Ambassadors
Early in 2026 we recognised that a growing number of industry professionals were promoting the CDM Differently philosophy within their spheres of influence.
We established the ‘Advocates’ page to give visibility to the work these leaders have been doing, in some cases for a decade or more, in a wide range of construction settings.(see Case Studies).
We now wish to recognise those advocates who have gone ’above and beyond’ their day to day roles to take the CDM Differently message into the institutions and organisations
that can lead the post-Grenfell culture change demanded by the UK government and wider society.
Gary Mees
[PPCIAT MCIAT IMaPS]
With more than 53 years of experience in construction, architecture, and building consultancy, Gary has successfully delivered projects across the residential, commercial, education, heritage, and refurbishment sectors.
His involvement has spanned the entire project lifecycle, from initial conception and design development through statutory approvals, procurement, contract administration, and construction management. Throughout his career, hehas advised clients, contractors, consultants, local authorities, and insurers on a broad range of technical, contractual, regulatory, and commercial matters.
His wider professional experience includes participation in CONIAC’s Keeping Pace with Change Working Group and the CDM Differently, together with collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These opportunities broadened his perspective beyond traditional architectural practice and strengthened his understanding of health and safety, regulatory compliance, change management, and professional responsibility within the built environment.
Activities Undertaken to Make a Difference
A strong commitment to education and knowledge sharing led to appointments as a Visiting Lecturer in Health and Safety at Edinburgh Napier University and Robert Gordon University, where he contributed to the development of future construction professionals and promoted best practice across the industry.
Alongside project delivery, he has supported the advancement of professional practice through active involvement with industry bodies, educational institutions, collaborative initiatives, and professional networks. These experiences have reinforced his belief in lifelong learning, mentorship, and the importance of sharing knowledge to strengthen the profession.
~ October 2026 ~
Peter has over 45 years experience in civil, building, utility and environmental engineering with particular emphasis on multi-disciplinary projects including; major infrastructure projects, residential, commercial, education, sewerage, water treatment and water supply and the investigation and remediation of brownfield sites.
His experience includes overseas work (in-country) in Ireland, Denmark, Greece and Bosnia and covers all aspects of the project cycle from land surveying, utility investigations/surveying, ground investigations, utility design, through to contract drafting, detailed design, project management, project delivery and commissioning. He has also worked on projects in Egypt, Mexico, Palestine, Spain and Thailand.
Activities Undertaken to Make a Difference
In order to make change happen in the industry, Peter has been a key player in looking at CDM Differently and indeed, engaged with the Yorkshire ICE region on this topic well over 10 years ago. Since then, he has been engaged on numerous initiatives that have engaged with the construction industry at regional and national level. The initiatives which referenced CDM Differently included;
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Lectures to Leicester University first year undergraduates.
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CECA: ‘Stop. Make a Change’. An initiative to help break the cycle of just doing what everyone else does as standard.
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CECA: ‘Safe Digging, Let’s Make a Difference’. How to show that collaborative ways of working can directly affect positive Health Safety & Wellbeing culture.
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HSE CONIAC: Developed various elements of CDM Differently which are now incorporated into the CDM Differently documentation.
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HSE CONIAN: Presentations to industry on CDM Differently to raise awareness.
Although ‘retired’, Peter continues to act as a senior advisor for a number of small engineering / architectural practices on Health, Safety and Wellbeing.
~ October 2026 ~
Peter Crosland
[BEng (Hons),C.Eng, C.WEM, MICE, MCIWEM]
Email: peter.crosland7@gmail.com
Position: Independent Consultant
Peter Crosland [BEng (Hons), C.Eng, C.WEM, MICE, MCIWEM]