About this page
This page is a repository of definitions, case studies, detailed notes, project scope and other useful links. All these are intended to inform and enlighten clients. Any advice given only applies to England and Wales.
We are always looking for best practice case studies, particularly those highlighting one of the six Ps: People and Leadership, Purpose, Procurement, Product Design, Process Execution and Performance Evaluation.
If you feel that your project showcases these qualities then please email us with details.
The Six Ps in Detail
Procurement – Main Contractor
All projects benefit from a main contractor’s knowledge during the design stage.
Procurement – More Transformational Approaches
Procurement approaches that offer more radical, transformational options for clients.
Procurement of Main Contractors – Commonly Used Options
These notes examine the main options available in procuring a main contractor for your project.
Procurement – Appointing Consultants
The professionals typically appointed by the client to work alongside your Internal Team to perform expert tasks.
Procurement – Selecting the right people and project
Procurement is essentially about selecting the right people from outside your organisation to form an External Team to help you and your Internal Team to design and construct your new building.
Procurement – Forms of Contract
An overview of the main forms of construction contracts.
Purpose – Why are Construction’s Customers Called Clients?
Customers typically buy fully completed items from a shop, store, or these days increasingly online. But buying a building is very different.
Purpose – How Different Clients View the Value of their Buildings
Clients will view the value of their buildings in how they accommodate a set of activities important, and often unique, to them.
Purpose – The importance of the project mandate and value profile
The project mandate is the authority given by you as the client to the project team to develop and progress the project within given and agreed boundaries set by you.
Purpose – The Brief
Briefing is normally a joint, collaborative activity between you as the client and your consultants.
People – Members of the External Team
External consultants are normally appointed to act as professional advisors to clients, and may fulfil a number of differing roles.
CESW Client of the Year Winners
Gloucestershire County Council – Asset Management and Property Services https://constructingexcellence.org.uk/gloucestershire-county-council-asset-management-and-property-services/
Partnering Framework; Construction Playbook; Local people for local jobs; Sustainable relationships, equitable contractual terms, fair payment, and balanced allocation of risk; Early contractor involvement; social value outcomes.
Plymouth City Council https://constructingexcellence.org.uk/plymouth-city-council/
Procurement: Proactive, understand local market, 2 stage; Shared Risk management; Collaborative; Upskilling training
Nationwide Building Society https://constructingexcellence.org.uk/nationwide-building-society/
Collaborative working; Leadership: common vision, workshops; Committing to quality and continuous improvement, driving efficiencies, rewarding innovation and communicating well; Knowledge Sharing, Learning organisation; Supplier Alliance and framework contracts.
Case studies
Practical application of guidance in real life projects.
Business & Law Building, University of the West of England
[BIM, value engineering, soft landings & collaboration]
Pharmacy, Royal United Hospital, Bath
[Collaboration, quality teamwork, design, cost efficiency]
Drawing studio, Arts University Bournemouth
[Design, BIM, relationship with client]
Cheltenham Racecourse
[Leadership, collaboration, meeting programme, sustainability, value added, innovation]
