Going for gold in public sector procurement

The UK may be basking in the sun of the post-Olympics heatwave, but local authorities are still weathering a storm. Councils face a funding shortfall of £3.6 billion and remain under increasing pressure to address a wide array of urgent demands – from social mobility and deprivation to solving the housing crisis, achieving net zero, and driving local economic growth.

All of this whilst working within a planning system that has been underfunded and needs updating.

These challenges make the efficient procurement of vital construction projects all the more critical. One initiative raising the bar for excellence in construction procurement is the Gold Standard Verification scheme, which ensure that councils’ priorities are met efficiently through smart procurement practices through the use of frameworks.

As of 1st August 2024, SCAPE became one of the first public sector framework providers to achieve this accreditation. This milestone is more than a mark of distinction; it highlights the way that Gold Standard procurement providers, like SCAPE, are actively helping to bring improved socioeconomic outcomes to local communities across the country.

The Gold Standard was informed by ‘An Independent Review of Public Sector Construction Frameworks’; a critical review endorsed by the Cabinet Office and conducted by Professor David Mosey CBE, which led to the creation of 24 recommendations for delivering “better, safer, faster, greener projects and programmes of work.”

Published in 2021 and managed by Constructing Excellence, the Gold Standard supports the achievement of net zero targets, improves safety through whole-life value and the use of digital information, and drives efficiency by leveraging technology and innovative methods.

Verified frameworks, like those operated by SCAPE, provide the highest standards in compliant, collaborative procurement.

In practical terms, this means the Gold Standard empowers councils and other public sector bodies to set clear targets, secure strong partnerships, and deliver better outcomes by ensuring that value for money, efficiency and best practice are followed at every stage of a project.

Whether boosting local economies through SME engagement or addressing skills gaps and enhancing social value and sustainability outcomes, the Gold Standard model is designed to ensure procurement supports councils’ socio-economic improvement aims.

Along with driving economic returns, the Gold Standard also provides the impetus for a wider consideration of the success criteria for projects, recognising the importance of cost effectiveness but also the value of non-commercial outcomes, like the delivery of social value and employment opportunities.

With growing concerns around the availability of skilled construction workers expected to hinder the delivery of vital projects, addressing this gap is critical - not only to enable us to build and maintain public assets but to ensuring the UK has a strong and skilled future workforce.

A leading example can be found with Birmingham City Council’s Perry Barr residential project. Procured through SCAPE, this project generated £267m in social value, leading to significant improvements in local skills, employment opportunities, and economic growth. Meanwhile on a smaller scale, Ashe Constructions’ Healthy Eating Workshops on site in Bedford demonstrate how construction companies can partner with local communities to promote public health through community-focussed initiatives.

The sustainability requirements of the Gold Standard, likewise, guarantee that all projects align with the UK’s net zero targets. This lays the groundwork for more efficient and climate-forward construction through encouraging the use of modern methods of construction, sustainable supply chain management and whole life carbon consideration on projects.

By building sustainability and efficiency into procurement processes, councils can not only accelerate growth and provide quality public services but leave communities with a sustainable legacy.

As local authorities and government departments continue to navigate complex economic and social challenges, choosing Gold Standard frameworks offers more than just a benchmark—it’s a winning strategy.

Just as Team GB went for gold at the Olympics, councils across the UK should strive to partner with Gold Standard frameworks for their procurement. By doing so, we’re not just competing; we’re setting ourselves up for victory, ensuring that UK communities reap the rewards of smarter, greener, and more impactful investment.