Pagabo appoint Lord Kerslake as chairman

Framework provider Pagabo has appointed Lord Kerslake, the former head of the civil service, as non-executive chairman. He will have a remit to define the organisation’s approach to the way frameworks operate and their pivotal role in the construction industry – and the wider business world.

Lord Kerslake, who is former permanent secretary for the Department for Communities and Local Government and was chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency for two years, will be helping the framework provider develop its connections to other sectors and strategically assisting Pagabo to expand its ambitions through innovative thinking.

Lord Kerslake said: “Pagabo is a hugely exciting business and a challenger brand in the sector. I am honoured to join the board at Pagabo and contribute to its innovative approach to the sector and into the wider industry.

“Frameworks now play a significant role in the way the industry as a whole operates, and Pagabo’s technology-led approach is leading the field in delivering solid pipelines of work for suppliers and social value for its clients.

“Pagabo has plenty of ambition and is looking to develop into other markets that complement its framework business predominantly around technology and innovation but continues to provide advice and support to its ecosystem, including in this difficult time with Covid-19. We are currently in a response phase and then we will move into recovery. A vibrant construction sector is vital to the economy’s recovery and Pagabo is ready to play its part.”

Simon Toplass, chief executive of Pagabo, said: “Lord Kerslake’s vast experience and expertise will bring new insight, support and contribution to the Pagabo organisation, supporting our progressive approach and establishing us further as a challenger brand to the traditional framework model.”

As part of his role, Lord Kerslake will be working with the rest of the Pagabo board to help it become a key player in the UK’s future public sector procurement policies, as well as its role enabling social value and developing innovative ways to deliver procurement.

During April Pagabo passed £2.63 billion of social value enabled with its two biggest frameworks – Major Works and Professional Services.