The construction industry reacted with dismay this week at the surprise departure of Peter Woolliscroft, head of construction at Procure 21.

Companies among the 11 Procure 21 framework partners said it was a setback to lose the head of the programme at a time when independent consultant Symbia is about to unveil its report into the NHS’ procurement system.

The circumstances of Woolliscroft’s departure were unclear this week. He was unavailable for comment, and a Procure 21 spokesperson said only that he was leaving because he was near the end of his five-year secondment from the NHS.

A source from one of the companies on Procure 21, which had not been informed of Woolliscroft’s departure, said the situation had become “intolerable”.

He said: “It’s unbelievable that you can have a framework agreement like this and not have an idea where you are with it.”

I am surprised he has gone at such short notice

Source at Procure 21 contractor

Some contractors fear that it will be a death knell for the framework, or that it will be reduced from 11 partners to as few as six. A source from one said: “The timing of the Symbia report and Woolliscroft’s departure makes me wonder if the two are linked. I always found him easy to get on with and a good advocate of Procure 21. I am a bit surprised that he has gone at such short notice.”

The DoH could not confirm whether Woolliscroft would be replaced as head of construction. Rob Smith has recently been appointed director of estates and facilities, but this is a separate role.