University of Liverpool

Helping the University of Liverpool’s construction team embed BIM best practice and achieve international certification, driving smarter, more efficient project delivery.

Building confidence through digital transformation.

As part of its Masterplan Estate Strategy, the University of Liverpool committed to adopting BIM Stage 2 standards across all new facilities. To support this ambition, its delivery arm – University of Liverpool Construction Company (Special Projects) Ltd (ULCCO-SP) – sought expert guidance to embed BIM from the outset and achieve certification to BS EN ISO 19650.

With strong internal awareness of BIM but a need for a structured and accredited approach, ULCCO-SP appointed Plowman Craven to develop and implement a robust BIM strategy and support its journey to certification.

Client challenge.

ULCCO-SP aimed to transition from knowledge of BIM principles to full organisational compliance with BS EN ISO 19650. This required a clear, consistent, and auditable framework that could be applied across its project portfolio.

Specifically, the programme needed to:

Benchmark existing capabilities against BS EN ISO 19650 requirements

Establish compliant BIM standards, processes, and responsibilities

Build the capability of an internal BIM Leadership Team

Demonstrate adoption and improvement through live project delivery

Achieving certification meant not only developing documentation but proving that it was embedded in day-to-day practice.

Our
solution.

Plowman Craven implemented a structured, four-phase programme to support ULCCO-SP from evaluation through to accreditation. Working collaboratively with project and leadership teams, we:

Undertook a gap analysis and issued a detailed Recommendations Report

Developed BIM standards and processes aligned to BS EN ISO 19650 and ULCCO-SP workflows

Provided hands-on coaching to the BIM Leadership Team to build internal capability

Applied new processes across live projects at varying stages to test, refine and demonstrate compliance

Supported ULCCO-SP in preparation for certification assessment and evidence submission

This phased approach provided clarity, accountability and assurance at every stage of the BIM adoption journey.

Project benefits.

The programme delivered measurable progress and long-term capability development:

Clear roadmap to accreditation

A structured, phased approach created a transparent pathway to certification.

Internal capability and leadership

Targeted training empowered ULCCO-SP’s BIM Leadership Team to drive ongoing adoption and governance.

Proven implementation in practice

Embedding standards on live projects ensured real-world validation and supply-chain alignment.

Successful BS EN ISO 19650 accreditation

ULCCO-SP achieved certification, confirming its compliance with leading international standards.

Sustainable BIM maturity

Plowman Craven continues to support ULCCO-SP by delivering BIM coordination and Information Management services across major campus developments.

“BSI Auditor was really impressed with all documentation...”

“The BSI Auditor was really impressed with all the documentation we now have in place. This is a testament to the hard work done by all of us, with particular thanks to Plowman Craven for its association and involvement in this project. They were great to work with and we are tremendously proud to have obtained the BS EN ISO 19650 accreditation in so little time. We look forward to delivering our Masterplan Estate Strategy at The University of Liverpool confidently aligned to BIM Stage 02 specifications.”

Tom Alexander

Design Manager, ULCCO-SP

Project outcome.

ULCCO-SP successfully achieved BS EN ISO 19650 accreditation, affirming its commitment to best-practice information management and modern construction delivery. With a solid BIM framework in place, the organisation is confidently delivering projects aligned with the University’s Masterplan Estate Strategy and BIM Stage 2 requirements, ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and long-term asset value.