Case Study
BT Group CDM GAP Analysis - A Strategic Success
Project Overview
BT Group commissioned Pro Safety Management to conduct a CDM (Construction Design & Management) GAP Analysis across three major business units:
- BT Business
- BT Openreach
- BT Networks
The objective was to assess alignment with CDM 2015 regulations and provide strategic recommendations to enhance governance, role clarity, and contractor management. The initiative supported BT’s broader ambition to lead in digital infrastructure delivery with robust safety and compliance practices.
Projects Assessed
We assessed three major BT infrastructure projects, each offering a distinct view of how CDM responsibilities were being applied in real project environments. Evaluating these varied workstreams allowed us to identify common strengths, recurring challenges, and opportunities to build a more unified and consistent approach across BT Group.
Methodology
PSM applied a structured three-stage approach:
1. Documentation Review
CDM policies, procedures, risk assessments, and contractor management frameworks.
2. Stakeholder Engagement
Interviews with BT Health & Safety leads, CDM Clients, project managers, contractors, designers, and suppliers.
3. Site Visits and Observations
On-site assessments across all three workstreams to evaluate real-world CDM compliance.
4. Strategic Roadmap
Based on findings and communication with BT stakeholders, a comprehensive blueprint was developed to outline opportunities to continually improve CDM governance.
Strategic Focus Areas
The analysis highlighted seven key areas that BT Group could strengthen their CDM approach:
1. Leadership
Reinforcing senior management accountability and visibility in CDM compliance.
2. Delegation of Responsibilities
Clarifying and formalising CDM roles across business units to ensure consistent discharge of duties.
3. Organisational Setup vs Duty Holder Responsibilities
Aligning organisational structures with CDM duty holder roles for better clarity and execution.
4. CDM Competency
Enhancing training and development programmes to build CDM expertise across teams.
5. Contract and Commercial Agreements
Ensuring CDM obligations are embedded in supplier and contractor agreements.
6. Unified Framework
Developing a standardised, repeatable, scalable CDM governance model applicable across BT Group.
7. Centralised Governance Team
Establishing a dedicated CDM oversight function to drive consistency and continuous improvement.
BT’s Response and Impact
BT Group responded positively to the GAP Analysis. Tony Taylor, Senior Manager for Group Safety Governance & Assurance, confirmed that all recommendations were taken forward and integrated into BT’s CDM transformation roadmap. The feedback from BT stakeholders was clear: the analysis provided a valuable blueprint for embedding best practices and ensuring consistent standards across future projects.
This collaborative effort has positioned BT to lead with confidence in health and safety governance, demonstrating a proactive and forward-thinking approach to regulatory compliance.
Outcome
This project exemplifies Pro Safety Management’s ability to deliver strategic health and safety consultancy at scale. By combining regulatory expertise with practical insight, PSM helped BT Group strengthen its CDM compliance, reduce risk exposure, and align its operations with best practice standards.
Contact Pro Safety Management to learn how we can help you achieve similar success in your projects
At Pro Safety Management, we specialise in telecoms health and safety, fully understanding the challenges associated with network deployment and infrastructure projects. Our expertise ensures that your business operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with the highest ethical standards at all times.