CITB-ConstructionSkills has released updated guidance to help construction professionals to learn how the National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) 'client-based approach' can best use public sector procurement.
Developed by CITB-ConstructionSkills, in association with legal firm Trowers and Hamlins LLP, the guidance offers benchmarks to help public sector companies achieve proportionate employment and skills on a variety of construction contracts in wide ranging sectors, such as residential, retail, health, regeneration, infrastructure and education.

Speaking at the launch Paul Morrell OBE, government chief construction adviser said: 'We must ensure that at both the national, and local, level there is a clear and straightforward process, by which those who need to embed the developments of skills at the heat of the construction procurement process can do so. This new guidance on the client-based approach from CITB-ConstructionSkills makes great progress in achieving this and responds directly to our drive for a modernised, skilled industry, and to the localism agenda. It will enable local authorities, without incurring additional cost, to address the specific needs of their local economy.'

The NSAfC is led by CITB-ConstructionSkills. Jamie White, head of the National Skills Academy for Construction and Commercial Strategy, added: 'It has long been recognised that local authorities have an opportunity to channel a proportionate amounts of training and employment opportunities through their own capital works programmes and through their powers under planning policy and development control.

'What has been missing is practical guidance and advice that provides a simple framework for local authorities, their contractors and the supply chains to respond effectively to this opportunity, and this is where the guidance is helping to meet these needs, which is especially important during the challenging economic climate. A number of Local Authorities have already embraced the guidance and today's event aims to increase awareness and adoption of the guidance from other Local Authorities that could benefit from help in this area, which forms part of our ongoing efforts develop the right skills for growth, both locally and nationally.'

For more information, visit: www.cskills.org