Appointed under Perfect Circle via the SCAPE Consultancy framework, international property and construction consultancy Gleeds will lead a combined assurance team alongside supply chain partner Del Bosque.

Together, Gleeds and Del Bosque will provide comprehensive multi-disciplinary programme assurance services across the Workplace Transformation, Life Cycle Works, and Special Property Investment programmes, reducing risk and delivering enhanced value for money for the DWP. The contract will run for an initial period of two years, with an option to extend to 2029.

Co-ordinated and managed from a dedicated Assurance Management Office (AMO), the team will apply a bespoke methodology to each programme, recognising their differing requirements and operating models. The overall objective is to achieve a smaller, more sustainable estate, working collaboratively with key service providers to add value and increase accountability acting as a second line of defence for the Real Estate Project and Investments Team (REPIT). 

Commenting on the appointment, Jonathan Stewart, head of public sector at Gleeds, said: “We have previously worked with the DWP on a number of complex projects and programmes and, as a result, understand its long-term goals. Our existing relationship means we are well placed to support it on its journey towards substantially reducing the space it occupies, improving its buildings, and becoming more sustainable.

“Assurance is becoming increasingly vitally important across central and local government departments, and Gleeds is proud to be delivering for our clients and leading the way in this discipline. Both Gleeds and our partners at Del Bosque are committed to championing a collaborative ethos with the REPIT team, and we look forward to applying our combined expertise to this progressive assurance service.”

CEO of Perfect Circle, Victoria Brambini, added: “Through the use of Perfect Circle and the Scape framework the DWP are ensuring they are receiving value for money. Perfect Circle maintains a 100% compliance rate in time and cost delivery and in paying its supply chain within 30 days, an unrivalled industry-leading performance. With 92% repeat delivery, ISO certified systems and processes, Perfect Circle offers its clients compliant, value-driven procurement, through the use of SCAPE’s Gold Standard Verified frameworks.”

Keith Johns, client account director for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) at Del Bosque, said: “Del Bosque is delighted to be appointed in partnership with Gleeds to deliver the DWP Estates Programme Assurance Service (EPAS). This appointment reflects our industry-leading achievements of the last four years in supporting the DWP in managing the UK-wide assurance of its real estate capital and Lifecycle Works programmes.

“We look forward to providing an end-to-end delivery and commercial assurance process supporting DWP’s oversight, management, control and reporting across its property programmes. The proposed EPAS team will consist of a multidisciplinary group of experienced programme, property, commercial and technical professionals.”

The DWP administers vital services to around twenty million claimants and customers across England, Wales, and Scotland, encompassing a diverse, primarily leasehold estate of c.800 buildings – the largest commercial estate within Government.