As part of our social value commitments to NHS Derbyshire Healthcare, we are looking for artistic Chesterfield residents to design a mural for a wall in the therapeutic garden of Bluebell Ward at Walton Hospital.
It needs to provide a calming backdrop for an area where those using the service will be able to relax and undertake some gardening tasks. All entries will become the property of the hospital trust.
The winning design will cover an area 3m x 2m and will be painted onto the wall by volunteers.
Please prepare your entry on A3 landscape white paper and submit a photograph of your work to eastmidlands@stepnell.co.uk by 31 August 2024
Local Community Group Collaboration
Category: Social Value
In support of our social value commitments to the Bilton Grange Prep School, new boarding house project the site team have been forging relationships with local community group Friends of Dunchurch, an organisation dedicated to preserving local heritage and community spaces.
The community group put us in touch with St Peter’s Church in Dunchurch who happily accepted our offer of a day of voluntary support.
Joining forces with our subcontractor R.O.Donaghey the team cleared away overgrown bushes and ivy that had obscured many of the graves. The volunteers also installed edging to create a dedicated space for crematorium memorials, creating an area for families and friends to honour and remember their loved ones.
Eddie Cronshaw Project Manager, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments.
“It was inspiring to see everyone come together with such enthusiasm and dedication. Clearing the overgrown areas and creating the new memorial space will have a lasting impact on the community and visitors to St Peter’s Church.”
Chris Sarson, Churchyard Manager said:
“Thank you so much to your team, you all worked really hard and were polite and friendly.Several of our church gardening volunteers and I came to watch during the course of the day, and we are so grateful for what you have done in a few hours, that would have taken us much longer. Indeed I don’t think we would have been able to face doing it at all!Your work has enhanced the churchyard environment at St Peter’s, an asset much loved and used by our local community.One of my volunteers was heard to say, “Can you come back next year”.
The community group was also invited to a tour of the construction site and the school, followed by afternoon tea. Group members expressed how much they enjoyed the visit and the school said:
“It was an absolutely splendid event and the goodwill and connections created will be so very helpful going forward.” – Amanda Hunter – Rugby school
Warwick’s Newest Care Home Oakley Grange
Category: Care
Reinforcing its care industry credentials, Stepnell has handed over a £9.4m care home to residential care provider Cinnamon Care Collection.
Marking the fourth project completed between the two firms, Oakley Grange in Bishop’s Tachbrook, Warwickshire, will provide 66 beds and five care suites set across a traditional brick structure.
The facility will offer premium care facilities that cater for assisted living and specialist dementia care, with a range of features including cinema rooms and private dining, supported with a commercial kitchen. Stepnell also constructed a dedicated therapy room – the first to be offered in a Cinnamon Care collection facility.
Stepnell commenced the build in January 2023 and completed in 73 weeks, handing over to the client for fit out two weeks ahead of schedule. To ensure the project ran smoothly, the firm led on numerous collaborative meetings between stakeholders so that delivery expectations and adjustments could be met.
Steve Hollins, project manager at Stepnell, said:
“Calling on our collective healthcare experience, including an established relationship with Cinnamon Care Collection, we were pleased to deliver a first-class assisted living facility for older residents in rural Warwickshire. This is a project that really highlights our exemplary standards, with a smooth operation that enabled our teams to handover to the client earlier than planned, allowing greater time for fit out and final preparations for its opening.”
Using its complete construction expertise, Stepnell was able to take advantage of its Step Energy and in-house joinery department, providing energy specialists to install a 70-panel solar array, as well as numerous bespoke fitted furniture items suitable for later-living requirements, and all made locally in Warwickshire.
Stepnell was able to utilise a local workforce, providing further development opportunities for a team that was experienced with completing the Bennett Drive Care Home in Hagley for Cinnamon Care Collection in 2022. The team coordinated activities to overcome operational challenges, including delivering with restricted access through the housing estate and ensuring minimal noise disturbances for neighbouring residential properties and schools.
The building is designed to offer a stylish space for residents and visitors to stay, situated within ten minutes from Warwick town centre’s local shops and amenities, as well as being only five minutes from the main motorway routes.
James Gant, development director at Cinnamon Care Collection, said:
“We are delighted to have completed our fourth project with Stepnell. Oakley Grange is a brand-new luxury care home, which will offer premium care facilities that cater for residential and specialist dementia care. The home boasts lavish and luxurious interiors, superb onsite amenities, and high-class quality hospitality. Oakley Grange offers first-class residential care and dementia care set within a stunning care home environment.
