

Case Study
National Grid Network Upgrade with Vodafone - CDM Compliance and Network Delivery
Client Overview
Vodafone Business Technology Solutions (VBTS) is a major player in the telecommunications industry, focusing on delivering advanced network solutions.
Project Overview
Pro Safety Management (PSM) was appointed by VBTS to provide comprehensive Principal Contractor (PC) oversight and strategic support for a major contract with National Grid. The focus for PSM was to provide expert Construction (Design and Management) regulations project management support to work alongside senior VBTS programme managers as part of a requirement to both establish and mature a robust health & safety framework across 3 workstreams (dark fibre, HV transmission, service management) across approx. 100 sites.
Challenges
Ensuring CDM compliance across all network construction activities, identifying and mitigating risks, upskilling Vodafone project teams, enhancing health and safety practices, facilitating stakeholder coordination, and adherence to strict National Grid safety standards for training and on-site approvals.
Solutions
PSM provided comprehensive oversight as Principal Contractor (PC). This included:
• CDM Compliance: Ensuring Vodafone’s compliance with CDM regulations by overseeing Principal Contractor duties.
• Strategic Delivery Coordination: Coordinating the strategic delivery of CDM practices to meet legal responsibilities and provide a single point of contact for queries around interpretation of the law.
• Performance Measurement: Establishing weekly and monthly health and safety performance meetings to assess compliance with CDM Regulations 2015, requirements from the Client, internal competency understanding, and key project risks.
• Documentation Sampling: Comprehensive reviews of CDM documentation and internal Vodafone policies to ensure compliance throughout the mobilisation and construction phase.
• CDM Training & Project Coaching: Delivered IOSH accredited CDM for Telecoms e-learning training and project specific coaching to Vodafone teams.
Results
• Compliance with Legal Requirements: Early engagement with the project team set the tone for decisions to be made about the avoidance of construction risks which set a strong philosophy for compliance with the CDM regulations.
• Enhanced CDM Capabilities: A programme of weekly coaching of project team members received 1-1 CDM guidance and CDM group sessions. Key project team members completed PSM’s IOSH accredited CDM for Telecoms E-Learning to enhance personal decision making.
• Improved Performance Metrics: PSM provided valuable insights, enabling proactive risk management. One of the key metrics was reducing Vodafone’s project risk against prosecution for non-compliance.
• Repeatable CDM Framework: The established CDM framework and systems proved effective and replicable, setting a benchmark for future contracts.
Vodafone Testimonial
We have a strong partnership with Pro Safety Management, who have supported Vodafone with CDM Principal Contractor & Principal Designer duties for our contracts.
Their tailored approach and expertise in CDM has ensured that we meet all legal requirements and maintain high standards when meeting project milestones.
The PSM team's proactive support has not only helped us to achieve compliance but has also enhanced the capabilities of our project teams through effective coaching and guidance.
Their ability to coordinate and support with project teams and oversee CDM compliance has been key to delivering safe and successful results. I highly recommend Pro Safety Management for their dedicated service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Their tailored approach and expertise in CDM has ensured that we meet all legal requirements and maintain high standards when meeting project milestones.
The PSM team's proactive support has not only helped us to achieve compliance but has also enhanced the capabilities of our project teams through effective coaching and guidance.
Their ability to coordinate and support with project teams and oversee CDM compliance has been key to delivering safe and successful results. I highly recommend Pro Safety Management for their dedicated service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.

Gus Birks
VBTS H&S Governance ManagerContact 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.