Blog: SECBE Awards 2022 finalist - West Sussex County Council and Faithful+Gould MDC Partnership

30 March 2022

Client of the Year sponsored by Costain

West Sussex County Council and Faithful+Gould MDC Partnership 

Client of the Year Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2022 finalist

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is a pioneer in the adoption of a single source consultancy for the delivery of their capital programme, which exceeds £500m every 4-5 years. Due to the success of the model, Faithful+Gould have seen an increased number of local authorities looking to emulate it.

Prior to the model being implemented, WSCC recognised that they did not have the capacity or the expertise to effectively deliver the entirety of their programme in a timely manner, so in 2018 they appointed Faithful+Gould (F+G), via a competitive tender process, to act as their delivery partner on a Multi-disciplinary Consultancy (MDC) framework.

WSCC has approached the partnership of the MDC with a progressive and collaborative model, enshrined in continuous improvement and efficiency. They have an unwavering commitment to leadership in construction through robust and efficient management of their construction teams, which includes external supply chain partners and contractors alike. A commitment to improving the construction process through the use of continual improvement and value management techniques, ensuring lessons learned are captured and improvements implemented for each new construction scheme.
Now the partnership is in its fourth year, WSCC and F+G can see the benefits of having a trusting collaborative relationship.

WSCC has been open to adopting new ways of working and new technologies led by F+G, including the adoption of a state-of-the-art digital reporting system. This tool revolutionised the way the Council’s teams can work together and have a greater understanding of pipelines and projects.

WSCC has taken a clear stance on committing to their net carbon zero targets, including gaining business case approval for the first Passive-house secondary school in the county. They are showing true leadership by ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of this scheme and many others. The Council has also secured funding to carry heat decarbonisation plans for 50 of their sites across the county as well as undertaking the UK’s largest electric vehicle ChargePoint deployment undertaken by any local
authority. 

WSCC takes their approach to social value through procurement and contract management seriously. They have implemented a Social Value Framework which has several aims including strengthening and enhancing opportunities to deliver social value benefits throughout the delivery of projects. They have supported F+G's social value goals throughout the time on the framework by helping facilitate events, talks and webinars across the county. WSCC want to make sure that their county is the best place to live, work and visit.

Key achievements:

• Pioneering and ever-improving model of partnership working and delivery, through trust and true collaboration.

• Continual investment in West Sussex’s economic, social, and environmental needs.

• Sustainability of the built environment is at the heart of all decisions, bolstered by a robust net carbon zero 2030 strategy.

Find out who wins at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2022 Ceremony on Thurs 30th June 2022.

About the Client of the Year Award (sponsored by Costain): 

Construction clients have an important role to play in transforming the way the industry operates.  How projects come to market has a significant impact on the ability of the construction industry to provide innovative, whole life value-for-money solutions. More info

>> Find out more about the other Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards finalists here