Levene Efficiency Scrutiny into Construction Procurement by Government
Following the Latham Report, the Cabinet Office commissioned Sir Peter Levene to review government procurement of construction and investigate how government could become a best practice client.
The Levene Efficiency Scrutiny into Construction Procurement by Government was published in 1995.
The report accepted that government was in part to blame for the poor performance of the construction industry, setting unrealistic timeframes and budgets, not properly understanding competition or risk and failing to create single points of contact.
It made a number of recommendations to improve the management of projects:
- Better communication with the industry to reduce disputes.
- Adoption of a more commercial approach.
- Negotiation based on value for money.
- Increased training for civil servants.
- The creation of single points of contact.
The Treasury assumed responsibility for coordinating construction procurement policy across government, and this role was later given to the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). NB OGC has now been absorbed into the Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG) within the Cabinet Office.
In March 1997, following the publication of the Levene Report, the Government Construction Clients’ Panel (GCCP) was established with membership from across government. This resulted in the creation of the Achieving Excellence initiative in 1999 to implement the recommendations contained in the report.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Construction industry reports since 1944.
- Egan Report.
- Latham Report.
- OGC.
Featured articles and news
Combating burnout.
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
Comments
To start a discussion about this article, click 'Add a comment' above and add your thoughts to this discussion page.