For publication in Specify Magazine, March 2021
Construction Playbook:
Published in December 2020, the Construction Playbook provides a best practice framework, setting out what the UK Government will deliver for, and expect from construction. This executive summary provides an easy-to-read overview of the objectives and outcomes, the 14 key policies, and what it means for the industry. The Playbook is mandatory for central UK Government and arm’s length bodies on a ‘comply or explain’ basis, with the wider public sector encouraged to take account of it. I see the CEF is pressing for local adoption by CPD of this best practice guidance. It is worth reading the document as it identifies improvements that could be made throughout the construction process including for example how public sector tenders should be managed. The ‘Playbook’ may well become a new template for best practice.
CIOB Quality Guide to Raise Standards:
Everyone involved in a construction project should be intolerant of poor quality. That is one of the key messages to come out of the CIOB Quality Guide, published by the Chartered Institute of Building in January. The guide sets out best practice for construction quality management. The report on the Edinburgh Schools [wall collapse] and the evidence from the Grenfell Inquiry underline why this guide is needed. Expect to see it become centre stage going forward.
Lowest Price Tendering:
I see the newly formed Procurement Board is trying to address how to avoid lowest price tendering. This can only be welcomed. Comparative public sector procurement in The Netherlands is designed so that basically the second lowest bidder wins the contract. This helps ensure the low-ball bidder misses out, and generally also results in the contract being awarded to a bidder who has included a fair and reasonable profit. This is the basis for a sustainable construction industry. A close eye will be kept on how this develops…
More Outdoor Recreation Projects:
There are increasingly more construction projects which are either in the planning stage or at pre-qualification stage focusing on outdoor recreation. There seems to be an increasing demand for walkways, paths, trails, playparks, and pedestrian bridges. Councils are very much addressing this. Perhaps the need for exercise space is one of the learnings from the lockdown. Interestingly it was great to see the main section of the new Lagan Gateway Cycle Bridge successfully lifted into position during February. The new bridge spans the River Lagan at Stranmillis. The total investment in the project is approximately £4.8m.
Blended Flexible Working:
A new buzz term that everyone will start to see more of is ‘blended flexible working’. With many people having to do so during the lockdown restrictions, it looks like this will become common place among companies. Introducing such a policy will allow people to send and receive emails for example at times of the day that suit them.
Thoughts on The Months Ahead:
Public sector construction projects are still progressing through the procurement channels. There are new-build school projects progressing which will help create opportunities for designers and contractors alike. Hopefully, the supply will keep coming! Private sector movements are still understandably more reserved because of the implications of Brexit and the pandemic. Necessary projects are still very much moving through the planning stages, but speculative investments are fewer.
Wiki Design:
Nearly everyone knows about Wikipedia - a free online encyclopaedia, created and edited by volunteers around the world. For those construction and design buffs, ‘Designing Buildings Wiki’ is worth a visit. It provides free updates on all things construction, ranging from the latest developments in BREEAM to conservation matters.
Top Tip:
Everyone needs to continue staying fit and healthy during the lockdown restrictions. I recommend fitness blogger Caroline Girvan. She has created her own YouTube channel and posts 30-minute workout videos that require no equipment. She is based in Co. Antrim and has over 500,000 followers. What are you waiting for!
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