“Thanks to highest standard of workmanship and excellent craftsmen that Stepnell employed, our development was completed ahead of the schedule and to a very high specification that is typical of a Cinnamon development.
“There were a number of challenges that had to be overcome such as limited access and construction noise management that required careful planning. Stepnell’s positive and pro-active attitude throughout the process ensured that another project came in ahead of time. We look forward to working with Stepnell on future projects and to continue to develop our homes.”
Bilton Grange Architecture & Sustainability talks
Category: Education
In enriching sessions designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds, Design Lead and Architect, Katherine Morton and Sustainability Manager Sheona Green, visited Bilton Grange Prep School to deliver talks on Architecture and Sustainability.
The primary objective was to introduce students to the field of architecture and sustainability, highlighting its importance, the creative processes involved, and potential career paths.
Each session started with a presentation and then followed by a lively Q and A session by the students.
Sheona recounted her experiences working on various projects, including the challenges faced and the successes achieved. Her journey demonstrated the rewarding nature of a career dedicated to sustainability, While Katherine answered questions on “what inspired you to become an architect and what is your favourite project you have worked on and why?”
The talks received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and teachers. Students expressed increased interest in architecture and sustainability, with many inspired to explore the subject further. Teachers noted the educational value of the session, appreciating the real-world connection it provided to classroom learning.
Nicola Sodhi, Assistant Head commented, ‘I wanted to send a quick message to say how impressed I was by Sheona Green’s workshop to Year Eight about sustainability in the construction industry today; I was lucky enough to catch the second group. The topic was the perfect way to round off the Year Eight Geography topic on Sustainability, and it was great to consider this topic in a completely different manner – I learnt a lot about carbon! Sheona had put a lot of work into her presentation and workshop, and the pupils’ actively engaged in the group activity. I really like how Sheona talked about the career pathway she has taken to becoming the Stepnell Sustainability Manager. It was a good insight into future careers for our pupils.The social value and engagement project keeps getting better and better.’
Beating Time & Stepnell Collaboration
Category: Social Value
We are currently on site at Castle Road, Kidderminster, where we are constructing a new 20 unit residential building that will help to support those needing short term accommodation for Wyre Forest District Council.
Procured through Procure Partnerships Framework we are committed to delivering back into the local economy through social value. As part of our commitment to create meaningful impact on the project we have partnered with Beating Time, a charity that supports prisoners’ rehabilitation through music and employment-focused initiatives.
The collaboration, aimed to provide tailored 1:1 careers advice and guidance to inmates at HMP Onley and HMP Hewell, forms part of our broader strategy to enhance social value by facilitating smoother transitions from prison to community life.
Working closely with prison staff and Beating Time we identified inmates who were within six months of their release date. Social Value Manager Natasha Heritage, along with advisors from Beating Time, conducted one-on-one sessions with the inmates focusing on several key areas:
CV Writing and Job Applications: Providing guidance on how to craft effective CVs and job applications, highlighting transferable skills and relevant experiences.
Career Planning: Assisting inmates in setting realistic career goals and developing actionable plans to achieve them, considering their skills, interests, and the job market.
To ensure continuity, the program includes follow-up support post-release. This will include regular check-ins and additional guidance as needed, helping former inmates navigate the early stages of their employment journey.
This collaboration with Beating Time at HMP Onley and HMP Hewell demonstrates how strategic partnerships and tailored interventions can create significant social value.
Plant & Fleet Manager Appointment
Category: People
Stepnell invests in plant and machinery expert to grow in-house fleet efficiency
A NEW strategic role created by complete construction partner Stepnell has led to the appointment of Noel Pluck, an experienced plant and fleet manager. The move helps to improve the procurement and management of plant operations and forms part of the firm’s continued commitment to delivering solutions and expertise to customers, and bringing more of its business operations in-house.
Based at Stepnell’s plant and fleet facility at its head office in Rugby, Noel will be working with the business leadership team to create effective strategies for the plant and machinery division. This serves for the betterment of project work, improving efficiency, reliability and passing on cost savings to customers, from all of its offices across England, which in addition to Rugby includes Nottingham, Wantage, Bristol, Southampton and Poole.
