Engineer on building site with laptop

Tool to boost digital transformation council construction projects

A new tool from the Construction Innovation Hub has launched to help local authorities to transform how they design, build and use their buildings digitally.

The Local Authority Government Soft Landings' (GSL) Interactive Navigator has been 
developed in association with the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF) and the Local Government Association (LGA) to help councils get the most out of their buildings and estates.

The GSL framework asks and answers key questions about how a building or asset will be 
used to ensure that user needs are central to the design and construction process.

It also supports a smooth transition (soft landing) between design and construction teams and the people that operate and use public buildings and facilities.

Commenting, Construction Innovation Hub’s Digital Impact Director, David Philp said:

“Government Soft Landings (GSL) is all about a focus on the long-term use and performance of an asset, which is especially important for local councils who manage a complex portfolio of buildings and assets and have to consider value for money for the taxpayer, as well as delivering on their commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

“GSL is fundamental to maintaining the ‘golden thread’ of a facility’s purpose by aligning the 
interests of those who commission, design and construct an asset with those who use and maintain it.

“The approach supports greater collaborative work, best practice and shared learnings throughout the supply chain so all partners embrace a whole life mindset and are 
working to a shared goal of putting people's needs at the heart of construction.

“Whole life value is at the heart of these projects and at the very core of the Government Soft Landings approach, as its guidance puts the end user at the heart of the planning, design and construction process.”

Chair of NACF, Keith Heard added: “The need to improve the value offered by our construction activities is a key objective of the Local Government Soft Landings strategy.

“GSL can help to transform the briefing design, construction and handover process to 
maintain a ‘golden thread’ of a public building or facility’s purpose and also enables structured monitoring of performance standards during delivery and facility operation.

“This interactive process map will help you to practically apply GSL on your project.”

The GSL navigator is supported by a suite of tools developed by the Local Authorities Working Group to enable digital transformation in local authorities.


PSE will be hosting a Digital Transformation & Smart Cities event on 14 October. Join us for the full day event by registering here.

Public Sector Executive, Feb/March, Cover

PSE Feb/March, 23

Greater choice, greater results

Our February/March 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how the UK Government is investing in highway and freight innovation or read Cllr Matthew Hicks discuss the first step towards an exciting future for Suffolk, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event | 21 Mar 2023

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Industry Survey

What are the biggest issues facing the Public Sector?

 Public Sector Executive is undergoing some in-depth research around the issues the Public Sector is facing and the importance of deploying and using new technology within Public Sector organisations. 

We are asking for your help to better understand how public sector organisations are utilising technology to support their digital strategy and your opinion on what the biggest issues facing the public sector are.

This survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and to thank you for your time and for filling out our survey, we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

In order to assist public sector organisations with improving their existing technology estate, we hope to leverage our findings to share best practises and innovations across the public sector.

More articles...

View all