Consultants & Contractors

We offer a supplier accreditation service to schools via Exor Management Services. This service supports the Property and Asset Management department by ensuring all consultants and contractors are competent to carry out works on our premises.

Schools may choose from a detailed list of accredited consultants and contractors by visiting the Exor micro-site. The Exor accreditation process establishes suppliers’ financial stability and reliability. Specific investigations also include equal opportunities compliance, environmental management and Health and Safety compliance.

If you choose not to use an Exor accredited consultant or contractor you will need to undertake a competency assessment, which is a statutory requirement under Health and Safety Legislation. Please refer to the 'Selection of safe Contractors checklist' in the downloadable documents section found on the right of this page.

Asbestos – would you recognise it?

It is critical that asbestos is identified and removed prior to any building works commencing. Please see the Asbestos section for further information.

Health and Safety – CDM Regulations 2007

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations apply to all construction works. If a project is deemed to be notifiable, a CDM Coordinator will need to be appointed.

‘ a project is notifiable if the construction phase is likely to involve more than 30 days or 500 person days of construction work' - CDM 2007 Regulation 2(3)

The CDM Regulations are designed with the aim to improve health and safety in construction works with a focus on effective planning and managing risk.

For further information, please see the documentation in the 'Downloadable Documents' section located on the right hand side of the page.

Disputes

A consultant can assist in ensuring the correct legal contract is in place prior to commencement. A legal contract is essential to give you protection should a problem occur during the works.

Other Advice

Property professionals can advise on whole life costing and detail the implications of any building alteration over the long term and help examine the costs and benefits. This can help decide if the project is a viable option.

Property professionals can also advise on design quality and assist in ensuring the design meets all relevant building bulletins and any other relevant legislation.

Statutory Approvals

Any building work carried out needs to satisfy Building Regulations and Planning Permission requirements.

Building Regulations deal with issues such as:

Acoustics – Building Bulletin 93 gives guidance to schools on noise control, sound insulation and the design of rooms for speech, music and hearing requirements.
Work affecting means of escape, including internal alterations – this includes aspects from removing and adding doors to which way does a door open.
Structural alterations
Drainage
New Build
Disabled access

If you want to build or make certain changes to a property, change land or building use then you may need planning permission.

Please contact the Building Control team for more advice on Planning Permission and Building Regulations and how to apply.

Introduction of the Enhanced CRB/ISA Registration Form

As a result of new legislation covered by the Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, there will be some major changes to the existing CRB check system over the next five years which will have an impact on all schools, external contractors and anyone working with children and vulnerable adults in either regular or controlled activities. Please see the Contractors Working in Schools document for details.

If you should require any further information regarding the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) New Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS), please refer to the following websites - Independent Safeguard Authority and Criminal Records Bureau or contact the schools HR Manager on 01275 884808.