Noel brings more than 30 years of experience within the service industry, specialising within the plant and commercial vehicles sector over the past 15 years. Noel will be leading the efficient development, performance and maintenance of Stepnell’s entire plant, equipment, and fleet facilities, reducing reliance on hired-in equipment.
Noel said:“I have a strong background in all things plant and commercial vehicles from planning to performance, so I’m confident in my abilities to make sure that as a business we are utilising our own assets and avoiding unnecessary external plant hire where possible.“As well as leading on training and best practice, I will be digitalising our processes to aid in maximising customer service, performance, value and reliability. What’s more, I’ll be working in collaboration with Step Energy, our embedded energy and renewables company, to reduce emissions across the division.”
Stepnell aims to bolster its own plant and fleet portfolio, achieving the highest standards of proactive maintenance of its plant, ensuring a quality and competitive service for clients. Noel’s appointment coincides with a series of new starters at Stepnell, with the complete construction partner continuing to build from a strong point of growth.
Tom Wakeford, managing director at Stepnell, said:“Building our in-house teams and capabilities is an important part of our business growth strategy, to meet the wide ranging and unique challenges of our customers. We are pleased to announce the steps we are taking through Noel’s appointment as plant and fleet manager.“As part of our One Stepnell approach, our teams across central and southern regions will benefit tremendously from having this on hand expertise. By growing our own internal resources, we can leverage greater understanding of what our people and projects need to succeed in 2024 and beyond.”
Meet the Team
Category: Joinery
With a combined 154 years of service at Stepnell, our in-house joinery team are an absolute asset to the business. Providing customers with bespoke joinery through time-served technical skill, attention to detail, creativity, and professionalism.
All six members of the team served their apprenticeships with Stepnell and have remained valued colleagues within the business ever since. Striving for excellence in every project they undertake the teams hallmark is craftsmanship and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Here we put the spotlight on the team members and their process for delivering high quality joinery solutions.
Lee Grant has been with the business for 40 years and heads up the team as Joinery Shop Manager.
Lee and has overall responsibility for delivering an excellent customer service, ensuring deadlines are met and work is produced efficiently by the team. Lee ensures communication is clear between the customer, suppliers and team, which is essential for understanding and effectively articulating requirements.
Responsible for the tendering of new projects and design of bespoke joinery pieces, Lee contributes creative ideas and solutions, he is resourceful and adaptable in his approach with a good eye for design, proportion, and aesthetics.
With a depth of knowledge of materials, different types of wood, their properties, and how they behave under different conditions, Lee specifies and orders materials for projects.
Lee ensures quality control measures are in place throughout the entire process and that all work is delivered to an excellent standard.
Lee’s interests include following Leeds United with his sons and playing his collection of old vinyl. His perfect day would be a long walk in the countryside with his partner, Amanda. Getting home and cooking a roast dinner for the family and washing it down with a bottle of red.
Ben Roberts is the Joinery Shop Foreman, with 20 years’ experience at Stepnell.
As well as the production of bespoke joinery pieces, including reception desks, bars, stairs and windows, Ben undertakes Foreman duties such as assisting with workload management, quality control, supporting team members with their work and ordering of materials.
Ben enjoys the challenge of complicated and tricky projects that take time to work out the best solutions for and produce, he finds it rewarding when it all starts to come together and seeing the finished product fitted on site makes the hard work all worthwhile.
Outside of work Ben used to play rugby and now coaches his boy’s rugby teams.
Paul Blencowe has served 34 years at Stepnell, alongside the production of joinery pieces he has varied roles in the workshop including a forklift driver.
Paul helps to keep the workshop running smoothly, unloading deliveries and safely storing materials. He has assisted many apprentices, helping them to settle in and learn the ropes.
A keen follower of sports such as football, cricket and horse racing, Paul is the key organiser of the workshop sweepstakes over the years.
Mark Skidmore has 43 years’ service at Stepnell, he is one of our leading joiners whose eye for detail is second to none. Mark is a time-served joiner who combines technical skill with creativity and design sense in the pieces he produces. Joinery projects can vary widely in scope and requirements, Mark is flexible and adaptable and able to tackle different types of projects with ease.
Marks interests outside of work include poetry, philosophy, wildlife photography and fishing.
Gary Painter is a Senior Joiner with 16 years’ service at Stepnell.
