Thanks again to all who supported the FIS Conference on Delivering Productivity, Quality and Compliance in the fit-out sector and Putting Net Zero and sustainability first in a practical way at the Workspace Design Show. It was a really interesting couple of days with views from over 30 leading experts blending with hundreds of attendees over the two days. It was a great opportunity to look (collectively as a supply chain) at some of the key opportunities and challenges that we face and how we can individually and collectively change for the better. So much content to digest and consider, but clear themes that we can draw. It really struck me that whilst we covered a wide range of subjects, regardless of the question, the answers were similar and lean back into some core principles. To really step forward we need:
- earlier supply chain engagement centred on better risk management and a clear design development process,
- we need to look in this at the Design Responsibility Matrix and a better defined process that picks up where the plan of works falls short,
- the need to be clearer on what value we are procuring and find ways to step outside of the immediacy of the project,
- stepping outside of the project amounts to focussing on a more circular supply chain that loops back rather that overlaps to accelerate
- empathy led change needs better communication and more direct engagement with the client on the impact of current behaviours on insurability and sustainability.
- Complicated contractual engagements undermine all of above and there needs to finally ne a genuine concerted effort to outlaw the routine amendments that distort risk and mask problems
Above is where we’ll be focussing on in our lobbying work and will be captured in Part 1 of our upcoming Manifesto that we will be releasing to members for consultation in the next week.