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Common Assessment Standard Updated
Build UK has released an updated version of the Common Assessment Standard, the industry-agreed pre-qualification standard that has transformed the process of pre-qualifying construction suppliers. Version 4 has been streamlined following the withdrawal of PAS 91 and updated to include a new Building Safety section, ensuring it can be used to demonstrate companies have the ‘organisational capability’ to fulfil their duties under the Building Safety Act.
The Cabinet Office has confirmed in PPN 03/24 that the Common Assessment Standard should be used by contracting authorities when pre-qualifying suppliers for construction works contracts, and John Simons, Group Procurement Director at SCAPE and Chair of the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF), has highlighted how Version 4 will make the selection process “even simpler for companies of all sizes”.
Support available for councils with operational Private Finance Initiative projects
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) is reminding councils that it has a ring-fenced budget to support councils and Police and Fire and Rescue authorities with Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) projects in England. Councils, Police and Fire and Rescue authorities can apply for funding to get specialist support to help:
- manage the contract expiry process
- improve operational performance
- build capability (training), and/or
- provide project specific advice and support such as contractual disputes and refinancing
The IPA website has more information on eligibility and how to apply for specialist support. Contracting authorities are encouraged to apply by emailing pfiadviceandsupport@ipa.gov.uk with a brief summary of their PFI project and the type of support required.
The IPA has also launched a benchmarking helpdesk which will be provided through Local Partnerships. If you require any advice and support with benchmarking, please get in touch with Local Partnerships by emailing PFIBenchmarking@localpartnerships.gov.uk.
LGA Artificial Intelligence Hub
We have launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub, where you'll find resources and guidance to help you responsibly explore the possibilities of AI and connect with peers. As a sector, we are collaborating with partners, academia and government to ensure local authorities are part of an AI-powered future. You can stay up to date with all our AI activity on the hub and sign up for networks and events. Explore the hub on our website.
Free tools for contract management
A set of contract management tools, templates and guidance are free to download from the Local Partnerships website. They have been developed and tested with councils who are on the Contract Management Pioneer Programme (CMPP) to support local authorities to maximise their contracts and create a consist approach to contract management across directorates and departments.
Local Partnerships has also updated the Business Process Mapping (BPM) Toolkit to include contract management. The toolkit gives a step-by-step guide to councils in applying business process mapping to their commissioning lifecycle with the aim of understanding were improvements and streamlining can take place.
This work has been supported by Crown Commercial Services linked to their wrap-around offer to local authorities on CMPP. CMPP is an accredited training in contract management free to local authorities and they have just launched a new Cohort for Contract Management Pioneer Programme, to schedule a 30 minute virtual call and learn more about the programme, or for any other queries please contact CMPPenquiries@localpartnerships.gov.uk.
Online training course for small businesses
The Department for Business and Trade has launched the Help to Grow: Management Essentials course, a free online course with practical tips and resources for small business leaders. Essentials is the latest addition to the ‘Help to Grow' toolkit supporting UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
The course is suited for leaders of newer or smaller SMEs, or those who are looking to explore the principles of business growth and management. Business leaders can access the course through the Help to Grow website. Councils are encouraged to share this information with small businesses in this area.
Reminder – Digital switchover telecare data sharing agreement template for councils
The digital switchover will move landline customers from the country’s traditional telephone network to newer digital technology. We have worked with telecommunication providers and councils to agree a common data sharing agreement template, to support the identification of telecare users and protect them from the impact of the switchover. The guidance has been drafted by the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI), on behalf of, and in consultation with, the LGA working group for the digital switchover.
Webinars throughout July – November | Virtual
15-17 October 2024 | In person / virtual
LGPE this November (19 November, Novotel London West). A reminder of the website link: https://localgovexpo.co.uk
27-29 November 2024 | Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) Liverpool
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The LGA's membership magazine, 'first', is delivered free each month to just under 17,000 councillors and local authority chief executives. Access first online to browse all news articles, features and opinion pieces, including those from past issues.
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