Key Tasks

Promote the implementation of the "Latham Project Action Plan".

Encourage the immediate/early implementation of specific recommendations and develop method statements, priorities and programmes for general or "motherhood" recommendations.

Establish "the cohesive voice for industry clients" as proposed by the Rt Hon John Gummer MP and promote the role of clients as the catalyst of change. We see the clients' groups operating at two levels :

CEOs committed to directing the introduction of "best practice" through client initiatives,

procurement professionals to propose and implement the initiatives.

Provide a continuing forum for the exchange of ideas between clients and the industries as established by Sir Michael Latham and led by an independent chairman or a major client.

Support the "re-engineering" of the structure and processes of the industries so as to improve their profitability whilst sharing the benefits with clients and sub-contractors throughout the supply chain.

Establish the "National Construction Contracts Council" to produce and develop the recommended single family of conditions of contract. The council should include representatives of industries and the professions but should be led by clients. No single organisation should have the right of veto.

Sponsor research into project and contract management, with particular emphasis on how best to satisfy the clients' requirements. Co-ordinate and promote the results. Ensure that existing research results from UK and world-wide sources are not overlooked.

Develop 'empowerment" programmes for the private and public sectors.

Identify "world-class best practices" and develop "best UK contracting practices" for clients, architect/engineers, other professionals, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers.

Identify methods of establishing what is '%est value for money" and how to implement them.

Sponsor "methodology" projects in public and private sectors.

Produce guidelines of best practice (including guidelines on ethical practice throughout * the supply chain) taking account of CUP guidelines and other UK/international publications.

Promote best practice by:

o increasing the awareness of clients, particularly at CEO level

o encouraging the development and promotion of Education and Training programmes for the construction supply chain with clients, employers, the professions, universities and training organisations

o improving communications, particularly through IT

o providing an advisory service

o publicising its services.

Introduce a system to measure the success of each initiative