Our services

EU Compliant Procurement

For clients in the public sector, the letting of certain contracts dependant upon type and value needs to comply with certain rules, governed primarily by EU Procurement Rules. The processes required under these rules are very stringent and require expert advice in the procurement of partners in this way.

We have had considerable experience in the public sector in letting contracts of this nature, including advising clients on the restricted and competitive dialogue procedure. To date, we have confidently procured >£4bn of public sector contracts. Whether it be a full procurement from conception to completion or merely the undertaking of some of the more ‘hands on’ tasks such as PQQ evaluation if time capacity in-house is limited – you can be assured that our fully qualified team will be on hand when required and as per the Project Initiation Document.

Each taking in different facets and nuances in relation to client and resident requirements whilst at all times complying with…

In addition, clients wishing to engage contractors on work often need advice on the most appropriate forms of procurement including the type of contract, duration and the need for associated documentation including any strategic alliancing. We have considerable experience of offering first class advice on the most appropriate methods of procurement for your needs. On every project we will prepare an outline procurement strategy tailored to your procurement needs. We can also link the procurement strategy to the development of a supply chain.

We provide specialist cost consultancy services in connection with partnering procurement programmes. The advent of partnering contracts such as PPC2000 and TPC2005 has placed a different requirement on the cost consultancy function to traditional quantity surveying. Our consultants are experienced in the particular vagaries of the partnering contracts, the concepts of open book accounting and the increased role of negotiation in trying to meet both the aspirations of the client and the contractor.

Non EU Procurement

Though we are specialists in understanding and complying with EU Legislation, we also undertake procurements which fall below the threshold. For example, the appointment of consultants to undertake employers agent work not only falls under the threshold, but many consultants will want to bid for the work and therefore can’t undertake the procurement. As specialist procurement consultants, we may non EU tendering as simple as possible, but also robust to ensure that the decision reached is a sustainable one.

Procurement Strategy Development

We have assisted many clients in the development of their procurement strategy. This is an imperative step which cannot and should not be overlooked – particularly in light of government transparency requirements. Every body that we work with should have at least a 5 year publishable plan which looks at contracts let; what requires to be let and how they will be bundled to offer greatest efficiencies and best practice.

Expert Witness

All our expert witnesses have achieve the “Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence” following an intensive training programme through the RICS. We can offer expert advice and advocacy services through our specialist division Cameron Solve, in the following areas:-

• Procurement (including EU Procurement)
• Building surveying
• Construction disputes and claims
• Dilapidations and housing disrepair
• Landlord and tenant

If you are currently involved in a dispute and require independent and impartial expertise on any of the areas above, then you may need an Expert. Having the specialist expertise is of course very important, but equally important are the credibility of the Expert and an understanding of the process including how to write a good expert report, give evidence in court and be a credible witness. With our expertise and training, we are able to provide you with confidence that we will assist you in understanding the relevant issues.

Compliance Reviewing

Sometimes you don’t need to have a full procurement carried out for you. However, are you absolutely sure your documents and process would stand up to a challenge by an aggrieved bidder? By having your documentation and process checked, or indeed purchasing a documentation package from us, you not only reduce your exposure, but also benefit from expert support without paying for experts to carry out the task driven aspects of procurement for you. We can:-

• Critique your documentation
• Sense check the route that you are taking
• Check OJEU notice; PQQ; ITT and ensure compliance
• Train your teams in undertaking a fully compliant procurement taking into account all the latest guidance and changes to Public Procurement Regulations

Partnering Adviser

‘Partnering as a discipline has evolved at an incredible rate since the landmark report of Sir John Egan in 1998 ‘Rethinking Construction’. As a result, an industry has developed and in particular, the role of the Partnering Adviser, either formally under PPC2000 & TPC2005 or informally under other contract forms. In ‘A Guide to Project Team Partnering’, the role of the Partnering Adviser is defined as ‘...to facilitate the smooth creation and development of the project team’.

The role of the Partnering Adviser is crucial to the success of the partnering project in helping the team to integrate and perform effectively. Whilst the role does require some contractually administrative functions, we consider the ‘softer’ functions to be of greater value in developing the team to work in a spirit of mutual trust and co-operation to maximise the potential of the team.

We are corporate members of the The Association of Partnering Advisers (ACA) and any consultant allocated as a Partnering Adviser, will also be a member of the APA.