Gary undertakes the role of CAD technician, he takes the sketches from Lee and the architects and works them into technical CAD drawings that are then used by the team in the accurate creation of each piece. Gary also undertakes the roles of machine repair & maintenance, and forklift driver.
Gary is proud to have purchased his home and achieving everything he has set his mind to. He enjoys keeping fit, going to the gym most days and being healthy, physically and mentally. The best advice he has been given is to always listen before forming opinions on anything, as we are not always right.
Harvey Heise is our newest member and is currently serving his apprenticeship.
Alongside producing high quality joinery he ensures the workshop is kept clean and organised.
Harvey is looking forward to being as qualified and skilled as his colleagues, he enjoys the diversity of his work and is proud of the set of stairs he has manufactured that are installed in the woodshed at the workshop. Outside of work he likes gaming, running and sleeping.
Visit our Joinery page to find out more about the services and products available.
Night Stop & Nova Training Art Project
Category: Residential
We are currently on site at Castle Road, Kidderminster constructing a new 20 unit residential building that will help to support those needing short term accommodation.
The project forms part of our client, Wyre Forest District Councils, priority to make the district a clean, safe and green place to live, work and visit.
Residents will have a shared kitchen diner and lounge areas on all floors and an outside space. There will also be office space, parking and the site will be landscaped.
Procured through Procure Partnerships Framework we are committed to delivering back into the local economy through social value. As part of our commitment to create meaningful impact on the project, we have been continuing our partnership with Nightstop.
Nighstop, which is part of The Depaul Group are a homelessness organisation with specialism in supporting young people. They work in local communities across the country, offering emergency accommodation, through a network of trained volunteer host families, alongside longer term housing and accommodation services.
We have recently undertaken a unique collaborative project with Nightstop and Nova Training, which used art as a medium to convey the significance of secure accommodation. Raising awareness of the importance of secure accommodation, providing a platform for young people to express their experiences relating to homelessness and creating impactful artwork that engages the community, sparking conversations on the subject.
All participants created artwork that will be printed on the hoardings around our Castle Road site, turning them into vibrant displays of ‘safe spaces’. Our talented participants poured their creativity into designs that reflect comfort, security, and belonging.
The project had a profound impact on the participants, many expressed a sense of empowerment and pride in their contributions, as well as newfound confidence in their artistic abilities.
This collaborative project demonstrates the power of partnerships in driving social change. By harnessing the creativity and passion of young individuals, and combining it with the expertise and resources of local organisations, meaningful impact can be achieved in addressing complex issues such as homelessness and housing insecurity.
We will be continuing our work with Nova Training and Nightstop on a variety of projects over the duration of the Castle Road project.
Fast Track Projects
Category: Frameworks
Anthony Gell School, Roofing Repair Works
Award winning scheme demonstrating excellence in customer service, customer understanding and collaboration to deliver urgent fast track works to a live school.
Anthony Gell School is a coeducational secondary school and sixth form located in Wirksworth, Derbyshire. It began as a Free Grammar School established by Anthony Gell in 1576. The school moved to its present site in 1908 and became a voluntary controlled school in 1944.
The building was designed by the distinguished county architect George H Widdows. It was one of a large number of new schools built to Widdows’ designs by Derbyshire County Council in the early 20th century.
Widdows was at the forefront of the movement to build schools in which high standards of hygiene were as important as educational provision following 1907 legislation brought in by the Board of Health. Widdows developed a series of innovative designs introducing high levels of natural daylight and effective cross ventilation in schools.
The school is understandably very proud of its building’s design and history, with a keen interest in preserving its heritage.
When we were made aware of the project the school had been operating with structural propping in both front entrances to support two gabled roofs, which had suffered structural issues as a result of sub-standard roofing works, with some unstable Ashlar masonry to the front facade.
Not only was the propping at the entrances causing inconvenience to the school and students, having been in place for over two years following the Covid-19 pandemic. The ongoing issues with the damaged roof had also left two vital teaching spaces unusable. These spaces were usually used for music tuition and provided private spaces for student counselling sessions. This meant the school had to run a bus service to music lessons off site and incurred the extra costs associated, and students’ access to critical counselling sessions was restricted during this time.
Pre-Construction
We discussed procurement options available with Derbyshire County Council and their consultants Concertus.
The decision was taken to use direct award through the SCAPE framework. This procurement route allowed us to provide Derbyshire County Council with early contractor and supply chain involvement through a free feasibility report on the project. This included an initial programme review, high level costings, review of logistics and the proposed completion timeline.
