New Code of Practice to improve collaboration in infrastructure alliances

The Infrastructure Client Group and ICE have launched an Alliancing Code of Practice (CoP) to help infrastructure companies work together more effectively on joint projects and avoid disputes.

Chaired by Thames Tideway Tunnel chief executive Andy Mitchell, the Infrastructure Client Group works with industry, Government and ICE to drive client-led initiatives, address supply chain issues, and advise on collaboration between businesses with the intention of improving delivery. The ICG–developed CoP draws on experience from industry bodies, clients, delivery teams, consultants and academics to highlight:

Which aspects of alliance set up are most important
Lessons to consider at each stage
Instances when they are most applicable, and
The building blocks that need to be in place to ensure the effective development of alliances.

The web-based CoP offers a tool to help decision makers make informed choices when deciding to establish an alliance with other construction companies. It explains how to create, deliver and sustain a successful alliance that delivers benefits to clients, suppliers and end users of assets using an interactive grid matrix, case studies and a self-assessment tool.

In addition, the CoP offers guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls that can result in costly lawsuits, and enables infrastructure clients and companies to share experiences, develop their own guidance and best practice materials to assist delivery of future UK projects.

The UK construction industry has been criticised on its ability to deliver infrastructure efficiently due to the lack of collaboration between companies working jointly on projects – typically resulting in more waste and project rework. Government’s Construction 2025 targets have challenged industry to reduce the construction costs and whole-life cost of built assets by 33%, lower carbon emissions by 50%, and deliver projects 50% faster. ICG said the ACoP arms construction companies working on joint venture projects with a user-friendly tool that helps address the underlying difficulties of working collaboratively.

The ICG said that it considers that with the right guidance on how to work collaboratively, companies can boost their prospects of meeting the Construction 2025 targets. Government’s construction strategy and the IUK Cost Review have also identified that efficiency savings could be delivered through reforming procurement practices and effecting behavioural and culture change – both of which will rely on successful alliancing.

The Alliancing Code of Practice can be found here: https://www.ice.org.uk/disciplines-and-resources/best-practice/alliancing-code-of-practice-grid-infrastructure

The Alliancing Code of Practice self-assessment tool can be found here: www.ice.org.uk/disciplines-and-resources/best-practice/alliancing-code-of-practice-self-assessment-tool

The Alliancing Code of Practice case studies can be found here:

· Behavioural Assessment to aid the selection of Alliance partners, UK Power Networks

· Network Rail's Wessex alliance selection process, choosing for collaboration

· High Performing Teams (HPT), Anglian Water @one Alliance

· London Underground and the use of track partnerships

· Bank Station Capacity Upgrade, London Underground

· Carillion's view of the GNGE Alliance as a Participant

· Network Rail, Selecting People in Leadership Positions for Collaborative Skills

· Aligned commercial arrangements, Anglian Water @one Alliance

· Surrey County Council 'Operation Horizon' Savings on Road Network Maintenance Budget from Collaboration