Case studies archive

Case study 1 - The East London Line Extension (ELLX)

The ELLX is being delivered in one of the most ethnically diverse areas of London and is the first major project where the responsible procurement requirements encouraged diverse suppliers.

These were incorporated in the invitation to tender (ITT) and contract conditions for two procurements within the project: the provision of main works (£500m) and the rolling stock and train servicing agreement (£350m). Both elements received a positive reaction from suppliers.

There was close and early engagement with the bidders, supported by TfL acting as a broker with community stakeholders, such as training institutions providing workers. This was seen as one of the key reasons for the positive response. In fact, ELLX best practice has been applied in the rollout of all subsequent supplier diversity initiatives.

In the summer of 2006 Bombardier was awarded the contract for the rolling stock and train services agreement; and in October 2006 a Balfour Beatty-Carillion Joint Venture (BB/C JV) was awarded the main works construction contract. Through a collaborative approach with TfL, the BB/C JV has established an Employment and Training Taskforce to set up partnerships with local skills and regeneration programmes.

The initiative is effectively monitoring the diversity of the projects workforce, so its full benefits can be measured.