News

LHC Procurement Group (LHC) is forging ahead with its growth plans and ambition to become a ‘Gold standard’ construction framework provider to the public sector by making a new strategic appointment to its senior executive team.

Following changes to its board and company structure in April this year, the not-for-profit public sector construction framework provider has announced a change to its senior leadership team, appointing Jennifer Castle as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The move is the next step in LHC’s strategy to deliver measurable social value to communities across Great Britain through its procurement solutions, including driving increased employment and economic uplift, and supporting local projects through its community benefit fund.

Jennifer brings more than six years of experience at LHC and a strong track record of success in driving significant growth and innovation in her previous role as director for the Group’s LSE (London and South East) regional business unit.

Her innovative approach to framework development, notably the successful Architectural Design Services (ADS1.1) with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), which resulted in LSE winning the GO Award, has garnered praise and recognition within the industry.

"I am thrilled by the opportunity the Chief Operating Officer role presents to play a significant role in shaping the future direction of LHC Procurement Group. In my six years with the organisation so far, I’ve continued to be inspired by the positive impact our frameworks have made in communities. I look forward to continuing to drive innovation and excellence in public sector procurement to ensure our clients and suppliers receive the highest level of service,” said Jennifer Castle, LHC’s new Chief Operating Officer.

In May 2022, Jennifer was appointed to the LHC board, playing a key role in guiding the organisation's successful transition from a joint committee structure to a company limited by guarantee (CLG) on 1 April 2023. Her exceptional leadership and strategic acumen have contributed significantly to the company's progress and growth.

Clive Feeney, Director of LHC Procurement Group, said: “I commend Jennifer for the significant contributions she’s made to the Group so far and the great vision and leadership she has demonstrated in driving growth and innovation at LSE. Our people at LHC all share something in common – incredible talent and drive. Our purpose is to deliver better buildings and homes that enhance local communities, and we achieve this by hiring the best talent and encouraging innovation as we drive LHC to become the construction framework provider of choice for the public sector. Jennifer's promotion to COO is a clear demonstration of our commitment to promoting from within and providing growth opportunities to our exceptional talents."

LHC prioritises equal opportunities and a diverse workforce, as reflected in its gender profile of 44% male and 56% female across all levels, including the Board, senior management, and regional teams.

The organisation’s new structure has enhanced its capacity for innovation, leading to better solutions and outcomes for the communities it serves. By encouraging collaboration and promoting innovation, the group is working towards becoming a 'Gold Standard' framework provider – something it has reiterated commitment towards following Professor David Mosey’s independent review of public sector construction frameworks, ‘Constructing the Gold Standard’.

About LHC Procurement Group

 LHC Procurement Group (LHC) is a not-for-profit built environment, compliance and consultancy framework provider delivering exclusively to the public sector. Its frameworks are available to all publicly funded contracting authorities to procure works, goods, and services to construct, refurbish and maintain social housing, schools, and public buildings.

From 1 April 2023, the organisation moved from a Joint Committee structure to a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and changed its name to LHC Procurement Group to support its growth in the future.

As a contracting authority, LHC develops and operates frameworks across England, Scotland, and Wales through its five business units:

• London and South East (LSE) - across the capital and Home Counties
• Consortium Procurement Construction (CPC) – covering the North of England, Midlands, and East of England
• South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) - covering the Southwest of England
• Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA)
• Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA)

LHC invests framework surpluses into its Community Benefit Fund. Working with delivery partners nationwide, the Fund delivers projects to improve communities, buildings, and homes.

Find out more about LHC at www.lhcprocure.org.uk