WIREDGOV

On 28 January 2013 the Government published for consultation a set of guidelines and tools to support public and private sector infrastructure providers’ capability to improve the delivery of large scale projects and programmes.

Developed by Infrastructure UK in collaboration with industry and academics from the University of Leeds, the ’Infrastructure Procurement Routemap: a guide to improving delivery capability’ provides a valuable guide for infrastructure clients. It provides for the first time a coherent approach to assessing and building an effective delivery environment, combining best practice tools and case study examples such as Crossrail.

The launch of the toolkit forms part of the Government’s Cost Review programme, led by Infrastructure UK, which aims to improve delivery and make efficiency savings of at least 15 per cent by 2015.

The ‘Procurement Routemap’ recognises that while there is no “one size fits all” solution to the delivery of our infrastructure there are common characteristics for effective delivery that must be applied more consistently. The toolkit has already been successfully piloted and shown to improve efficiency by providing a structured framework for project sponsors and clients to take a look at their capability and areas for improvement.

Lord Deighton, Commercial Secretary to the Treasury said:

“I welcome the publication of the ‘Infrastructure Procurement Routemap’. This important work provides the private and public sector with the tools to assess capability at delivering complex infrastructure projects. Our goal is to ensure that programmes are delivered efficiently and represent the best value for money. This will also be reflected in my upcoming infrastructure delivery reviews.“

Don Ward, Chief Executive, Constructing Excellence said:

“We are particularly pleased to be working with the Government and other industry partners to establish a legacy for some of the outputs of the Infrastructure Cost Review programme. Supporting the Routemap would be a natural extension of Constructing Excellence’s current role.”

Andy Mitchell, Programme Director, Crossrail said:

“The Routemap enables sponsors and clients to understand the delivery environment they have, then create the one they need.”

Simon Kirby, Chair of the Client Working Group, said:

“I welcome the involvement of clients and industry in the development of the Infrastructure Procurement Routemap. Focussing on matching capability with complexity and the enablers of successful delivery will significantly improve project outcomes. The Client Working Group looks forward to supporting the implementation of the Routemap and will continue to provide a forum for clients to share experiences and best practise to support successful infrastructure delivery in the UK”

The closing date for consultation on the draft toolkit is 22 April 2013 after which responses will be reviewed in preparation for the release of an update of the toolkit in late spring 2013. The consultation will involve continued development with industry and the opportunity to participate in a series of regionally based roadshows. Further details will be advertised through trade press and industry representative bodies.

Notes for Editors

1. Further details and the additional Infrastructure Procurement Routemap tools and best practice resources can be accessed on the Infrastructure UK Cost Review page.

2. The Government has already taken steps to boost the capability of senior project leaders through the establishment of the Major Projects Authority Leadership Academy and has streamlined procurement processes through the LEAN procurement initiative. In addition to implementing the Infrastructure Cost Review programme, the Government also set out a package of measures under the Government Construction Strategy and, more recently, announced measures to streamline the PFI procurement process.

3. This routemap was developed in conjunction with the Industry Client Working Group, chaired by Simon Kirby and the University of Leeds – Engineering Project Academy.

4. The University of Leeds, the Infrastructure Alliance Group and Constructing Excellence will work in partnership with the Government in developing the updated Routemap and supporting resources.  The Infrastructure Alliance Group is a collaboration between Government and industry that brings together a number of industry bodies to support the Cost Review programme, including the Institution of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Construction Products Association and the Association for Consulting and Engineering.

5. The Government is committed to extending the application of the Routemap to improve delivery, in particular across the Top 40 priority infrastructure projects.

6. The Government’s priority infrastructure projects and programmes were first identified in the National Infrastructure Plan 2010 and updated in 2011. A progress update was set out at Autumn Statement 2012.

7. The key components and application of the Routemap are based on:

• A suite of assessment tools developed as part of the Routemap to enable sponsors, clients and the supply chain to align behaviours and identify capability gaps;
• The use of ‘complexity’ assessment tools for establishing the nature of the delivery environment;
• Enabling the adoption of the common characteristics and behaviours associated with successful infrastructure project and programme delivery, including:
  • early visibility and commitment to the pipeline of programme opportunities or the specific project;
  • clearly articulated sponsor requirements adopting whole life principles linked to service outcomes that define the project or programme requirement;
  • effective governance, accountability and timely decision making;
  • early supplier engagement that engages all tiers of the supply chain;
  • effective use and structuring of standard contracts such as the NEC suite to align risk, reward and behaviours in an integrated supply chain;
  • appropriate incentivisation approaches that stimulate further integration of the supply chain; and
  • an environment that encourages innovation and departures from standards that embed cost and add no value to the outcome or safety.
• Pragmatic approaches to compliance with EU procurement legislation;
• An ongoing role for industry leaders and experts in the infrastructure sector to identify, develop and disseminate best practice.

8. Views on the report and associated toolkit should be sent by close on Monday 22 April 2013 to infrastructurecost@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk