New planning protocol to improve construction programmes

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched its new planning protocol to help parties collaborate more effectively on construction programmes.

The CIOB Planning Protocol 2021 sets out criteria and associated thresholds that must be applied to the construction programme at every stage to make sure that quality and consistency are achieved.

Its principal aim is to aid users in understanding of the requirements of an effective programme and act as planning guidelines which, if followed, allow the thresholds (stress tests) to be met. It differs from existing planning guides which are predominately software-focussed assessments of the programme.

It can be incorporated into standard form and bespoke construction agreements and used on a broad range of projects. Its various tests are easily adaptable to suit any project, whatever its level of complexity.

CIOB PP21 is free of charge and is available to download from the CIOB’s website.

Francis Ho FCIOB, partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper and chair of CIOB’s Contract and Procurement Special Interest Group, said: “The CIOB Planning Protocol 2021 is an exciting initiative to raise standards by creating a mainstream industry template for collaborating on construction programmes. With a central premise based on rating programmes through pass/fail tests, it’s simple to understand for contractors and clients alike. It’s a tool that all contractors and clients should seriously think about adopting.”

Keith McCall MCIOB, associate at Arup, co-author of the CIOB Planning Protocol 2021, said: “The CIOB Planning Protocol 2021 will enable planners to consistently produce good quality programmes across all types of construction projects.”