Throughout the pre-construction four week period we completed surveys and investigations of the works, to ensure full understanding of the project parameters, and aligned the programme to robust details. We engaged our expert local supply chain to develop the scope and deployed our own direct workforce to resource the scheme, ensuring we could get moving on site quickly.
We managed the risk of the roof collapsing and potential water ingress during the works through developing a temporary works design and ensuring suitable protection.
Construction
To begin the works we assisted the appointed structural engineers with the design to completely replace the roofs.
We formed good early working relationships with the school business manager and premises manager to ensure we understood the specific environment, safeguarding requirements and restrictions. We designed our site compound with minimal cabins and area required, and programmed our works to fit around the school schedule, with the project completing in time for the new academic year.
Scaffold was installed allowing access to the entrances. The project required works to be carried out above each entrance to the school. These works were programmed to ensure one entrance could always remain in operation, causing minimal disruption.
We worked very closely with Concertus, the structural engineer and the building control officer, who attended the site regularly to inspect and sign off the works.
New roof timbers and valleys were installed, whilst new lead work was fitted to the valleys and rear of the Ashlar facade. A new breathable membrane was also installed. The new roof structure was attached to the masonry with metal straps and plates. The Ashlar stone was keyed into the building using helifix stainless steel rods and specialist mortar / resin as was the internal brickwork. New aluminium windows with masonry support systems were installed with fire stopping as directed by Concertus.
Re-pointing of the masonry was carried out as directed by the structural engineer. Internally, the two rooms were insulated, boarded and skimmed, new skirtings, window boards and pipe boxings were installed. Both rooms were decorated and fitted with new carpets.
Throughout the works we kept everyone on site updated with the day’s activities with daily meetings, email and phone conversations. We were also issued with a school walkie talkie for daily comms.
Feedback & Positive Outcomes
The service, communication and quality of work were excellent throughout. In particular the site management by Andy Whitehead surpassed all expectations. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Andy and all of the team at Stepnell. In addition we received very positive feedback from school. There were no defects. All works were completed within the programme.Colin Bridges, Senior Building Surveyor – Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd
“I want to thank the construction team for all the hard work you have put in over the last few months to improve our school premises. Our students can now enjoy being in these classrooms, in a clean and bright environment. There is always some crisis to overcome in a school building and to have contractors who know what they are doing, tackle whatever comes their way with good humour and get the job done is a real bonus and much appreciated. Thanks for your hard work, expertise, and positive attitude.”Holly Walker-Riggott, School Business Manager – Anthony Gell School
Award Winning
The Anthony Gell scheme was awarded ‘Customer Service Excellence’ at the SCAPE Partner Celebration.
KPI’s
Zero RIDDORs – 100%
SMEs – 100%
Service Pre-Con Satisfaction Score – 9/10
Product Pre-Con Satisfaction Score – 10/10
Value For Money Pre-Con Satisfaction Score 10/10
Service Construction Satisfaction Score – 10/10
Product Construction Satisfaction Score – 10/10
Value For Money Construction Satisfaction Score – 10/10
Social Economic benefits
At Anthony Gell School, apprentice joiner Dale Martin spoke to six groups of Y10 students about his career journey, the work we were doing on the school roof, the traditional joinery techniques he was learning and has to demonstrate for his apprenticeship. Two groups managed to build the highest LEGO towers we have ever seen, topping over two metres!
Highlights included:
Employability session with Derbyshire North Youth Hub for 16-25yo
Careers guidance for over 50s returning to work with DWP JobCentre Plus
Future Makers Mentoring
5 weeks of apprentice training for Level 2 joinery
5 mock assessment centre brick tower challenge workshops delivered to Y10 at Anthony Gell School
69% local spend within 20 miles
Perfect Scores for Considerate Constructor Stepnell
Category: Construction
Complete construction partner Stepnell has achieved several ‘Excellent’ Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) scores, including a company record of four perfect scores in the same year.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme sets out criteria to score project sites on appearance, how well the workforce is treated, how the community is integrated and respected, and how much care is taken for the environment.
Several projects completed by the Stepnell team have contributed to the achievement, including a perfect score of 45/45 for works to create a new home venue for St Bernadette’s rugby club in Bristol. An additional two innovation points have been added on top of this score in recognition of Stepnell’s commitment to collaboration.