Partnering facilitator

When our clients utilise specialist forms of contract, there can be provision for open book accounting; development of target costs; incentivisation; key performance indicators and continual improvement strategies. To achieve this in partnership with contractors, clients sometimes require our partnering facilitation team to help develop and sustain the relationship.  This can be as simple as stepping in to facilitate workshops such as ‘developing performance management’ or as complex as undertaking ‘true behavioural change’ or ‘assessment centres’ during a procurement exercise. Our partnering facilitators are specifically qualified to undertake this crucial but different role to the Partnering Adviser.

Cost Consultants

We provide specialist cost consultancy services in connection with partnering procurement programmes. The advent of partnering contracts such as PPC2000 and TPC2005 has placed a different requirement on the cost consultancy function to traditional quantity surveying. Our consultants are experienced in the particular vagaries of the partnering contracts, the concepts of open book accounting and the increased role of negotiation in trying to meet both the aspirations of the client and the contractor.

Project Auditing can focus on the cost and quality aspects of the project. In respect of the cost aspect, we use our experienced cost consultants in undertaking open book inspections of projects to demonstrate whether or not the client is receiving best value for money. For the quality audits we undertake a review of the performance measurement regimes in place and also undertake Post Project Reviews to identify lessons learned to aid continuous improvement.

Our clients are continually seeking to demonstrate value for money in the range of contracted out services provided to them. Our Cost Consultants undertake open book inspections on a range of contracts from service contracts, repairs and maintenance and project based works. We adopt an innovative approach by focussing on management accounting principles and aligning these with contract based costing. In addition, we also advise on innovative risk/reward and incentivisation mechanisms, tailored to specific contract types and client needs

Mediation

Through Cameron Solve, we offer mediation services which are now the recommended route for problem solving prior to court action.

"Mediation is a flexible process conducted confidentially in which a neutral person actively assists parties in working towards a negotiated agreement of a dispute or difference, with the parties in ultimate control of the decision to settle and the terms of resolution."  CEDR

• Mediation is voluntary, but refusal to mediate can give rise to cost sanctions
• Courts actively encourage parties to consider mediation
• Mediation is confidential and ‘without prejudice’ (nothing said in the mediation is admissible as evidence in legal proceedings)
• Any settlement reached is binding once put into writing and signed by the parties

Mediation is therefore, quick, cost effective, collaborative and confidential. As a result, it usually suits the commercial interests of the parties and is more likely than litigation to result in a sustainable relationship between the parties.

Introduction

We offer a significant number of services through buildingsolutions to assist with ongoing contract management utilising most contract forms but specialising in:-

• PPC2000
• TPC2005
• JCT
• GC Works
• MTC

buildingsolutions is a new service offering based on collaboration between Construction Consultants, Cameron Consulting and leading Legal Advisers (chosen specifically to work with us dependent upon the particular challenge being faced). We have developed a series of post procurement tools specifically aimed at construction teams who may need support and advice predominantly during the construction stage of the project.

Our experience to date suggests that most construction problems occur post procurement, when the project team is formed and the project commences.

Whilst it may not be necessary to have full post procurement support, the ability to “dip into” a range of services can provide a cost effective way of ensuring the team is working effectively and efficiently and meeting the project objectives.  Our “Toolkit” is designed with this in mind and offers project teams the opportunity to “pick’n’mix” a range of specialist services.

Learning and Development

Our Learning and Development team offer a full suite of complementary services.

TOOLBOX

Listed in the submenu on the left is a series of service offerings. All of our service offerings should be viewed as a toolkit, whereby individual tools can be picked from the toolbox as and when required.

Contractual Advice and Support

With a wealth of experience in all major published forms of contract including JCT, NEC, PPC and TPC, our team are well placed to provide your construction team with help and support to ensure the smooth running of your contract.  Often a lack of understanding and misinterpretation of contractual matters can lead to conflict and dispute. Sometimes, a simple chat with one of our experts can save a lot of time in the long run and in many cases, prevent unwanted disputes.

Dispute Resolution and Avoidance

Disputes often occur on construction projects for a number of reasons. Disputes can be lengthy and costly and ultimately, neither party to the dispute is satisfied with the outcome. Our approach is geared around early dispute resolution using a number of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) techniques. In particular, our team of CEDR accredited mediators are qualified in dispute resolution, with a clear focus on the commercial interests of the parties. Our Legal Advisers offer greater support in more complex matters.

