CCS becomes the first public sector construction framework provider to achieve Gold Standard status on new government verification scheme

The scheme was launched by Constructing Excellence in late 2023, in partnership with King’s College London, following an independent review commissioned by the Cabinet Office and carried out by Professor David Mosey MBE, of public sector construction frameworks in 2021. The review led to recommendations for a ‘gold standard’ to be introduced against which new proposed frameworks and framework contracts can be measured. 

Across the public and private sectors, there are currently over 2,000 active construction frameworks but a lack of clear guidance as to a preferred structure and ‘best practice’ features. As a result, some frameworks are not always successful in offering value for the public sector, and there is a significant cost and time wastage by public sector clients and bidders. 

Being verified as a Gold Standard framework requires a provider to submit comprehensive evidence to show that they meet or exceed set criteria. It is anticipated that cost wastage will be substantially reduced by introducing the new Gold Standard across the industry to help contracting authorities make better, informed decisions and easily identify those frameworks which meet best practices and embody the policies set out in the Construction Playbook.  

The benefits of Gold Standard frameworks include:

• providing consistency across construction projects, ensuring that vital public sector developments have rigorous measures in place to manage risk and make sure that projects are delivered successfully
• providing higher standards of building safety and efficiency
• unlocking cleaner, greener construction approaches and accelerating decarbonisation
• encouraging innovation in modern construction methods and the use of digital technology
• encouraging early supply chain engagement and collaboration, opening opportunities for SMEs to bid for public sector contracts

Crown Commercial Service (CCS) offers the largest number of complementary construction commercial agreements in the UK, providing a wide range of customers across central government and the wider public sector with end-to-end integrated solutions for their project requirements. To achieve this accreditation, CCS took part in the verification pilot initiative, launched by Constructing Excellence in November 2023, and met all 24 Gold Standard recommendations across all of its construction frameworks following the full verification process. The recommendations have been made to improve outcomes in areas such as building safety and information, risk management, collaborative delivery, sustainability and supply chain engagement.

John Welch, Commercial Director Estates, said: 

I’m delighted that CCS’s Construction frameworks have achieved Gold Standard status. Our frameworks are designed to facilitate a real shift change in how construction requirements are procured, increasing supply chain collaboration, boosting innovation, supporting carbon net zero targets, and focusing just as strongly on building safety. 

This accreditation demonstrates how we’re continuously improving our service for customers. It isn’t just about saving them time and money. It’s about maximising their estates to build a better future for the communities they serve.

Find out more

You can find a full list of all the commercial agreements we offer, alongside details of how we can help you build policy considerations into your procurement, in our interactive digital brochure.