Firms announced for new PfS Technical Advisory Framework
12 January 2009
Partnerships for Schools, the agency responsible for delivery of the nationwide Building Schools for the Future programme, has confirmed the advisers for a new framework combining the services previously covered by the Technical Adviser Framework and the Programme and Project Management Framework.
The Technical Advisory Framework is one of four current adviser frameworks which support delivery of the BSF programme, the largest single schools capital investment programme for over 50 years. BSF will provide world-class teaching and learning environments for all pupils, teachers and communities in England. The PfS frameworks will help local authorities choose the right private sector partner to work with them in delivering educational transformation through new and rebuilt schools.
Eighteen firms have been appointed to the Framework to provide technical advisory services with 13 of them also being able to act additionally as Lead Adviser. The members of the new Technical Advisory Framework are, in alphabetical order:
[* denotes additional Lead Adviser service]
- Capita Symonds
- Currie & Brown
- Cyril Sweett*
- David Langdon
- EC Harris*
- Entec UK
- Faber Maunsell*
- Faithful & Gould*
- Gardiner & Theobald*
- Gleeds*
- MACE*
- Mott MacDonald*
- Mouchel*
- Navigant*
- Ove Arup*
- Turner & Townsend*
- White Young Green
- WSP*
Tim Byles, Chief Executive of PfS said:
“It is nearly four years since PfS launched the adviser frameworks, and over this time we have seen the importance of being able to recommend well-informed professional support which is committed to the objectives of the BSF programme, whilst also guaranteeing competitive rates and value for taxpayers’ money.
“This new framework - combining Technical and Project Management advice - provides flexibility for local authorities to get the right support for their particular needs. Also with the addition of the Lead Adviser role in both the Technical and Financial frameworks Authorities have increased choice for this service. There are some new firms amongst the members of this new framework, as well as those which were included on the earlier frameworks. Collectively, they will provide efficient access to consistent, high quality advice, and help local authorities to make their BSF vision a reality.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Technical Adviser role is focused on technical aspects of a BSF project, such as developing option appraisals to assist Clients’ decision making, developing output specifications, plus undertaking or arranging surveys and the management of those tasks. The optional Lead Adviser role includes the overall management not only of technical inputs, but also Legal, Financial or ICT. The Local Authority will need to decide how these roles are shaped to match its need and resource provision.
2. The Technical Advisory Framework is for a maximum period of four years.
3. There are currently four BSF Frameworks in operation: Education, Financial (which also includes the additional Lead Adviser role), Legal, and Technical. For more information see: http://www.partnershipsforschools.org.uk/programme/BSF_Frameworks.jsp
4. Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is the largest single schools capital investment programme for over 50 years. The aim is to rebuild or renew England’s state secondary schools estate during the lifetime of the programme.
5. 50 BSF schools have now opened, with over 1,000 secondary schools engaged in the programme, between design and delivery. More information about schools already open can be found at: http://www.partnershipsforschools.org.uk/programme/school_search.jsp
6. Partnerships for Schools (PfS) is the delivery organisation for Building Schools for the Future. PfS was established in April 2004 as a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), and is operated and funded under a joint venture between DCSF (formerly DfES) and Partnerships UK. PfS is a 100-strong organisation, with specialist expertise including educationalists, designers, ICT specialists, commercial managers and project management.