The site team embarked on a programme of community outreach in an effort to improve relationships with local residents following anti-social behaviour experienced on site. This included a community open day and barbeque; serving 300 local residents, regular food bank donations and careers talk for local colleges. The Stepnell team also partnered with social enterprise Community Kit Bag to provide low cost and free sports clothes, and equipment to residents.
The project team also donated insulation materials to charity Help Bristol’s Homeless and organised a free community nutrition workshop for local parents.
Tom Wakeford, managing director of Stepnell said: “Our teams work tirelessly to ensure every project that we work on has our stamp of quality. Whether its education, healthcare or energy sector projects, we’ve consistently exceeded in value delivery. These commitments continue to receive positive feedback from clients and neighbouring communities and are key to securing repeat works with our public and private sector clients.
“These CCS score achievements provide that additional confidence for clients in the quality of the projects that we deliver, reassured that maximising value is the Stepnell way. The score also factors in sustainability, which is in line with Stepnell’s ISO 50001 accreditation in energy management and commitment to being carbon net-zero by 2050.”
Another perfect score was awarded for Northampton Market Square, a project in which the team have worked hard to maintain positive relationships with the community and local stakeholders. The score was achieved through aspects such as a safe public project viewing area, the appointment of a dedicated key relationship manager and local charity donations from the Stepnell team and project supply chain.
Other high scoring projects include Stepnell’s mixed-use St Peter’s redevelopment in Bristol, achieving a score of 45/45. The project comprised of 15 houses and ten flats in the Henleaze area and showcased strong local community engagement. The CCS report noted the site team as being positively engaged with the local community, having developed strong relationships with a range of groups in the area, including Bristol Community Arts charity, who has organised a community mural painting on the site hoarding.
At Woodfield School in Surrey, the Stepnell team achieved a CCS score of 43/45. A large factor in this came from the team ensuring the student’s learning experience was not damaged by distractions from the construction work taking place. This included ensuring a forest garden remained a safe space for the pupils to use and escape to throughout the works. The site was also commended for embracing inclusion and diversity through its facilities and policies.
As part of Stepnell’s focus on public sector projects, the midlands teams’ work on the elective hub at Warwick Hospital achieved a score of 41/45. Activity highlights included undertaking volunteer days with planting hedges at Ryton Pools and painting existing hospital buildings.
Additionally, the project at the Nuclear AMRC research facility at Infinity Park in Derby achieved a CCS score of 43/45 due to the excellent compliance achieved across all relevant scoring criteria. Specifically, the project was commended for embracing the local area’s requirements and environmental factors including carbon zero objectives.
Frameworks: Why relationships are still the kingmaker
Category: Frameworks
As we continue to see an increase in projects tendered through frameworks in many areas of the built environment, there are plenty of benefits of forging longstanding relationships with framework providers.
This is a topic our preconstruction and framework director Lewis Archibald recently gave his thoughts on to top industry publication, Public Sector Build Journal.
In this piece, Lewis talks us through his belief that, as the principles of the Construction Playbook become more ingrained across the industry, the project improvement, reduced costs, better value and greater community involvement brought about by these longstanding relationships mean that this approach will be critical. Lewis’ full piece can be read below.
It’s now been three years since the first iteration of the Construction Playbook was launched in the runup to Christmas in 2020. That initial document has since been updated and supplemented with a companion piece in “Constructing the Gold Standard”, but the 14 key policies that it set out for how the government should deliver public works projects and programmes have become the commandments by which public sector procurement is living.
With the extensive support that frameworks now provide, established relationships and communication is beyond valuable when companies are trying to procure in line with best value, sustainability measures and social value delivery, all of which are particularly pertinent in the current socio-economic climate.
SMOOTHING THE PROCESS
Far from being the red tape they were once perceived as being, frameworks have actually engendered the kind of collaborative approaches and early dialogue that many used to believe they prevented. Naturally, there are huge benefits for contractors and consultants in having strong and longstanding relationships with framework providers, but the positives run both ways. Having open two-way dialogue between the framework and the supplier means that intelligence and experience can be shared, which in turn gets passed down to the clients.
We are regularly having conversations with framework professionals about whether single or two-stage procurement is the right approach for a given project, or which types of consultants need to be engaged at which stage in the process for a specific style of build. By having these conversations and enabling decisions to be made much earlier in the process, it’s a win-win for the client and the framework, as they are empowered by knowledge shared by subject matter experts.
