Opportunity framing workshop
The Construction Playbook, Government Guidance on sourcing and contracting public works projects and programmes Version 1, produced by the Cabinet Office and published in December 2020, is focused on getting projects and programmes right from the start. Its principles and policies are intended to transform how public works projects and programmes are assessed, procured and managed. It is a ‘compact’ between government and industry, setting out how they will work together in future.
In relation to opportunity framing workshops it states:
‘We should bring together people with functional delivery expertise at a time when the ability to influence changes in strategic planning and project design is relatively high and the cost to make those changes is relatively low.
‘Any new central government initiative that is likely to result in a major project should go through an opportunity framing workshop (building on former ‘Project Validation Reviews’ or PVRs) to achieve this.
‘The purpose of these workshops is to:
- ‘create alignment and clarity between the project team, decision makers and key stakeholders on the opportunity of the project – the purpose, intended outcomes and scope
- ‘build a shared understanding of the requirement
- ‘identify critical success factors and associated risks and opportunities
- ‘determine scope of effort required to deliver and understand any capacity or capability gaps that may impede delivery
‘Getting all teams on the same page from day one puts us in a position to make good decisions right at the start and ensures we are focused on how we will drive better, faster and greener delivery and improved outcomes.
‘The standards that people should work to are specified within government functional standards including GovS 008 Commercial, GovS 002 Project Delivery, GovS 004 Property and GovS 006 Finance.’
For more information see: The Construction Playbook.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.