Richard Lambert, the director of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), has revealed plans to move the organisation forward.

Internally, he has set the secretariat to work towards achieving Investors in People status and he intends to apply a high level of business understanding to the organisation.

From next year the recently introduced Code of Conduct will be developed. Mr Lambert regards the code as a guide to achieving high standards and said, in future, members would be subject to regular assessments against the standard.

He said: “If any member doesn’t meet these standards for whatever reason, the attitude of the secretariat is ‘how can we help you to improve?’

“The resources of the BWF can then be put at the disposal of the member so that together they can work out ways in which they can bring their operations up to the standard expected of a BWF member.”

&#8220I want to set about giving the joinery industry an even greater voice than it already has”

BWF director Richard Lambert

Mr Lambert has also looked at the annual Members’ Day conference, saying the format is not cast in stone and that it should be a flexible event.

He and his colleagues are planning the evolution of a Community of Interest which would involve networking, problem solving and introducing new members on a day to day basis rather than just on Members’ Day.

Mr Lambert is also examining how the BWF can give value for money to all its members – from the largest to the smallest.

His background in political lobbying has equipped him to ensure that the government is not only aware of the industry’s needs, but also delivers when required to do so. He said: “I want to set about giving the joinery industry an even greater voice than it already has.”