Frazer-Nash signs up to TechUK and Defence Digital Code of Practice for Collaboration

Frazer-Nash has signed up to the TechUK and Defence Digital Code of Practice for Collaboration, an initiative that aims to improve collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its suppliers.

The code sets out five key points to increase the transparent sharing of information and to enable business relationships to become more effective and efficient. The principles are:

1. Improved visibility and engagement on existing and future business opportunities.
2. Encouraging regular formal and informal dialogue to enable improved long-term business relationships.
3. Delivering business with increased commercial buy-in via direct involvement and a better understanding of each other’s organisation and drivers.
4. Talk first (rather than letter or email exchanges) ensuring individual contract/project issues are flagged at 1*/Head of Commercial, and cross-cutting (multi-programme/contract issues) are flagged to the Commercial Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) Lead (where appropriate) and/or 2*/Director Commercial before further senior escalations are instigated across defence.
5. Where appropriate on specific programmes, demonstration of collaborative behaviours, which could include those which are compatible with, or certified to, ISO 44001 ‘Collaborative Business Relationship Management Systems’ (formerly BS11000).

Defence Senior Business Manager, Chris Cullis, who signed on behalf of Frazer-Nash, said:

“Collaboration is vital to deliver the complex programmes needed by the MOD. Building a successful relationship with the MOD and defence primes, as well as with partners in the supply chain enables us all to ensure our collaborative work is effective, and delivers winning outcomes.

“This Code of Practice encourages defence and industry to think holistically about relationships, and to maintain regular dialogue – informal and formal – at all levels, to allow open and honest feedback in both directions. This benefits both parties, as the dependencies and obligations within programmes can be recognised, and any issues can be raised earlier.”