In this final episode of Season 5, due diligence engineers Richard Robinson and Gaye Francis conclude their theme of difficult conversations engineers need to have as well as discuss Engineering for Communities. 

They explore how engineering should focus on improving rather than maintaining the status quo, and the concerning trend of engineers being sidelined in critical decision-making processes.

The discussion includes:

• How councils and planning decisions have become "de-engineered"
• The importance of due diligence beyond just health and safety - extending to environmental protection and project management
• Why engineers seem to have "vacated the field" in many areas, leaving non-technical decision-makers to handle complex problems
• The need for validation, verification, and challenging assumptions rather than blindly applying Standards
• How proper due diligence can demonstrate governance and protect communities, workers, and the environment
• Due diligence is an ongoing process requiring continuous thinking and adaptation as technology and circumstances change. 

The also discuss their confusion how anyone could they're a designers and not demonstrate due diligence irrespective of what the WHS/OHS legislation says and that they’re setting themselves up for a fall.

For further information on Richard and Gaye’s consulting work with R2A, head to https://www.r2a.com.au, where you’ll also find their booklets (store) and a sign-up for their quarterly newsletter to keep informed of their latest news and events.

Gaye is also founder of women’s safety workwear company Apto PPE if you’d like to check out the garments at https://www.aptoppe.com.au