also announced the appointment of April Comerford as its new director of corporate development and Mark Field as its director of operations. 

Comerford was previously chief transformation officer at CCS, while Field was chief technology officer. CCS said Comerford will work on strengthening key relationships, while Field will lead streamlining efforts.

CCS is owned by the Construction Products Association and the Construction Industry Council and operates a voluntary scoring system for construction site standards, as well as a public complaints service. 

The body reported a £78,700 loss from a turnover of £5.3m in its most-recently published financial accounts, which covered 2023. In that time it employed an average of 35 people. 

Blamey said: “Stepping into the role of managing director at this pivotal moment is a defining opportunity to help shape the future of our industry. 

“Construction transforms the world around us, it’s a force for progress, innovation and equity. I’m excited to work alongside our partners to raise the bar and challenge norms, while enabling an industry culture that’s safer, smarter and more inclusive.”

Les Copeland, interim non-executive chair at CCS, said: “Desiree’s drive, depth of experience and clear vision align powerfully with our commitment to industry-wide transformation. Under her leadership, we’re ready to challenge conventions, deepen cross-sector collaboration and redefine standards of industry excellence.”