Construction consultancy to support DWP’s estates transformation

Construction consultancy Del Bosque Group has been appointed by Perfect Circle on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver its Estates Programme Assurance Service (EPAS).

Del Bosque Group will deliver the service in partnership with Gleeds, providing a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary assurance process which will provide reduced risk and enhanced value for money for DWP projects.

The appointment, made under the SCAPE Consultancy Framework through Perfect Circle, covers several key DWP programmes, including workplace transformation, life cycle works, and special property investment.

The assurance service will be tailored to the specific requirements of each programme, ensuring a bespoke delivery model that adds value and aligns with DWP’s wider goals of creating a smaller, more sustainable estate.                                        

Acting as a second line of defence for the Real Estate Project and Investments Team (REPIT), the EPAS service will offer independent oversight of delivery activities.

The EPAS team will comprise a multi-disciplinary group of experienced programme, property, commercial, and technical professionals.

The team will work closely with service providers to strengthen accountability, support informed risk management, and embed continuous improvement.

The contract begins in August 2025 and will run for an initial two-year period, with the option to extend to 2029.

Keith Johns (pictured), client account director for Department For Work And Pensions (DWP) at Del Bosque Group, said: “We are delighted to be appointed, in partnership with Gleeds, to deliver the DWP Estates Programme Assurance Service.

“Del Bosque have a long standing relationship with DWP and this appointment is testament to and reflects the industry-leading results we’ve achieved over the last four years, supporting DWP in the management of its real estate capital and lifecycle works programmes across the UK.

“We are proud to be given the opportunity to work further with DWP to assure the delivery of its public assets.

“We look forward to developing and enhancing our current services to deliver a robust, end-to-end assurance process that strengthens DWP’s oversight, management, control, and reporting across its property portfolio.”