The latest Construction Client Leadership Group Client Forum brought together construction clients and industry partners to explore two practical ways to improve outcomes: using evidence to target social value and investing time in the foundations of high-performing teams. Both presentations offered simple, accessible approaches to challenges that can otherwise feel complex—and both prompted a lively discussion about how clients can put them into practice.
Making social value more evidence-led
Ellie Jenkins introduced a free, open-source tool developed by Akalof to help organisations choose social value priorities using local government data. Users enter a postcode, contract duration, client sector and contract type; the tool then highlights evidence-based areas of focus and provides advisory notes where the project context may limit what can realistically be delivered. Examples from Luton, St Albans, Manchester and Cornwall showed how sharply local needs can differ. Forum members saw particular value for public-sector clients, housing associations and SMEs seeking a practical starting point before undertaking deeper place-based analysis. The conversation also highlighted opportunities to align the tool with updated procurement guidance and share its methodology more widely. See Akerlof Social Value Advisor
Building teams that can perform
Liz Male then shared the Drexler/Sibbet Team Performance Model, using its “bouncing ball” analogy to explain why teams need momentum before they can deliver. The model moves from orientation and trust-building through goal clarification, commitment, implementation and performance. Its central lesson is that teams should resist the urge to jump immediately into tasks, roles and deadlines. People first need to understand why they are there, who else is involved and whether the group has the right skills and shared purpose. In construction, where project teams often form quickly and change frequently, that early investment can reduce conflict, strengthen collaboration and help delivery move faster later.
A shared message for clients
Across both discussions, a clear theme emerged: better outcomes begin with better questions. What does local evidence tell us people need? Why has each person joined the team? What are we trying to achieve together? Asking these questions early can turn social value from a procurement process into meaningful local impact, and turn a collection of organisations into a team. Participants also identified future forum topics, including conflict avoidance, fair payment and the changing regulation of construction professions. For clients, the immediate challenge is straightforward: create space at the start of projects for evidence, clarity and trust. A little more effort upfront can give the whole project a much stronger bounce.