The NHS requested the development of the Minor Works contract as a result of their relationships built up through the ProCure21 major works programme. It is a new contract from ProCure21 for schemes under £1m separate to the Major Works Contract.

Traditionally minor works can be costly and time consuming to administer.  Each task has to be managed on an individual basis and presents a serious drain on NHS resources.  The ProCure21 Minor Works contract allows the NHS Trust to manage all tasks under one contract with one contractor.

What is ProCure21 Minor Works?

ProCure21 Minor Works Contract allows NHS clients to engage ProCure21 Principal Supply Chain Partners (PSCPs) on minor and maintenance works. 

It provides a consistent approach to managing a series of small tasks under a single management, design and build contract. It allows administration and programme management to be passed to the supply chain, offering the NHS client speed and flexibility.

ProCure21 Minor Works Contract uses the same experienced supply chains all ready approved for the major works programme. NHS Trusts are able to select their supply-chain avoiding OJEU tender requirements.

Similarities to the major works programme do not end there. The Minor Works contract continues to promote the principles of ProCure21 throughout.

• Surety of cost, time and quality
• Development of a common understanding of the scheme, its aims, roles and responsibilities
• Collaborative working between the NHS and the Construction Industry
• Guaranteed Maximum Price
• Development of long-term relationships

Why should an NHS client use the Minor Works Contract?

• Dissatisfaction with traditional minor works procurement
• It provides a singular solution for annual maintenance spend
• It avoids lengthy tender requirements
• NHS Clients can take advantage of their existing relationship with their ProCure21 PSCP
• The long term relationship acts as an incentive to the PSCP for good performance
• It facilitates a flexible programming of work
• It’s a solution for small project management capacity in house
• It gives the client the ability to use local supply chains under management of their PSCP

How does the Minor Works Contract work?

The Minor Works contract brings an NHS Client and a PSCP together for tasks under £1m over the period of 1 year.  Once selected, the PSCP works with the client project manager to develop a programme of tasks to be carried out though the year.  They agree design and target prices for each task. Once the last notified task has been agreed, the value of all the tasks is calculated and a Guaranteed Maximum Price is agreed.

The PSCP carries out the tasks.  Each task’s cost is calculated against the agreed cost and the GMP.  If the GMP is exceeded the PSCP has liability for the over-spend.  If costs are targeted to fall short of GMP, then the client can programme in more tasks to ensure that their spending capacity is maximised.

If the client wants to add in an additional task that was not identified at the outset of the contract, they can easily do so by agreeing the design and cost for the task and adjusting the GMP accordingly.

When should I use the Minor Works Contract?

You can set up a minor works contract at any time, but it can be useful for the NHS Client to align it with their maintenance budget allocation.  If the NHS client is happy with the arrangement, it can set up new contracts to coincide with their allocation over subsequent years. Subsequent contracts can be set up with minimal time and cost as they do not require a selection process.  

Where has the Minor Works Contract been used so far?

The Minor Works contract has been successfully used by several NHS Clients throughout the country:

• Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
• Countess of Chester Hospital
• Devon Partnership NHS Trust
• Hampshire PCT
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• National Blood Service
• NHS Business Services Authority
• North Tyneside PCT
• North Yorkshire and York PCT
• Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust
• Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
• Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust
• Southport and Ormskirk Hospital
• South Tees NHS Trust (see case-study in the 2009 case study pack)
• South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
• Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust

The types of works carried out have included:

• Ward upgrades and refurbishment
• Installation of roads, car parks and other traffic control on site
• Painting and decorating
• Legislative requirements
• Roof and window replacements
• Restaurant and office upgrades

For more information on the Minor Works Contract please e-mail the ProCure21 Helpdesk at p21helpdesk@dh.gsi.gov.uk.