This makes the whole process a lot smoother for all concerned and can help avoid situations where clients end up taking the wrong procurement route and find themselves in a tangle. For example, a client may take what they perceive as the path of least resistance with a single stage tender on a design and build refurbishment, only to find that whoever the chosen contractor partner is will simply price the risk that those kinds of projects are loaded with. However, by engaging earlier and having those conversations around procurement routes, they would find that two-stage would have been the better option as it allows the contractor to assess the risk, look at options for mitigating it and find a best value solution.
SOCIAL VALUE
These strong relationships also prove instrumental when it comes to social value delivery – a key tenet of any public sector project. As well as helping clients make the most informed decisions in respect to the project team of contractor and consultants, proper engagement at an early stage means that social value action plans can start to coalesce in a way that means it can be embedded from day one of the project.
If a contractor is in a position where it can liaise with both the key stakeholders for social value both within and outside the client organisation, they can be in position to ensure that processes are in place to ensure those stakeholders are involved throughout the project and aren’t passed over when it comes to important decisions.
This kind of approach is essential to delivering true social value. If the contractor is kept at arm’s length until a later stage, the timescales for everything are condensed, and this can lead to less focus being placed on social value at the expense of project delivery.
However, if that contractor has the change to actually engage with the people that that are going to benefit from the project, they are able to work out what can make a tangible difference and deliver longer-term improvements. This is far more beneficial than rushed initiatives that may have a short-term impact but don’t leave the lasting legacy that public sector schemes hang their hats on.
IN IT TO WIN IT
Having been in the construction industry for more than 30 years, I’ve seen the way public sector procurement has evolved, and frameworks have been a huge part of this.
Public sector procurement has evolved in the last decade and a half – in part driven by the likes of the Construction Playbook – firmly towards a “framework first” approach. Those looking to be involved in public sector projects now understand that clients are looking for added value around the procurement of their projects and that frameworks are the ideal platform to deliver this, backed up by measurable targets that are enforced by framework providers to give assurance on the client’s behalf.
As well as opening up a wider range of options for public sector clients and – consequently – a wider pool of potential projects for contractors and consultants, the benefits of more transparent procurement are clear to see, and contractors need to understand the added value approach when it comes to frameworks if they are to have success in the public sector.
Bilton Grange site visit
Category: Construction
The pupils of Bilton Grange Preparatory School had an exciting opportunity to visit a live construction site, right on their own school grounds, where we are currently undertaking the construction of a new boarding house for seven to 13-year-olds.
Organised by the site team, the tour was both educational and engaging. We ensured the safety of the pupils by setting up a secure and segregated area for their visit. During the visit, the pupils had the chance to meet various members of the team, including Eddie Cronshaw, the project manager, Sharon Symons, the senior administrator, and Tom Cronshaw, the trainee quantity surveyor. They provided insightful talks and information about the construction process.
One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity for the pupils to learn about different construction plant items such as small excavators, dumpers, and rollers. They were able to observe these machines in action and ask questions about how they work. The presence of groundworks contractor R O’Donaghey added to the experience, as they demonstrated first hand how the plant machinery operates.
Overall, it was a fantastic day for both the pupils and the staff involved. With the construction site located on the school premises, the pupils will have the unique opportunity to witness the entire construction process, from its inception to completion. This hands-on experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the young minds of Bilton Grange Preparatory School.
Accommodating for Badgers
Category: Construction
When developing land, it is important to understand the implications it may have on wildlife and natural habitats. Badgers can be a common issue, and, as a protected species, the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 sets out how badgers and their setts (tunnels and chambers where they live) must be safely accommodated for.
Sheona Green, sustainability manager gives advice on the appropriate measures to avoid, mitigate and, as a last resort, compensate for any negative effects on badgers.
It is an offence to take, injure or kill a badger. It is also an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to a badger sett. This includes any disturbance within 30 metres of the sett.
An ecology report will identify whether badger activity is suspected on site. A further survey may then be required. If a badger sett has been identified on the site then the ecologist will initially determine the type of badger setts (part of the main sett, an outlier sett, or a subsidiary sett). They’ll also determine whether the sett is currently in use. Even if it’s not currently occupied, if there are signs of badgers nearby, the sett remains protected.
