The Week That Was - 13 November 2026

Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Cabinet Office published guidance on Social Value Model

On 28 October 2026, the Cabinet Office published "Procurement Policy Note 026: the Social Value Model" ("PPN 026") which applies to procurements by government departments on or after 1 January 2027. 

PPN 026 encourages central government departments to use a new model for procurements. The model requires that tender documents issued by central government departments include a relevant delivery outcome and award criteria. Any social value criteria must be given a minimum weighting of 10% for contracts valued between £1m and £5m, and 20% for contracts valued at above £5m.

The new model provides for two outcomes: good jobs and skills. The criterion for measuring the former covers creating and retaining high-quality jobs, fair working conditions, employment opportunities and fair pay. While the criterion for the latter covers activities address skills shortages and promoting skills development opportunities. 

To find out more, please click here.  

Building Safety Regulator seeking experts

The Building Safety Regulator ("BSR") is seeking construction professional and technical specialists to join its Building Advisory Committee ("BAC"). 

Established under the Building Safety Act 2022, the committee provides independent advice and technical information to the BSR on building safety standards. 

Speaking on the recruitment drive, Charlie Pugsley, BSR's acting chief executive, stated that the BSR wanted to recruit members who would bring "fresh thinking, deep expertise and constructive challenge". The hope is that with an expanded expertise, the committee will be better able to advise on emerging risks and regulatory improvements. 

Members will be appointed for three years and expected to commit 15 days annually. 

To find out more, see here.

Keir Bam lands £600m Davenport 10 upgrade

A joint venture between Kier and BAM has been confirmed to deliver a £600m upgrade of 10 Dock at Devonport, Plymouth — an important facility supporting the UK’s nuclear submarine fleet. The contract was awarded by Babcock on behalf of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise. The works include major civil infrastructure and extensive engineering works including a new water-retaining boundary structure and installation of nuclear-licensed components. Babcock is masterminding the works through its Major Nuclear Capital Programmes business unit at Devonport. The upgrade is intended to strengthen Devonport’s capability to support the availability and readiness of current and future Royal Navy submarine fleets. 

To find out more, see here. 

Bovis signs up for £385m Gracechurch Street Tower

Bovis has signed a £385m contract to deliver a new 36-storey office tower at 60 Gracechurch Street in the City of London, moving from a pre-construction services agreement in place since last summer to a contract. The scheme is being developed by Sellar and Obayashi. Designed by Danish practice 3XN, the tower will replace the existing nine-storey Allianz House. City of London planners approved the project shortly before Christmas 2024, despite heritage concerns about impacts on a neighbouring grade I-listed church. The project team includes Adamson Associates (executive architect), Gardiner Theobald (project manager), TT Alinea (cost consultant) and Arup (structural engineer). Keltbray is undertaking demolition and concrete works, with trade packages including William Hare (steel), Phoenix ME and ESG (ME), and Scheldebouw (cladding). Completion is expected towards the end of 2029.

To find out more, see here. 

With thanks to: Kelly Smith and Daniel Goh

Disclaimer: The information in this publication is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  We attempt to ensure that the content is current as at the date of publication, but we do not guarantee that it remains up to date.  You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.

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