Quantity surveyor and founder of CQS Solutions Tim Lloyd explains why the new Gold Standard in public sector construction frameworks will help the industry achieve goals it has already set for itself.
For many years the UK construction industry has been working hard to drive up standards across the board in both the public and private sector.
The industry understands the need to tackle waste, offer value for money and drive innovation. Efficiency, a safe working environment and greener outcomes have all been high on the agenda.
That’s why the major players in the construction industry have welcomed the Government’s independent review recommending a new Gold Standard in public sector construction frameworks.
They believe it will help introduce clarity and focus for all those involved in vital public sector developments which contribute billions to the UK economy and support over two million jobs.
The importance of these projects to the economy means that the relationship between the public sector and its construction partners is always under scrutiny.
But it is the national debate stimulated by the procurement processes during the Covid-19 crisis that has sparked a renewed interest in the way public sector projects are commissioned.
The independent review of public sector frameworks and the development of the Gold Standard was published at the end of 2021.
It was led by Professor David Mosey of King’s College London’s Centre of Construction Law. It looked at public sector construction frameworks with a combined value of £180 billion before producing a detailed report which set out 24 recommendations to be met by both developers and the public sector.
The recommendations for the new standard aim to ensure the best possible outcomes in public sector projects such as new roads, rail projects, school and hospitals.
They set out how both the Government and the construction industry must work together on issues such as value for money, waste, safety and net zero carbon targets. They mirror the Construction Playbook policies introduced in 2020.
These are all issues that have been on the construction industry’s radar for some time and individual contractors have been working to improve their processes and policies to accommodate the needs of the next 50 years.
What is particularly welcomed across the industry is that the Gold Standard will apply to all partners in the drive for joined-up thinking in these huge public sector projects.
It is just as vital for the clients to have a clear set of standards to help them identify what questions they should ask when creating and implementing construction frameworks, what answers they should expect and how to make informed decisions.
The result should be sustainable contracts through which clients and suppliers can manage long-term risks, build in flexibility and share information more effectively. Ultimately this clear relationship will deliver change where necessary and deliver continuous improvement and value.