SCAPE have become one of the UK's first public sector framework providers to have its frameworks verified, in line with Central Government's requirements in the Construction Playbook.

The suite of consultancy, civil engineering, construction and utilities frameworks has achieved Gold Standard verification, demonstrating that SCAPE's approach to procurement, performance management and framework operation is compliant and aligned with Central Government policy set out in the Construction Playbook.

Mark Robinson, SCAPE Group Chief Executive, said: "Collaborative, compliant and transparent procurement has been at the heart of our approach for over a decade, and this achievement demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in public procurement and framework operation."

Smarter procurement helps drive efficiency, innovation and quality in public services, so it is important that government departments and local authorities are making the right choice and use compliant frameworks effectively to achieve value for money and community benefits.

As a mark of quality, the Gold Standard enables SCAPE to further demonstrate the value of their ongoing work to deliver continuous improvement for their local authority clients, shareholders and the wider public sector. SCAPE share their aspirations for using procurement to drive meaningful change and are committed to maximising value for the taxpayer through improved efficiency, social value and environmental outcomes.

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Through this approach to smarter procurement and Early Contractor Involvement, SCAPE have saved the public sector more than £118m over the past five years.

Constructing Excellence's Gold Standard Verification scheme was established in 2021 by Professor David Mosey CBE on behalf of the Cabinet Office, with the aim of ensuring that the public sector adopts urgent measures to improve value, reduce risk and achieve strong socioeconomic outcomes through its procurement.

SCAPE has been championing public procurement best practice for over a decade, and in 2023 we joined the Gold Standard scheme Task Group. Since then, they have worked collaboratively with selected industry peers, including the Ministry of Justice, Environment Agency and CHIH to inform criteria in areas such as building safety and information, risk management, collaborative delivery, sustainability and supply chain engagement.

Among the success criteria for the Gold Standard is the ability to demonstrate high levels of SME and supply chain engagement, providing visibility of future pipelines and fostering a collaborative, outcomes-based approach to the design and delivery of procurements.

Professor David Mosey CBE, Chair, Constructing Excellence Gold Standard Task Group, said: "I am very pleased that SCAPE has achieved Gold Standard Full Verification of their 11 current frameworks. SCAPE and their Independent Verifier, Katie Saunders of Trowers & Hamlins, have put enormous work into the verification process and have shown the power of Gold Standard frameworks and framework contracts to deliver significant benefits for public sector clients and the construction industry. Implementing the 24 Gold Standard recommendations will place SCAPE in a strong position to work collaboratively with their clients and supply chain members through strategic planning, integrated teams and continuous improvement which will deliver better, safer, faster and greener project outcomes."