Implementing The Build Offsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) to Improve Operational Processes and Provide Assurance to Key Stakeholders.

Greencore’s goal was to achieve The Build Offsite Property Assurance Scheme (BOPAS) accreditation to demonstrate to lenders, buyers, and other stakeholders that homes built using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) or non-traditional materials will be mortgageable for at least 60 years.

BOPAS accreditation comprises a durability and maintenance assessment carried out by Building Life Plans Ltd (BLP) and management system accreditation carried out by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).

As a housing developer with ambitious goals, Greencore’s leadership team made a strategic decision to attain full accreditation across all aspects of their operations. This comprehensive scope includes project management, design, manufacturing, and construction.

Greencore appointed Principal in early 2023 to assist them throughout the process, meeting BOPAS requirements and laying the groundwork for future certification to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018.

A thorough joint gap analysis was conducted in collaboration with LRQA to determine areas of compliance and improvement. The analysis pinpointed the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, which, in turn, informed the planning and development of the management system.

Through this process, the organisation was able to gain a deeper understanding of the areas of compliance that require greater attention, as well as identify opportunities for improvement.

Principal played a crucial role in assisting the department heads in identifying six key stage processes involved in the project lifecycle – land acquisition to the completion and handover of a project.

A detailed set of procedures was developed to support each stage and enable smooth delivery of processes. A range of resources was also created to ensure successful implementation.

Once the proposed documentation was approved, a series of workshops were conducted to introduce and implement the newly developed system. These workshops were attended by employees from different departments, ensuring that everyone was familiar with the system.

To ensure that Greencore was fully prepared for the BOPAS Full Implementation Audit (FIA), Principal conducted a series of internal audits. These audits were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the management system in place and to identify any gaps or areas of improvement in the system processes.

In September 2023, LRQA conducted a three-day audit. Principal provided audit support throughout to ensure an efficient and successful audit result. Greencore was successfully awarded full BOPAS accreditation to the required scope.

During the assessment, the assessor provided excellent feedback on the organization’s processes and procedures, attesting to the high standards maintained by Greencore.

Principal and Greencore have established a strong partnership based on a shared commitment to excellence. Principal continues to provide Greencore with regular internal audits, process improvement and expert guidance to maintain accreditation and continually improve. This support enables Greencore to maintain its focus on growth and innovation.