Public procurement authority SCAPE has appointed Rachel Sudlow as its R&D lead in a newly created role designed to increase digital innovation across public sector construction
Sudlow joins from Balfour Beatty, where she has spent more than a decade, starting as a quantity surveyor and most recently working on innovation and research, working with bodies such as Innovate UK to drive improved digital standards in construction.
In her new role, she will work with SCAPE’s clients and delivery partners to develop, encourage and apply new technologies and building methods to create more innovative, sustainable buildings.
Sudlow will also collaborate with public and private sector partners outside the construction industry, including funding bodies, research institutions and academia, as SCAPE continues to help shape the public sector’s response to the climate emergency.
This includes a significant focus on BIM used by SCAPE projects across the UK, ensuring that data from partners and clients is collected and used effectively to enhance strategic decision-making, improve efficiency and environmental performance at every stage, from procurement through the full lifecycle of the building.
A significant time for regeneration
Sudlow’s appointment follows the launch of SCAPE’s latest suite of net zero-ready construction and consultancy frameworks: SCAPE Construction, SCAPE Scotland Construction, SCAPE Consultancy and SCAPE Scotland Consultancy – which incorporate dedicated tools to help public sector organisations procure projects in a way that meets their sustainability and climate ambitions. The construction and consultancy frameworks are used by more than 1,200 public bodies.
Sudlow said: “At a time of significant regeneration across the public estate, it’s critical that the next generation of public sector buildings and infrastructure sets new standards for construction. Innovation will play a critical role and ultimately be supported by continually striving for better outcomes through the application of R&D.
“Working with our clients and partners, and the wealth of data their projects produce, we have an outstanding opportunity to stimulate truly impactful innovation and ensure that the UK continues to be seen as a centre of excellence for construction.”
Chris Clarke, SCAPE director of performance and improvement, added: “There’s little doubt that a combination of ingenuity and resource is needed to help address the complex needs of the public sector, including the climate emergency that has been declared by organisations across the UK and the world.
“Rachel’s addition to the team signals our commitment to both and will further set our clients’ projects apart in terms of adopting market-leading R&D in addition to best-in-class procurement. Through digital innovation, we can ensure an even greater legacy for the wave of public sector regeneration that is currently driving the UK’s economic recovery.”
