Critical service contracts
The Sourcing Playbook, Government Guidance on service delivery, including outsourcing, insourcing, mixed economy sourcing and contracting, was produced by the Cabinet Office and published in May 2021. The Sourcing playbook emphasises that the delivery of public services is a collaborative endeavour involving colleagues from commercial, finance, project delivery, policy and other professions. It proposes to capture best practices from across the Government within 11 key policies that all central departments are expected to follow.
The concept of critical service contracts is identified in the Sourcing playbook as a key term. According to the Sourcing playbook, ‘Critical service contracts are contracts for outsourced services where significant disruption would occur should services be interrupted. These can be identified using the Cabinet Office Contract Tiering Tool, which considers factors such as the potential impact of service failure; service continuity; the speed and ease of switching suppliers; and the contract value.’
For more information see: The Sourcing Playbook.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Business process outsourcing (BPO).
- Critical suppliers.
- Disruption claims in construction.
- Outsourcing playbook.
- Public procurement.
- Sourcing in the construction industry.
- Sourcing playbook.
- Suppliers for design and construction.
- TUPE considerations and bidding.
[edit] External resources
- Gov.uk, The Sourcing Playbook.
Featured articles and news
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.



















