Guidance

Supplier Delivery Pledge

Updated 14 March 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supplier-delivery-pledge/supplier-delivery-pledge

Building Digital UK (BDUK) encourages suppliers of gigabit-capable broadband to sign up to the best practice principles outlined in the Supplier Delivery Pledge, to ensure fast and efficient rollout, optimising the number of premises connected, whilst minimising disruption and impact on the public highway and its users.

BDUK Supplier Delivery Pledge

BDUK expects its suppliers to commit to the following principles:

Street Works:

  • hold pre-meetings directly with highways authorities to agree installation methodologies and reinstatement expectations, and to understand the condition of the highway

  • ensure reinstatements are compliant with SROH 4th Edition

  • give highways authorities three months’ notification of installation works commencing, presenting clear delivery plans and with less reliance on early starts

  • work alongside Highways Authorities to establish local issues affecting delivery prior to delivery commencing (embargos, Section 58s, special events) and factor into build plans

  • build good working relationships directly with highways authorities and local councils, supporting opportunities for coordination of other utilities’ works

  • offer a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to work alongside highways authorities in agreeing timely granting of permits and road closures. Provide effective onboarding of contractors, especially capability in using Street Manager/understanding restrictions to build in protected/heritage areas

  • deliver rollout of gigabit-capable broadband in line with all relevant legislation, guidance and best practice

  • ensure timely submission of 28 day notifications to planning authorities for installation of poles and cabinets installed under permitted development, in line with Cabinet and Pole Siting Code of Practice 2016, see list of two tier and unitary Local Authorities

Wayleaves and access issues

BDUK recommends suppliers:

  • review the Wayleaves and access document guidance on access agreements for more information

  • seek to agree standardised wayleave agreements, processes and fees with property/landowners and government departments that can be used nationally to save time and costs

  • work in conjunction with local councils and BDUK to unlock difficult wayleave negotiations using local knowledge and relationships

  • use the BDUK Broadband Delivery Toolkit to contact property teams within Other Government Departments and Arm’s Length Bodies when seeking wayleaves from government departments

  • ensure contractors follow appropriate Natural England and Historic England guidance outlined in the BDUK Broadband Delivery Toolkit for installing in protected or heritage sites, and the The National Parks Accord for working in English National Parks

Communications

BDUK encourages suppliers to:

  • work with contractors in developing clear communications strategies to ensure regular contact with highways authorities, local  council broadband officers and communities throughout the life of the deployment, presenting clear planning and management of installation works

  • engage early with planning authorities, national parks authorities, Natural England , Historic England and other statutory bodies is strongly encouraged, alongside the batching of applications and provision of comprehensive build plans

  • follow guidance outlined in the The National Parks Accord for installation works within English national parks. Suppliers rolling out in devolved administrations’ national parks authorities should seek guidance from them directly ahead of works commencing

  • working with local council broadband delivery officers, engage with councillors and community representatives (such as parish councils) within planned network build areas to create awareness and to support network rollout

  • issue communications/social media to promote areas when they are ‘ready for service’ to support demand stimulation

  • work in conjunction with local councils to engage local landowners and other interested parties to unlock wayleave disputes

  • respond to BDUK Open Market Review, Public Review and National Rolling Open Market Review processes to help inform UK government’s plans to extend gigabit broadband networks and reduce the chance of overbuild

  • consult BDUK before engaging with press and media to discuss any BDUK funded programmes

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