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The Construction Playbook Points the Way Forward. Now Let’s Get on and Do It!

Better, faster, greener – that is the future for the construction sector. The Construction Playbook brings that future one large and significant step closer. The very way that the Playbook was brought together so rapidly sets the agenda and underlines what can be achieved by industry and government working together with a clear focus.

The collaboration between all parties involved is something we should be proud of. And now, following the December launch, we all have a personal responsibility to ensure the implementation and adoption are as successful as the work undertaken during the Playbook’s creation.

A shared ambition for the sector is now clearly set out. I’m delighted to have worked with cross-industry and government colleagues in its development. Equally, I’m looking forward to supporting the ongoing work and partnerships needed for successful implementation.

Why is it so significant? It is the trigger for essential and lasting change. I truly believe that if there is one good thing that comes out of 2020 it can be the Construction Playbook.

Video conferencing allowed consistent and engaged representation from all stakeholders. This, in itself, reinforced the value of new ways of working. To achieve this output in less than 6 months is impressive. The urgency also reflects an understanding of the realities of the current business model that UK construction faces.

So why is this any different to all the reports that have come before?

This one has teeth! It is driven by the largest customer (government departments). And, unlike previous policies, it is mandatory. Previous reports talked about what the industry ‘needs to do’ to resolve its problems. This one takes those issues and focuses on what the buyer can do to help drive implementation of the change.

There are fourteen key government policies. These include the publication of pipelines, longer term contracts, outcome based KPIs and delivery model assessments. The focus is on the use of MMC and digital technology.

The Playbook recognises that the industry needs to have money to invest in order to improve productivity. We must have a sensible financial return and the security of future work for the necessary investment to take place.

The new policies will transform how we assess, procure, and deliver construction. They are carefully positioned to achieve the Prime Minister’s ambition of better, faster, and greener delivery.

Procurement Clarity

Senior industry and public sector officials face a constant challenge to deliver more for less. I am confident the Construction Playbook will provide greater clarity and guidance on government policy in all aspects of procurement and delivery of public works.

We shouldn’t forget that this is the beginning of the journey – not the end. The relationships that have been built up over the past six months must continue. We must build on the trust that has been developed, be open about the issues, and hold both sides to account on how it is being implemented.

It is vitally important that while the creation of the Construction Playbook is a significant achievement, the partnership between industry and government must continue. It must do so through this next stage of implementation and adoption at least as strongly as during its creation. Only by doing this consistently and effectively will we create the better outcomes for the wellbeing of society and for the users of the construction and infrastructure projects we create.

After the food industry, we have the privilege and the responsibility of representing arguably the most important and influential industry in touching and moulding people’s lives. No other industry has the opportunity to shape, influence, and make such a difference. By constantly pushing the boundaries, allowing ourselves to imagine, dream and solve problems, we fulfil our purpose to improve people’s lives.

The Construction Playbook provides the most important catalyst for change the industry has seen, certainly in my lifetime. I’m looking forward with confidence and excitement to what comes next.

View the Construction Playbook here

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