Mar 30 2007
The 2012 Construction Commitments – developed by industry and Government to set the standards for the construction of the 2012 Olympics - have been adopted by the Housing Corporation.
The Corporation will expect all bidders to its 2008 National Affordable Housing Programme to sign up to a set of 2012 Construction Commitments adapted for affordable housing providers.
The Commitments will replace the Housing Corporation’s existing Clients Charter as a requirement for bidders. This will result in a reduction of bureaucracy for affordable housing providers as well as a clear industry-supported focus on best practice across this multi-billion construction sector.
The Commitments were developed by the Strategic Forum for Construction’s 2012 Task Group in conjunction with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Trade and Industry. The six areas covered include:
Margaret Hodge, Minister for Construction at the DTI, said, “One of my first acts on becoming construction Minister was to sign the 2012 Construction Commitments. At that time I said I wanted them to be widely adopted across the public sector and throughout the construction industry.
“I am delighted that the Housing Corporation has followed the Olympic Delivery Authority in adopting the Commitments. It shows a real focus on getting value for money from construction supply chains and helping the industry to deliver its best.”
Peter Rogers, Chair of the Strategic Forum for Construction Olympic Task Group, said,“The 2012 Construction Commitments succinctly set out best practice in construction procurement. I am delighted that the Housing Corporation is showing real leadership in joining with the Strategic Forum for Construction in promoting their use. With clients and the industry working together in this way we really will deliver a better, more sustainable end product and an improved industry.”
Richard Hill, Director of Investment Programmes and Procurement at the Housing Corporation, said, ““Ensuring affordable housing providers follow the Construction Commitments developed for the 2012 Olympics is an important move forward for the whole sector.
“These standards have been developed and adopted by industry leaders and the Government, and offer a clear focus on improving practice for our partners. At the same time, replacing our reliance upon the Clients Charter regime and instead focussing on a sector specific version of these Commitments will minimise bureaucracy for providers, achieving the outcome sought by respondents to our Future Investment Approaches consultation.”