Aligned to RIBA stages and DfE compliance
Our five-stage process maps onto the RIBA work stages and the DfE construction requirements, so our inputs land when your programme needs them and the compliance evidence is produced as you go.
How we support each RIBA stage
We support principal contractors through RIBA Stages 3, 4, and 5 on education capital projects. The emphasis is practical ICT involvement: shaping scope early, producing coordinated deliverables, and delivering cleanly on site, so ICT reduces risk for the wider construction team rather than adding to it.
Our role at Stages 3, 4, and 5
Spatial coordination
At Stage 3 the priority is an ICT solution coordinated with the developing building design, the project brief, and the programme assumptions. Defining ICT early reduces later redesign, protects budget certainty, and helps you present a clearer delivery proposition to the client and consultant team. We contribute design intent, interface mapping, and the spatial requirements for comms rooms, containment, and cabling routes.
Technical design
At Stage 4 the ICT package moves from coordinated concept into buildable technical definition. We turn the agreed approach into detailed technical content, coordinated deliverables, and procurement-ready scope, with a clear basis for installation, testing, and handover. This is where the SS5 ICT Equipment Summary, network maps, and structured information submissions are produced.
Manufacturing and construction
At Stage 5 the focus shifts to controlled delivery on site: managing interfaces with other trades, progressive testing, and readiness for occupation. We work with you and the site team to install the ICT package safely, commission it properly, and hand it over in a usable state, with operational ICT on day one.
What we produce at each stage
| RIBA stage | What we deliver |
|---|---|
| Stage 3 | Design intent, interface mapping, and bid-stage costed ICT scope with clear assumptions and exclusions. |
| Stage 4 | Detailed design, structured information submissions, SS5 ICT Equipment Summary, network maps, and derogation management. |
| Stage 5 | Construction-stage delivery, installation, commissioning, and handover with operational ICT on day one. |
Most value comes from early involvement
We add most value when involved early enough to influence scope definition and coordination, and we stay accountable through technical design and site delivery. Across Stages 3, 4, and 5, the aim is to reduce ICT-related risk, protect programme certainty, and achieve a clean handover to the school and end user.
Evidenced, not asserted
- Spec 21 and Spec 25 compliance through structured submissions
- ISO 19650-aligned information production
- CDM compliant delivery
- Constructionline Gold
- Engagement with the DfE Education Technical Advisor
Speak with our Capital Programmes team
Tell us about your school, trust, or programme. We will route you to the right team and respond promptly.