Process Improvement and Lean

As projects develop, there is often the need to look for efficiencies and savings.  This is sometimes referred to as “Value Engineering”.  Such exercises can be particularly rewarding for the project team. The client ends up paying less and the project team get to work collaboratively and innovatively. Our team of experts is experienced in “Lean” principles with proven success in delivering added value on construction projects.  We work very closely with our Partners Rubicon Wigzell to deliver these specialist services.

Facilitation & Team Building

Construction contracts by their very nature bring together an often-disparate team who may not know each other and in many cases, haven’t worked together before. In many ways the construction team resembles the formation of a new organisation. The natural development of that team is like human nature, going through various stages of “Forming, Norming, Storming and Performing”. Along the way there will be challenges to ensuring the team is successful in delivering a high quality end product. Our team of experienced Facilitators will work with the construction team in helping to build the relationships, trust and co-operation that are critical to the success of the project.

Project Based Workshops

An independent facilitator can provide much needed support on a project. This can include the:-

• development of project risk registers
• performance monitoring tools
• developing partnering charters
• value engineering and measurement of contract savings
• supply chain development and integration
• sub-contractor engagement utilising specialist contract forms for your security

We can provide bespoke project based workshops to support the delivery of your project.

Post Project Reviews and Audits

Continuous Improvement drives long-term success. This principle, rooted in the Toyota Production System™ is finding significant application in construction. An essential part of this is the review of a project on completion, to learn lessons of both success and failure. On longer term or recurrent projects, interim reviews are also helpful to drive continuous improvement. Our team of Facilitators use a range of techniques to support your team deliver continuous improvement.

Open Book Inspections

Some contracts such as PPC2000, TPC2005 and construction management contracts require open book inspections to take place. Our team of qualified Cost Consultants can undertake a range of audits and inspections to support your open book philosophy.  We also work with the project team in advance to agree parameters, protocols and methodology to ensure that trust is built in the project team prior to inspection and audit.

Contract Training

With vast knowledge of the various construction contracts in use, including access to recent case law and best practice, we offer unparalleled experience in delivering training to your project team. Our training programmes can be tailored to your specific needs, focussing on particular aspects of a contract, or even comparing different contract forms if you are deciding on what best suits you. We use our in depth knowledge and practical experience of these contracts to run training sessions that are informative and practical. For more details please click on the fliers below.

Stakeholder engagement

We recognise the very important role that stakeholders can play in delivering consultancy services, particularly in contractor selection and project monitoring. As a result, we have developed a product called ‘Helping Hands’ where we provide a range of support services for stakeholders to get them engaged in the consultancy services we provide.

It is widely acknowledged that around 80% of effective communication is listening. Our ‘Helping Hands’ approach is very much geared around listening to what stakeholders have to say and what affects them and shaping strategies around the key issues rather than delivering a suite of off the shelf solutions.

In order to understand our stakeholders more fully, we regularly keep up to date with latest government White Papers and Local Government publications. For example, in the Housing Sector we like to keep up to date with what individual housing associations are doing with their tenants – to update us on something in your area, click here.

Our Helping HANDS programme has been recognised formally by The Audit Commission for the important part played in ensuring that residents could be involved in an EU Procurement whilst understanding the challenges faced by non provision of ‘prompts’ and providing evaluation techniques for only those areas which could be evaluated by a whole team as opposed to a specialist.

Helping HANDS has also been utilised for:-

• Developing Terms of Reference for resident involvement
• Incorporating resident involvement into procurement strategy
• ‘Meeting’ training for residents
• Resident training in measuring and understanding performance
• Implementation of resident conferences
• Launching of new contracts while ensuring stakeholder engagement

Keeping promises

We are all great at involving stakeholders at the beginning of processes - but how do we ensure their needs are being met further down the line? Keeping Promises is an innovative programme designed to assess whether or not promises made - particularly during the tender period - are actually being delivered further down the line. This has already been used to great effect in Nottingham City Homes where the Resident Participation Group reviewed a series of items that their contractors had ‘promised’ during tender for example, Key Performance Indicators; Use of Identification; Resident Involvement; Training and Development - on other words, those ‘value added’ items which are often difficult to assess contractually. The outcomes are enlightening to say the least and something we will be sharing in a Case Study soon. If you would like to be one of the first to receive the case study, or just to chat through how ‘Keeping Promises’ could benefit your organisation, please contact us.

Stock options appraisal

We are delighted to offer independent tenant/resident advisers to assist with undertaking stock options appraisal. We do not advise client on stock options and are therefore truly independent and will work to ensure that residents are provided with the knowledge required to undertake their own assessment and evaluation of the best option for proceeding.