5 ways the IStructE Plan of Work will change practice for the better

I was part of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Task Group that produced the new Plan of Work. We’re really proud of this urgently needed new resource, which complements RIBA’s Plan of Work – the definitive UK model for the building design and construction process.

The IStructE Plan of Work will help clearly define the roles of structural engineers on building projects, while delivering efficiencies and clarity for clients.

It’s a useful resource for all members, whether you are preparing for your IStructE Chartered Membership exam or well established in practice - but there are a number of ways in which we expect it to deliver real improvements for us as construction industry professionals.
 

Clarity on scope

The “design responsibilities matrix” defines who is responsible for which area of design. This will help us to clearly define what is included and, often more importantly, what is excluded from our scope. This can be used by structural engineers to qualify their submissions and by clients to allow tenderers to price against the same defined scope.
 

Clarification of sub-contractor designed elements

The matrix can be used at an early stage in the development of a project to define items that will require sub-contractor design. It can also be reviewed at each design stage to ensure it is updated with any new sub-contractor designed elements, so that these are clearly recorded. This can help to minimise misunderstanding between parties, particularly where the contractor is appointed later in the project lifecycle.
 

Early engagement in project lifecycle

By clearly defining the structural engineer’s role in the context of RIBA’s Plan of Work, the IStructE Plan of Work should facilitate clients engaging structural engineers during the early stage works – something we know is often overlooked.
 

Aligned level of delivery detail

The IStructE Plan of Work incorporates “structural level of detail” information - describing the information to be provided at each stage and introducing a new “Stage 4.5” into to allow for the development of Stage 5 information before those construction activities commence.
 

Procurement method neutral

The IStructE Plan of Work has been developed to be applicable as widely as possible, due to the diverse ways in which design and construction are procured around the world.

The Plan can be tailored to allow the preferred procurement method to be understood as the project is developed through stages 1 and 2, suitably defining the responsibility for each element of the design scope at each stage of the project.