Independent review of construction frameworks

[edit] Introduction

On 9 February 2021, Professor David Mosey of King’s College London was appointed to lead an independent review of public sector frameworks. This move marks the potential of frameworks as a basis for implementing December 2020 Construction Playbook policies that include strategic planning, integrated teams, continuous improvement and the delivery of better, safer, faster and greener project outcomes.

[edit] Gold standard

The framework review is expected to deliver guidance about:

• Components of a ‘gold standard’ against which new proposed frameworks and framework contracts can be measured.
• Standard contract terms that support this standard.
• Training packages to enable adoption of the standard.

This is intended to enable contracting authorities to easily identify those frameworks that meet best practice and embody the policies set out in the playbook.

[edit] Purpose of playbook

The Construction Playbook contains 14 policy reforms to enable ‘faster, better, greener’ construction by transforming assessment, procurement and delivery of public works projects and programmes.

One of these reforms is effective contracting to ensure that contracts are structured to support an exchange of data and collaboration. These actions will ideally improve value and manage risk with clear expectations for continuous improvement.

The Construction Playbook contains a commitment to undertaking a review of current construction frameworks, which it suggests is integral to achieving the aims of effective contracting.

[edit] Frameworks

Across the public and private sectors there are a wide variety of frameworks; however, there is also a lack of clear guidance as to their preferred structure and ‘best practice’ features. As a result, the full potential of frameworks is not always well expressed or well understood, and they are not always successful in delivering their aims. Recommendations for the adoption and use of the most suitable framework structures and features are set out in the Construction Playbook.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Benchmarking.
• Best practice.
• Collaborative practices.
• Framework contract.
• Public procurement.
• The Construction Playbook 2020.
• The Construction Playbook 2022.
• Constructing the Gold Standard.