If you can accommodate the badger sett area safely within your development, mitigation is more straight forward. Should you wish to close the sett, you’ll need a badger licence.
RETAINING SETTS
Assuming you can retain the sett safely, including 30-metre buffer zone, the following measures are likely:
During construction, install fencing to protect the sett area. Badgers must be able to pass underneath or through the fence.
Don’t let artificial lighting fall on the badger sett, during or after construction.
You might need to plant additional trees and shrubs close to the badger sett, mitigating against lost foraging areas.
Don’t position footpaths, benches, and play areas close to the setts.
Create unlit ‘green corridors’ to help badgers access their existing foraging habitat.
Further compensation measures might be necessary if your development would destroy further badger foraging areas.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A BADGER LICENCE?
Should your development plan impact on the land within 30 metres of the setts, badger mitigation becomes more complex. If you’re proposing hole closures, you’ll need a licence from Natural England and if more than 50% of the identified holes and setts need to be closed, an artificial sett may be required.
Your ecologist will help you to acquire a licence and install an artificial sett. Under the terms of the licence, you’ll undertake all work between July and the end of October.
The artificial sett must be in place for six months before the original sett is closed. It’s typical to place a one-way gate over the entrance of the sett so that badgers can leave but not return. Every day for 21 days, the sett must be checked. If badgers have dug back in again, the process starts from the beginning.
Once the badger sett is finally confirmed empty and a successful 21-day period has passed, you can dig it up, under supervision. You must do this promptly to prevent badgers returning and being at risk.
Example above of a badger relocation to an artificial badger sett on one of our projects.
Example above of a complete artificial badger sett on one of our projects.
Works commence on mental health ward refurbishment
Category: Frameworks
Refurbishment works at Walton Hospital, Chesterfield, to create a dedicated ward for older adults with functional mental health issues in Derbyshire has started on site by complete construction partner Stepnell.
Previously vacant, the £3.7 million refurbishment of Bluebell Ward provides capacity for the relocation of patients from Pleasley Ward at the Hartington Unit on the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, three miles across the town.
Delivering via the Procure Partnerships Framework (PPF) for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (DHCFT), the project will create a 12-bedroom older adult mental health facility with single ensuite rooms. The ward is for functional older adults, and once completed, the functional and organic older adult services will be co-located in the same building.
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The refurbishment of Bluebell Ward signifies the latest project that we are completing for an NHS Foundation Trust, and we are proud of our long-standing reputation for delivering successful healthcare projects across the country using our local expertise. We are helping to enhance the offering of locally accessible specialist services, as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.”
Tom Woolley, key account manager for the east at Procure Partnerships Framework, added: “Procure Partnerships Framework is delighted to see work is underway on the refurbishment of Bluebell Ward for Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Our partners are experts in healthcare schemes and have worked incredibly hard in the planning stages to ensure the facility is set to become a welcoming, safe and sustainable environment for the patients of Bluebell Ward. We are excited to see this scheme come to life and the long-lasting benefit it will bring to the community of Chesterfield.”
Set to complete this July, the refurbishment adapts the existing structure of Bluebell Ward to achieve a fit-for-purpose design that follows the same building principles for new mental health units, completing under the Making Room for Dignity programme.
Stepnell is undertaking the works with multi-disciplinary construction consultancy EDGE. Charlotte Dennish, cost manager at EDGE, said: “Our healthcare specialist team is proud to be working alongside Stepnell to deliver an environment that promotes wellbeing and safety, improving the patient experience. EDGE is delighted to be delivering Bluebell Ward as part of the wider Making Room for Dignity programme, ensuring consistent quality standards and patient environments.
“By working with ex-service user Nick Richards on the project, we’ve been able to learn from his lived experience and ensure that the space is optimised to support older adults with mental health challenges, while also providing a welcoming environment for all who will use the service.”
The project is part of the government’s Dormitory Education Programme, which DHCFT names the ‘Making Room for Dignity’ programme, to eradicate dormitory accommodation in mental health facilities, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate safety, privacy and dignity to treat mental illnesses.
Andy Harrison, senior responsible owner at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to have commenced the work to our refurbished ward at Walton Hospital for the older adults of Derbyshire who require inpatient support for functional mental health needs. Not only will the co-location with organic mental health services mean access to specialist older people clinicians but also a safer ward environment with increased privacy and dignity.”
