Construction
Construction is a major area of public spending, and one that has always involved the use of private sector suppliers in one capacity or another. It is also a sector where procurement and contract management have long been fraught with difficulty, and it has acquired greater significance for the public service sector as a result of the 'Private Finance Initiative'. The reports in this section contain evidence on the cost savings associated with contstruction procurement.
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Rethinking Construction 2002: Achievements, Next Steps, Getting Involved (PDF)
Rethinking Construction Group Ltd, 2002
Modernising Construction (PDF)
National Audit Office (NAO), 2001
The Stationery Office
This NAO report examines the benefits of partnering in the construction process, in the context of modernising construction procurement in government departments and agencies. In particular it advances the view that many clients do not understand that lowest tender procurement may not produce the best value for money.
Rethinking Construction (PDF)
Egan, Sir John , 1998
Department of Trade and Industry (Construction Task Force)
This paper by the Egan Construction Task Force reports on the scope for improving the quality and efficiency of UK construction. Recommended substantial changes in the construction industry's culture and structure, and replacing competitive tendering with long-term relationships based on clear performance measurements and sustained quality and efficiency improvements.
The Levene Efficiency Scrutiny into Construction Procurement by Government Levene, Sir Peter , 1995 This comprehensive review makes a number of recommendations to improve the procurement and management of construction projects, including better communication with the construction industry to reduce conflict; adoption of a more commercial approach; negotiation of deals justified on value for money grounds; and increased training of civil servants on procurement and risk management. UK
Constructing the Team: Final Report of the Government/Industry Review of Procurement and Contractual Arrangements in the UK Construction Industry
Latham, Sir Michael , 1994
This comprehensive review of the UK construction industry puts forward a number of recommendations for future achievement, in particular partnering as a way forward to improve efficiency and profitability in this sector.