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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Changing expectations around competence and compliance
New information sheet from CIAT.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.

















