Project Delivery & Procurement
This theme aims to improve how healthcare infrastructure is planned, procured, delivered, commissioned and operated across Scotland. This is an often-overlooked area of study as most researchers focus on engineering systems or clinical outcomes. But studying these alone cannot guarantee positive outcomes. By advancing research, innovation and evidence-based practice, it will support NHS Scotland in delivering safer, more sustainable and resilient healthcare estates and facilities, while informing policy and best practice across the wider built environment.
Billy is a Professor of Construction within the School of Science and Engineering at GCU and is Research Theme Lead for Built Environments. Billy has a PhD in Construction Management; BSc (Hons) in Construction Management and a BA in Occupational Health and Safety. He joined GCU in 2002, after a career in construction contracting. Since then, he has delivered research on several HSE, IOSH, EPSRC, CITB and industry funded projects totalling over £2.5m, 70+ peer-reviewed publications and two Impact Case Studies for the UK Research Excellence Framework. His research portfolio is focused on improving safety health and wellbeing within the construction industry, including studies that have improved worker engagement, migrant worker H&S, and safety in design. These contribute directly to UN Sustainable Development Goals for ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’, and ‘Decent Work’. Billy’s is currently International Coordinator of the ‘International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction’ Safety Health and Wellbeing Working Group, and chair of several other industry working groups.
Billy’s vision is for SHBEN to become the ‘go to’ place for those seeking help with research, innovation and evidence to improve how healthcare infrastructure is planned, procured, delivered, commissioned and operated across Scotland.
The Healthcare Built Environment faces complex challenges and opportunities that require focused attention and collaboration. Technological solutions alone will not overcome these challenges. Lessons learned from healthcare failures often cite procurement, delivery and governance issues, which will be the core focus of this theme’s activities.
Key Drivers:
• Emerging healthcare needs
• Sustainability and net-zero commitments
• Technological advances
• Changing models of care
• Workforce and operational pressures
• Evidence-based design and planning
Strategic Objectives:
1. Share Knowledge
2. Support Research
3. Encourage Innovation
4. Develop Networks
5. Influence Policy and Practice
6. Improve Outcomes
7. Create a forum for discussion and debate – to challenge existing wisdom and develop new ideas
We are looking for individuals with complementary disciplines, such as those who shape policy, capital investment, project delivery, procurement, assurance and research. There are roles for interested parties to join our Leadership Forum, comprised of senior leaders from government, NHS, academia and industry, to steer the direction of the research theme and champion its aims. A wider stakeholder group is also needed, made up of individuals involved in Government procurement, NHS Policy and leadership, NHS Boards, Universities, Professional Bodies, and construction industry supply-chains. Operational activities [could] involve monthly round tables to discuss current issues; contribution to quarterly insight papers and regular social media articles; attend topic-specific workshops to develop workplans; engage in a young professionals network (alongside our PhD students).
Modernising healthcare procurement: incorporating e.g. whole-life value, sustainability/net-zero, IPC, patient safety etc.
Assurance throughout the Project Lifecycle: embedding assurance effectively and efficiently.
Procurement for Infection Prevention
Safe Handover of Healthcare Facilities
Digital Project Delivery
Learning from failure: responding to e.g. Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.