On Tuesday, 5th February 2019, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Wales (CECA Wales) launched “Transporting our Future Generations”, a joint report with Association of Consulting Engineers (ACE) and County Surveyors Society Wales. At the National Assembly for Wales, CECA Wales, sponsored by Alyn and Deeside Assembly Member, Jack Sargeant AM, set out the report’s 5 point action plan for the infrastructure sector to move forward and embrace the aims of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Whilst recognising the barriers to change, the report, with the support of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, also sets out opportunities for culture change in the infrastructure sector. The 5-point action plan has been developed by a cross-section of senior infrastructure decision makers in Wales from both the private and public sector and aims to better reflect the seven well-being goals in all aspects of their future work.
The Plan calls for:
- PROCUREMENT: Public procurement to be based on the principles of the Act rather than the initial price alone and to re-model the public and private sector relationship based on the five ways of working set out in the Act
- STRATEGIC VISION: Greater clarity on what is needed from our infrastructure based on the seven well-being goals and the Act’s ways of working
- FUNDING: Move to minimum 3-year funding programmes for public sector infrastructure clients to enable longer term planning and greater certainty for the supply chain
- JUSTIFYING INVESTMENT: Base investment decisions on the well-being goals and the five ways of working, rather than solely on economic criteria
- CULTURAL CHANGE: Develop and implement an education campaign across the sector to promote the seven well-being goals, ways of working and emerging best practices in the sector
Ed Evans, Director of CECA Wales, said, “This report identifies the barriers faced by the industry in Wales, draws out the opportunities we have to overcome these barriers and sets out a plan for the sector to moving forward whilst embracing the core aims of the Well-being of Future Generations Act. Change will not happen overnight but, given how challenging it will be to change some deeply embedded habits, practices and cultures, we have to start somewhere, and I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to bring the private, public and third sector together to map a way forward on this.”
Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales said: “It’s great to see the Civil Engineering Contractors Association responsible approach in understanding and embracing the change needed to make sure infrastructure and the way we do business in Wales is fit for future generations.
“It makes business sense to ensure that the way we design and deliver our infrastructure now not only improves the well-being of people today but also in the long-term. I’m pleased to see CECA encouraging a collaborative approach between the private and public sector, with the Act central to this.”
Welcoming the report, Jack Sargeant AM said, “The Well-being of Future Generations Act is one of the Welsh Government’s proudest achievements. I am especially proud of the pivotal role Dad had in taking it through the Assembly.
“The Legislation provides great opportunities for the future, so I’m delighted that this report highlights how industry in Wales can move forward whilst embracing the core aims of the Act.
“As a former engineer, I know the importance of industry to the economy and the impact it has on people’s lives. I welcome this report and the fact that the CECA is working hard to have the Act a part of its future plans for future generations.”
The Transporting our Future Generations report has been prepared by CECA Wales, ACE and the County Surveyor’s Society Wales following an intensive workshop with infrastructure industry representatives held in May 2018. The report can be viewed in full here https://bit.ly/2RZxy4p
