7. Implementation roadmap: aims, roles and next steps

Move from strategiser to market-facilitator

ALPHA

Section objective

This is where the council moves from strategiser to market-facilitator. This section shows to the supply chain that the council is not just thinking about clean heat but is actively preparing the procurement vehicles and support structures to move toward delivery. This section should give local stakeholders as much clarity as possible on the tangible actions they should take.

The value to stakeholders

  • Market-entry certainty: by defining technology-specific goals and timescales, the council provides the 'direction of travel' manufacturers and installers need to justify local investment.

  • Resource optimisation: clearly defined roles (installers, retrofit coordinators, skills providers) allow businesses to see exactly where they fit into the project and what certifications they need to qualify for work.

  • Simplified bidding: the outline of the procurement process signals a clear and potentially more flexible route to securing contracts compared to traditional 'stop-start' tenders.

What to include in this section

  • The technology roadmap: a table mapping out the specific aims, the council's level of involvement, and the 12-month delivery window for each heat pathway. (see example in the box below).

  • The 'job descriptions': break down the exact specialist roles required (eg, retrofit coordinators for whole-house design, or qualified electricians/plumbers).

  • Procurement infrastructure: detail the specific system you will use to award work and how you will allow new local small-to-medium enterprises to join the framework at any time.

  • The launch event: a specific, dated commitment to a 'supply chain launch event' where partners can meet the project team and network.

Example text

This box below includes a pre-written section that can be filled in with information relevant to your chosen area.

7. Implementation roadmap: Aims, roles and next steps

This document marks the beginning of our formal engagement with the local supply chain. The successful delivery of clean heat in AREA depends on your expertise, capacity and ambition. We are seeking interested and competent organisations across the entire supply chain to help us deliver this ambitious plan.

7.1. Strategic aim by technology pathway

We will tailor our delivery goals to each technological pathway. By advancing different approaches at varying speeds, we can build specialised expertise and capacity across the entire clean heat plan for AREA. The different pathways are outlined in Table 3 below.

Table 3. Aims by technology pathway for AREA.

Technology 

Aim

COUNCIL NAME involvement

Timescale


Individual heat sources


Have a number of providers in place who are delivering ASHP to a high standard to any interested homeowner in AREA, as a point of referral in the designated areas. 


Engagement support in designated areas and signposting residents to delivery partners (OR ANY INVOLVEMENT THE COUNCIL SEES AS RELEVANT) 


Our aim is to have  providers in place in TIMEFRAME


Networked heat pumps


Deliver a networked GSHP scheme in a multi tenure area. Given the current UK government subsidies we currently imagine this to include a substantial proportion of social homes as an anchor for delivery.


We will convene interested parties, provide marketing support and provide collaboration across the local authority to reduce delivery barriers.(OR ANY INVOLVEMENT THE COUNCIL SEES AS RELEVANT) 


Our aim is to have an area, or areas, identified with design and feasibility conducted by interested parties within TIMEFRAME.


Communal solutions


To continue the work decarbonising multi tenure buildings by working with partners to realise wider benefits. This could be an existing block of flats, or an industrial premises utilising waste heat for surrounding domestic properties.


We will act as a convener to help these schemes move towards delivery.(OR ANY INVOLVEMENT THE COUNCIL SEES AS RELEVANT) 


We see these opportunities being led by demand and will consider what support we can provide on a rolling basis.

7.2. Specialist roles required

To achieve the aims outlined in Table 3, the Council seeks the involvement of specific local stakeholders. Where fabric upgrades are required, these will require enabling works and professional services beyond the core clean heat installation team. We are also seeking organisations who can provide these critical skills, including qualified electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and landscaping professionals to clear overgrown garden spaces necessary for installation access.

7.2.1. For installers and manufacturers 

For installers and manufacturers, this plan offers:

  • Visibility of a long-term project pipeline, broken down by technology and geography.

  • Leads warmed up to the proposition of clean heat solutions reducing your potential sales cycle time and upfront cost of engagement.

  • Coordination support to simplify street-by-street and multi-tenure installations.

For local installers and plumbing and heating SMEs, this plan signals the potential demand for heat pumps in AREA. We recommend to interested engineers to seek necessary training, such as the courses available in local colleges, and encourage them to make use of existing opportunities to upskill in heat pump installations. For example, Start at Home schemes are available to heating engineers in REGION which gives you the opportunity to fit an air-source heat pump in your own home for free to gain confidence and kickstart your work in the renewables sector. You can find more information about the different schemes here: https://www.startathome.org.uk/

As for all current and future grants, installers must be appropriately certified, including holding MCS certification for air source heat pump (ASHP) or ground source heat pump (GSHP) installations, and PAS2030 certification for any grant-funded fabric improvements. (UPDATE REQUIREMENT AS APPROPRIATE).

7.2.2. For retrofit coordinators

For retrofit coordinators, we need your expertise to: (UPDATE REQUIREMENT AS APPROPRIATE).

  • Where applicable ensure a high-quality, whole-house approach that complies with PAS2035 standards. PAS2035 is essential for any grant funded retrofit/heating installations.

  • Produce retrofit designs bespoke to individual property characteristics and occupancy needs.

  • Manage the complexity of multi-property schemes, de-risking the process for homeowners and installers. This will explore mechanisms or policy levers required to overcome this challenge, which is critical for whole-area schemes.

7.2.3. For skills and training providers

For skills and training providers, we will provide: (UPDATE REQUIREMENT AS APPROPRIATE).

  • Clear data on future workforce demand to inform vocational and relevant NVQ curriculum development, including NVQs for essential skills such as draught-proofing and individual fabric measure installations.  

  • A platform to connect with local installers and create clear career pathways into the clean heat sector.

7.3. Enabling works and procurement

OUTLINE THE PROCESS THROUGH WHICH THE COUNCIL WILL AWARD CONTRACTS.

7.4. How to get involved

The outcomes detailed in the sections above can only be achieved through a coordinated effort between the Council and delivery partners. Whether you are an established installer, a training provider, or a local SME, your expertise is vital to our success. We encourage you to take the following steps to ensure your organisation is positioned to participate in upcoming opportunities:

  • Register your interest by contacting COUNCIL NAME to stay informed about project timelines, procurement opportunities, and briefing events.

  • Attend our ‘Supply chain launch event’ in [Month/Quarter, Year] to meet the project team, learn more about the delivery zones, and network with other key partners.

  • Contact us directly to discuss how your organisation's capabilities align with the outcomes outlined above.

Contact: [Insert Email Address]

Website: [Insert Link to Council Webpage]

The example from Plymouth

Sign up to hear more

We are a building a network of areas, suppliers and community groups interested and working across low-carbon heat.

Sign up here if you would like to be notified about updates and opportunities to collaborate.

Sign up - CTA graphic.png