PUBLIC SECTOR organisations across Scotland are being invited to attend a launch event that will share vital information on a major framework geared towards improving the safety of social housing and public buildings. Taking place at the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) headquarters in Livingston on 23 November, those attending
Scotland’s leading procurement solution provider, dedicated to benefitting Scotland’s social housing and public buildings, is revealing that it has secured its landmark 100th Partner. Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) provides Partners – such as councils, housing associations, universities and emergency services – with access to innovative procurement solutions, which aim to
PUBLIC SECTOR organisations across Scotland are being invited to attend a launch event that will share vital information on a major framework geared towards improving the safety of social housing and public buildings. Taking place at the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) headquarters in Livingston on 23 November, those attending will gain vital information about the new framework that launched in September this year. SPA’s new framework aims to support public sector organisations in safeguarding their buildings, covering a range of works like asbestos removal, gas works, fire safety and water hygiene. Known as the Asset Safety and Compliance (ASC1) framework, SPA’s 120+ partners will learn how the framework can help them meet government regulations and initiatives in the most cost-effective way. Lesley Anderson, Regional Director at SPA, Scotland’s largest free to join procurement organisation said: “There is a huge mountain to climb for the public sector right now. With major government targets looming, it’s important we are bringing valuable and accessible frameworks to the fore at the right times. “The timing of this framework has aligned perfectly with ongoing consultations on social housing regulation in Scotland and its very much at the forefront of our partner’s minds. “With rising inflation and broader cost pressures stemming from rent freezes, contractor sustainability issues, slowing private housing sales due to mortgage rates, and increased demand for social housing, public sector organisations face significant challenges ensuring their buildings comply with safety and property protection regulations.” “By bringing together life safety and property protection requirements, as well as maintenance needs, this framework is designed to enable public bodies to achieve compliance at scale while achieving the best value for money.” ASC1 consolidates three existing frameworks and encompasses five critical public sector safety and compliance workstreams. It will run until 3rd September 2027 and is valued at up to £100 million in England, £20 million in Scotland and £15 million in Wales. The latest framework covers five workstreams including asbestos consultancy and removal, property protection and associated services, water testing, treatment, and management, heating and air conditioning compliance and electrical testing and services. Lesley added: “Theres been a host of field research and insight analysis from our regional business units across the UK to help shape this framework and we’ve been working closely with specialist suppliers and public organisations in Scotland from the outset to get the right end product. “By incorporating what we’ve learned from on-the-ground studies as well as gaining an understanding of local and regional requirements, we’re certain this framework delivers the best possible results for the construction industry as well as communities across Scotland. “The launch event will offer a brilliant chance to learn more about the framework and the suppliers that have been awarded a place. With presentations offering valuable information on essential aspects of housing and building compliance requirements, delivered by the framework suppliers. “The presentations will cover asbestos, property protection, water safety, HVAC and electrical with the aim of helping asset managers and building owners understand their responsibilities. “We want to give partners the information they need on this framework so they can take full advantage of it and help keep social housing and public buildings in Scotland as safe and secure as possible.” As a committed not-for-profit organisation, SPA reinvests its surpluses into local communities through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF), in partnership with the dedicated charity Lintel Trust. SPA currently has more than 600 active projects valued at £1.1 billion, benefiting the 300 suppliers that offer works and services to its associates. Additionally, these partners have complimentary access to a range of value-added services, such as expert technical, procurement, and social value advisory support. Since 2017, the CBF has distributed more than £1.7 million in grants and matching funds, assisting community groups, charities, and various causes. This initiative has generated a social value exceeding £3.9 million. Those interested in the event can apply here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/743400319367 To find out more about The Scottish Procurement Alliance, please visit: https://www.scottishprocurement.scot/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scotland’s leading procurement solution provider, dedicated to benefitting Scotland’s social housing and public buildings, is revealing that it has secured its landmark 100th Partner. Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) provides Partners – such as councils, housing associations, universities and emergency services – with access to innovative procurement solutions, which aim to drive social value by streamlining construction, refurbishment and maintenance contracts. Their Partner organisations delivered more than £160m worth of projects in 2018-19 alone through their procurement solutions. Formed in 2016, SPA is hailing the sign-up of its 100th Partner as an overwhelming endorsement of its key role in helping public sector organisations to work with Scotland’s supply chain to deliver projects better, faster and more cost-effectively. In 2018-19 (the last available annual review), SPA worked with 43 Partners to deliver more than 220 projects which represented a total value of £160m – a 50% jump on its performance on 2017-18. Projects range in size and scope from the £16m Balloch Campus new school development for West Dunbartonshire Council to an £18,000 door replacement programme for Hawthorne Housing Co-operative. The Scottish Government has committed to the delivery of 50,000 new homes, of which 35,000 are to be affordable housing, by the end of the next parliament. SPA frameworks will be used by its partners to deliver more than 3500 homes in Scotland – 10% of the Government’s 2021 target for social rent housing. SPA Director Clive Feeney said “SPA has team of dedicated experts firmly focused on championing best practice and ensuring Partners can benefit from access to specialist procurement solutions that deliver social value in their communities. He said: “SPA frameworks provide our Partners with a quick and easy route to market – saving time, resources and money. “We share the aspirations of Partners, suppliers, residents and other community groups to create better buildings and homes across Scotland to ‘futureproof’ the country. “Reaching the milestone 100th Partner cements the important link SPA has with Scotland’s public organisations, local businesses and local communities. “And the scale and success of the works undertaken on SPA projects to date, underlines the vital position SPA holds in Scotland’s supply chain network. “This all provides a clear endorsement that our service works and delivers value time and time again.” SPA’s frameworks can be used by all publicly or partially publicly funded organisations in Scotland and have been established in strict compliance with the Scottish public sector procurement regulations. Partners are estimated to save 350,000 hours every year by using the frameworks. Partners can also receive a share of any surplus achieved from the execution of the frameworks, via a rebate – in 2018-19 this amounted to £580,000. The top performing framework in 2018-19 was Offsite Construction of New Homes which amounted to nearly £97m worth of projects. SPA also underlines its commitment to improving social value in Scotland’s communities through its Community Benefit Fund. SPA’s Founding Partners worked with the Lintel Trust – formerly the Scottish Federation of Housing Association’s Charitable Trust – to hand out grants totaling £205,000 in 2018-19 involving projects in areas such as employability, social inclusion and digital participation. Clive added “that providing ongoing support to social landlords and councils – and encouraging them to consider collaborative working and innovative practices, particularly as they wrestle with grant reductions and budget cuts – is a key focus for the future. He said: “The only way the Scottish housing sector will improve is for it to work better with one another. We want to encourage our Partners to share resources. This will not only help to ensure communities will thrive but will also result in better value for money. “Completing housing projects on time, or ahead of time, brings a wealth of benefits: tenants can move in faster, and the housing provider can start to see the return on their investment and benefit from a higher quality product.” Gavin Cockburn, Acting Service Lead – Procurement at South Ayrshire Council, said as a founder member they have benefitted greatly from a strong, collaborative relationship with SPA. He said: “The choice, quality and flexibility that SPA frameworks offer is excellent, and the outstanding assistance provided by our Client Support Manager and the rest of the team is very much appreciated. “As well as allowing the Council to fulfil many complex and vital requirements within South Ayrshire – from new homes to energy efficiency projects, community building upgrades and heating services – one of the special benefits of partnering with the SPA are the opportunities that our framework rebates and Community Benefit Fund provide to our local communities.” Steven Brady, Managing Director of Hadden Group, added: “We first joined SPA as a framework supplier in 2017 and have received a steady pipeline of projects from clients across three different frameworks including new build housing, schools and community buildings. “We have delivered a range of projects including Early Years Nurseries for both Falkirk and West Lothian Councils and are currently on site with affordable housing projects in Biggar and Bathgate. “We are also working closely with Perth & Kinross Council to deliver two new Early Years facilities. In addition, we are working with North Lanarkshire Council to provide more than 70 houses in three separate developments, all of which are due to commence in 2020.” As well as providing compliance, quality and best value to Partners, SPA frameworks support a streamlined process from the award of a contract to completion of a project. Under the frameworks, Partners have the option to either award a contract directly or run a mini-competition between companies that have declared an interest in the project.
