FFT supported Haringey from inception through to the go-live of the new London Construction Programme (LCP) Frameworks for housing, education and public buildings, and the procurement of new long-term Partnering Contracts to deliver the next 10 years of capital investment works, including the Decent Homes programme.
The client
Haringey Council provide a comprehensive range of services that are essential for the well-being of their residents and the effective functioning of Haringey. From education and social services to transport and environmental sustainability, their services play a vital role in creating a vibrant, safe, and sustainable community.
Services provided
The project
FFT’s role was to support Haringey from inception through to the go-live of the new London Construction Programme (LCP) Frameworks for housing, education and public buildings, and the procurement of new long-term Partnering Contracts to deliver the next 10 years of capital investment works, including the Decent Homes programme. FFT supported the Council and LCP in creating three new framework agreements covering housing, education and public buildings.
In addition, a mini competition was carried out under the housing framework to enable the Council to deliver approximately £570m of capital investment works to maintain and upgrade the Council’s housing stock through four Partnering Contracts. FFT led on the preparation of the key tender and technical documents and supported Haringey’s internal procurement team to run the procurement process.
Our role
FFT facilitated multiple stakeholder engagement workshops and soft market testing, alongside a full review of existing policies, processes and KPIs. We also reviewed budgets and planned programmes covering the first five years of the Partnering Contracts.
FFT delivered three full above-threshold procurements under the PCRs and a mini-competition procurement under the LCP Housing Framework. Our role also includes mobilisation services, contract training and acting as Independent Advisor under the FAC-1 and TAC-1 agreements.
Our approach focused on planning, collaboration, transparency and innovation. Prior to commencing the process, we developed a detailed project plan, risk register and Project Execution Plan (PEP). In conjunction with the Council, we also established a Steering Group to make key decisions and sign off on major milestones and gateway stages. FFT took full ownership of monitoring and updating these documents throughout the programme.
FFT led a series of workshops with senior stakeholders across Haringey Council. These sessions reviewed and redesigned governance arrangements, gateway processes and procedures, community models and the wider transformation strategy. The workshops enabled us to produce a clear summary of the Council’s objectives, drivers and deliverables. FFT also supported the evaluation of tender submissions across the frameworks, including leading the commercial evaluation of pricing.
We remain heavily involved in supporting the Council with the ongoing implementation of the frameworks and Partnering Contracts.
The challenges
Following the workshops and development of the project plan, several barriers slowed the programme. These included the local elections in May and the transition of Homes for Haringey services back into the Council. FFT worked closely with Haringey to revise the programme around these key events. This ultimately led to the Stage 1 Section 20 Notice of Intention being issued in November 2022, which FFT supported.
The next stage was market engagement, which took place in December 2022. FFT prepared and facilitated the event, which was attended by the Cabinet Lead for Housing, senior Council officers and over 60 contractors. The event was very positively received, with strong market interest and an overwhelming desire from contractors to tender for the opportunities.
A subsequent staff restructure within the Council required the proposed commercial model and the approach to procuring the four long-term Partnering Contracts to be revisited. FFT developed an options appraisal outlining potential commercial models and presented the findings to both the Steering group and the Placemaking Board.
Following the revised approach, FFT supported further market engagement and assisted the Council in developing the full suite of ITT documentation, including PAS91, the commercial model, specification, term brief, KPIs, social value requirements and all technical questions.
Added value
FFT delivered face-to-face contract management training to over 60 Council staff covering the different forms of contract they are likely to manage. Our team continues to provide post-project advice and technical support in relation to the frameworks and Partnering Contracts.
The outcome
The implementation of a Target Cost Model, supported by a schedule of rates and an open-book approach, enables the Council to focus on quality assurance and delivery rather than dispute management around variations. The model also allows the Council to share any savings generated by the Partnering Providers, demonstrating clear value for money to stakeholders, residents and taxpayers.
FFT provided clear, expert guidance throughout a complex procurement programme, working collaboratively with our teams to deliver a robust and compliant outcome.
Christian Carlisle Assistant Director of Asset Management at London Borough of Haringey