--- title: Summer is coming and this often means a surge in project activity in schools description: "Summer is coming and this often means a surge in project activity in schools. \n\nHere are our 5 top tips for making sure your projects go to plan. " image: https://blog.isbl.org.uk/hubfs/Barker%20Associates%20(002).jpg --- [![CEOE_ISBL_Logo_Set_RGB_ISBL Primary-1](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/CEOE_ISBL_Logo_Set_RGB_ISBL%20Primary-1.png?width=222&height=80&name=CEOE_ISBL_Logo_Set_RGB_ISBL%20Primary-1.png "CEOE_ISBL_Logo_Set_RGB_ISBL Primary-1")](https://isbl.org.uk) - [Return to Main Site](https://isbl.org.uk/) - [Events Calendar](https://isbl.org.uk/products/events/) - [Latest News](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/tag/news) [Register](https://isbl.org.uk/my-account/#register) [Latest Articles](https://blog.isbl.org.uk) [Archive](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/tag/archive) [Membership Support](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/tag/membership-support) [Opinion](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/tag/opinion) [Research](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/tag/research) # Summer is coming and this often means a surge in project activity in schools ![](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Barker-core-logo-transparent.png?width=85&name=Barker-core-logo-transparent.png) Barker Associates June 8, 2023 [mailto:?subject=I%20wanted%20you%20to%20see%20this%20site&body=Check%20out%20this%20site:%0D%0ASummer%20is%20coming%20and%20this%20often%20means%20a%20surge%20in%20project%20activity%20in%20schools%0D%0Ahttps://blog.isbl.org.uk/5-top-tips-for-making-sure-your-projects-go-to-plan.](mailto:?subject=I%20wanted%20you%20to%20see%20this%20site&body=Check%20out%20this%20site:%0D%0ASummer%20is%20coming%20and%20this%20often%20means%20a%20surge%20in%20project%20activity%20in%20schools%0D%0Ahttps://blog.isbl.org.uk/5-top-tips-for-making-sure-your-projects-go-to-plan.)   Summer is coming and this often means a surge in project activity in schools.  Here are our 5 top tips for making sure your projects go to plan.    **5 top tips for delivering successful summer projects**  Summer in coming and this often means a surge in project activity in schools. Here are our 5 top tips for making sure your projects go to plan.  1. **Planning, planning, planning**: Whether you are going it alone or employing a consultant, finding time to plan your project is the key to success. Get the right team around you, allocate adequate resources and recognise your limitations. Ensure you understand the project scope before you start. This will minimise changes during the project which cost time and money. 2. **Safety is paramount**: Safety is the most important part of any project. Be aware and comply with your duties under the CDM Regulations. Complete searches and investigations (ie asbestos) in advance. Try to physically separate construction and school operations. Work with contractors with recognised accreditations (ie CHAS). Ensure risk assessments and method statements are completed before you start work. 3. **Don’t forget insurance**: Ensure you understand the insurance provisions in your contract. If necessary, contact your insurers (or RPA) to inform them of projects or check if anything is required. 4. **Statutory consents**: Ensure that you have all necessary consents in place as early as possible as this can cause delays. Planning permission, building regulations, licences to alter, party wall awards and access rights are typical requirements. 5. **Financial management**: Sign a contract. Set clear and sensible authority limits (do you really need to approve every £50 variation?) Ensure you have a cash flow forecast alongside the project programme. Account for holidays if you need multiple authorisations for payments.   [Barker](http://www.barker-associates.co.uk/) is an Approved Partner to ISBL, and the UK’s leading CIF bid consultancy. In the last round, Barker secured 8% of the total CIF funding allocation in England for our clients.    Contact us on 01279 647111or [info@barker-associates.co.uk](mailto:info@barker-associates.co.uk)  to book a FREE CIF bid consultation.   ![Barker Associates](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/hubfs/Barker-core-logo-transparent.png) Barker Associates ## Related Articles ### [Why Strategic HR Matters: The Evolving Role of HR in Schools and Trusts April 1, 2026](https://blog.isbl.org.uk/why-strategic-hr-matters-the-evolving-role-of-hr-in-schools-and-trusts) ### [Are schools relying on AI too much? 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