Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT)
Project Management and Contract Administration for Fire Remedial Services
Challenge
What challenges did Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) face during the fire remedial works programme and why was Sircle appointed?
Sircle was appointed to provide project management and contract administration for EPUT’s fire remedial works programme across multiple live NHS buildings, as part of a wider fire safety improvement strategy focused on enhancing passive fire protection, including fire doors and fire stopping. The key challenge was delivering compliant fire stopping and compartmentation works within ageing buildings and live clinical environments, where standard solutions were often not feasible due to existing fabric and live services. Works also had to be carefully planned around patient safety, restricted access, and limited working hours, requiring flexible programming, close coordination, and ongoing design development to maintain delivery without disrupting NHS operations.
Solution
What was Sircle’s approach to this project?
Sircle adopted a collaborative, solution-led approach to deliver complex fire remedial works across multiple live NHS environments. Working closely with Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT), contractors, and specialist consultants, the team defined scope, aligned on key deliverables, and maintained strong control over cost and programme.
A key challenge was achieving compliant fire stopping and compartmentation within ageing healthcare buildings, where existing conditions often made standard details impractical. Sircle addressed this by liaising with contractors and manufacturers to review site conditions and agree site specific solutions for the installation of fire stopping products.
To support delivery, Sircle implemented a flexible procurement and construction strategy. This enabled early-stage investigative works and iterative design development, allowing risks and unforeseen issues to be identified and resolved proactively. As a result, the programme remained on track without delays or disruption to critical services.
Careful phasing of works, in close coordination with ward teams, ensured that all activities were carried out safely within live clinical environments. This approach minimised disruption to patients and staff while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Outcome
What did EPUT achieve by partnering with Sircle for Project Management and Contract Administration on fire remedial works?
Partnering with Sircle enabled EPUT to successfully complete their fire remedial works programme across multiple NHS buildings, significantly improving passive fire protection and overall fire safety compliance. Fire doors were upgraded or replaced, and fire stopping works restored effective compartmentation and fire separation.
Delivered within live clinical environments, the programme maintained full NHS operations, with all works completed safely and without disruption to patients or staff.
Sircle at Work
Pictures of our team on site at EPUT
Fire Door Inspection
Surveyors ensuring that a fire door adheres to latest guidelines and standards
Corridor inspected for fire separation
An area significantly assessed for passive fire protection and overall fire safety compliance.
Pipework
Pipework checked for appropriate labelling and for any unsealed gaps around pipes
