Unlocking the value of systems thinking in the built environment

UKCRIC is pleased to be the Academic Community lead for the Built Environment Connective and to be leading on the ‘systems thinking competencies’ recommendation set out in the Connective’s Connect to Change report (pages 10 & 11). 

The desired outcome is to build capacity, and UKCRC has identified seven overarching tasks, which start with producing the competencies. Attached is a graphical representation and below is some text setting out seven tasks.

Objective: develop industry-wide capability in systems thinking by embedding systems thinking in education and training curricula via a clear and effective competency framework

1. Competencies framework: What are the systems thinking competencies? What are the criteria for systems thinking competencies? What is the structure of competencies? Action: create a competency framework with justifications
2. Competencies justification: Why is each competence important? What is its history, provenance, use and level of sophistication? What benefits does each competency provide? Action: journal paper to justify systems thinking competencies
3. Mapping competencies to roles in the built environment: How do competencies relate to roles in the Built Environment? Action: trump cards for roles, and 0-9 assessment of each competency
4. Professional bodies recognition of competencies: Where are the competencies recognised by professional membership and accreditation bodies who establish and uphold professional standards, e.g. JBM, RIBA, RTPI? Action: review and gap analysis of professional bodies stated competencies. Action: lobby professional bodies to include competencies that are missing or not well defined. Action: Monitor the success of change in professional bodies
5. Education in systems thinking competencies: Where are the competencies taught? To what education level? To gain what certification? Action: produce/revise the training listing. Action: lobby institutes, universities, academies, and training providers to include competencies that are missing or not well defined; Action: Monitor the success of change in education provision
6. Assessment of competency capability: How should systems thinking competencies be assessed to demonstrate growing capability? Action: Develop an assessment framework for the competencies; Action: Support organisations to conduct assessment of systems thinking competencies; Action : Support organisations to update job descriptions/person specifications to include systems thinking competencies
7. Competency training development: What training is missing or inadequate? Action: Develop training in the competencies. Action: Create a MOOC for open access; Action: Provide a bespoke professional on-line training resource for organisations; Action: Monitor the numbers of people trained

The plan will evolve over time and if you would like to become involved, stay informed of progress, or are interested in engaging with any of the report’s nine recommendations, please email hello@ukcric.com.