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The Southern Construction Framework (SCF) team are delighted to have been shortlisted for the ‘People Development’ category at the Constructing Excellence SECBE awards. These awards are an opportunity to recognise the very best companies, collaborations and projects sharing best practice to drive positive change in the industry.

A key part of SCF’s success in delivering over £6.6bn of projects, is the emphasis it places on people development. To date, nearly 200 projects have been awarded through the framework for 86 public authorities, facilitating opportunities to nearly 300 apprentices, with over a third now permanently employed in the industry. The Framework has also focused on mental health issues, taking part in campaigns such as World Mental Health Day and Time to Talk. SCF also organised a charity cycle ride which raised over £6,000 for the Lighthouse Club charity who provide financial and emotional support to the construction industry. 

SCF is a partnership between Hampshire County Council and Devon County Council. The framework connects public sector organisations in the South, with suitable building contractors to fulfil their construction requirements. The team combine their strengths and experiences to offer end to end support and provide framework users with the best possible procurement experience.

Collectively, SCF contractors’ debate, shared experience and expertise, innovate and deliver to the benefit of client, contractor, environment and community, which has recently helped the framework win the ‘Value Award’ at the Constructing Excellence South West Awards.

There are an ever-growing number of factors that influence the cost of a construction project, which coupled with the reactive and volatile labour market have the potential to make early project cost estimates unreliable and can have serious impact on securing appropriate funding and hampers clients ability to make informed decisions.

We have taken on seven work experience placements so far during our build at Okehampton Primary School, including three from The Royal Marines Charity, one from the Breakthrough Transformation Trust and three from BuildForce.

The Royal Marines Charity supports wounded personnel transitioning from the military into a new meaningful career, and focus on providing placements for those seeking construction experience.

BuildForce aims to inspire and enable service leavers and veterans to pursue careers in construction. BuildForce provides 1-2-1 mentoring that guides you through the entire process, from learning about the huge range of opportunities in the construction sector to training and securing employment.

One of the great benefits of work experience is that it brings with it the opportunity to secure something permanent, whilst gaining valuable training and experience too. It provides the participant with the chance to gain insights into the workings of a busy site and the employer with an opportunity to monitor and assess a candidate’s performance throughout the placement.

This was certainly the case for James Grant, an SCF work placement candidate. He secured a placement with Morgan Sindall when he met them at a Jobs and Careers Fair set up by Saints Foundation. Morgan Sindall supports opportunities for local people in the areas they deliver projects and regularly attend events to showcase opportunities. They have worked with Saints FC for a number of years and understand the importance to local young people of developing close links with them. James joined the SCF Solent University new sport centre scheme in Southampton which is being delivered by Morgan Sindall.

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