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https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/2014/02/20/achieving-value-for-money-quantity-surveying-at-dio/

Achieving Value for Money: Quantity Surveying at DIO

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I’m Dave Williams and I’ve worked at DIO for more than a decade as a Quantity Surveyor. In my current role, I’m responsible for cost advice including risk management, sustainability and maintenance on all MOD buildings.

Swinton Barracks, Perham Down, Wiltshire. DIO's Quantity Surveyors are responsible for ensuring that projects deliver value for money. (Crown Copyright)
Swinton Barracks, Perham Down, Wiltshire. DIO's Quantity Surveyors are responsible for ensuring that projects deliver value for money. (Crown Copyright)

As a Regional Quantity Surveyor in DIO’s Service Delivery team for the Midland Region, I oversee the work of our Quantity Surveyors in the area. I’m currently evaluating contractors’ tenders for small works – which in the context of DIO’s budget means about £1 million - to ensure the MOD is getting value for money for work undertaken by the contractors.

Service Delivery is a new department and I am currently involved in evaluating the contractors’ tenders for various types of work; ensuring they are value for money. I also work on auditing the contractor to ensure we are getting a good service.

Another Brick in the Wall

I developed an interest in buildings not too long after leaving school, probably inspired by my brother, who worked as a bricklayer and builder. I tried my hand at laying bricks, but could never lay them in a straight line, even when using a string. I decided to study surveying and try that instead.

After leaving university, I was unable to get a job in the UK, so I decided to go to Singapore. Within a week of landing, I secured a position as a Quantity Surveyor. I returned to the UK after about 2 years and have not looked back since.

Life At DIO

I was working in private practice when I applied for a Quantity Surveyor role at DIO. I was not really looking to move, but saw the advert in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors magazine and decided to apply. It turned out that my application was successful! My initial plan was to work for DIO for five years and then move on - I am now approaching my eleventh year here!

Our Quantity Surveyors are responsible for ensuring value for money on all infrastructure projects. (Photograph by SAC Daniel Herrick; Crown Copyright)
Our Quantity Surveyors are responsible for ensuring value for money on all infrastructure projects which allow our Armed Forces to live, work and train. (Photograph by SAC Daniel Herrick; Crown Copyright)

Ensuring that our users – Britain’s Armed Forces - are getting the best value for their money is my favourite part of the job. This is normally achieved through evaluating the contractors’ tenders.

It’s a career highlight every time I see the completion of the final product and know that I made a contribution to that development!

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