Mike Petter, Director of the Considerate Constructors Scheme explains why every organisation across the construction industry should embrace considerate construction
In the past, some in the building industry were dismayed by the tarnished image of construction.
The quiet majority of conscientious, consummate professionals were tired of being associated with cowboy builders and inconsiderate operators whose sites looked like bombsites and whose disgruntled customers and the public took a dim view of our industry.
So, back in 1997, we did something about it: the Considerate Constructors Scheme was launched as an initiative by the construction industry for the construction industry and the public - putting consideration at the heart of everything we do.
Originally conceived simply to ‘improve the image of construction’, the Scheme now epitomises the very best of our industry. It’s about being considerate to our customers, to those living in and around our sites, to the workforce and the environment.
Registration demonstrates that you are an organisation which proactively chooses to improve the image of the construction industry.
Raising standards above and beyond statutory requirements throughout the UK and Irish construction industry’s is at the very core of the Scheme, which is why it makes a significant contribution to encouraging businesses to adopt more socially responsible practices. These not only benefit the workforce, but also the local community and the environments in which they operate.
It proves to the public that you take your Corporate Social Responsibility objectives seriously, strengthening the value of your brand, and your organisation’s standing.
The Scheme is highly recommended by central government and local authorities, and is an independent not-for-profit organisation, receiving no grant aid or government funding.
Reasons to register:
There are a number of compelling cases for registering with the CCS: it can often support winning new business and help with the planning process, by demonstrating commitment to adding social value, minimising inconvenience for local communities and disruption to the environment.
Registration is mandatory for some clients and the vast majority of major contractors register all of their sites with the Scheme.
The advice and guidance provided during site visits has been instrumental in helping construction sites, companies and suppliers to become more efficient, whether it is more effective communication with their workforce or developing stronger relationships with their supply chain. Other benefits include:
- Benchmarking your performance
- Gaining a competitive edge
- Becoming the first choice for planning authorities
- Winning prestigious national awards
- Sharing best practice
- Meeting and exceeding CSR goals
- Featuring on the Construction Map www.constructionmap.info
How does it work?
The Scheme works through registration of construction sites, companies, suppliers and professional service organisations. They agree to abide by the Code of Considerate Practice and are monitored by industry professionals on their performance in three areas of the Code: consideration towards the general public, the workforce and the environment. All registered activity is available on the Construction Map at www.constructionmap.info.
Every year, the Scheme registers around 8,000 sites and makes over 18,000 visits to construction sites, companies suppliers and professional service organisations throughout the UK and Ireland. In addition, clients of construction projects can register with the Scheme, agreeing to ensure Scheme registration to all sites they control.
By displaying Considerate Constructors Scheme posters around the site, companies can promote their registration. The posters also provide a name and telephone number of the site manager or company contact and the Freephone number of the Scheme’s administration office, should any passers-by wish to comment. Registered companies and suppliers also display a vehicle sticker or magnet showing their unique registration number on every company vehicle used on the public highway.
Be at the Hub of Best Practice
With over 21 years of experience in monitoring construction activity, the Scheme has a vast library of examples of best practice which exceed the requirements of the Scheme’s Code via its free online Best Practice Hub. Examples come from a range of organisations and project sizes, covering huge billion-pound projects right through to small scale building works. The Hub is the core of driving collaboration across our industry and hosts national ‘Spotlight on…’ campaigns raising awareness of key issues including mental health, air pollution and attracting the next generation of workers, all supported with e-learning courses. The Hub has received around 3.5 million views to date.
Changing perceptions
The Scheme plays a vital role in making construction an exciting, challenging and rewarding place for the next generation of employees. The Scheme has developed two industry mascots: Honor Goodsite - a Structural Engineer; and Ivor Goodsite - a Site Manager. These costumed characters are used by construction companies, local schools and communities to engage with a younger audience to promote all that is positive about the UK and Irish construction industry as well as encouraging safety on and around construction sites. Over 100,000 children have attended events hosted by these industry mascots to date.
These are just a few of the many important things that those registered with the Scheme are doing day in day out to help improve the image of our industry. After all, everyone has a part to play in making our industry the best we can be.
For further information about the Considerate Constructors Scheme visit:
Websites: www.ccscheme.org.uk www.constructionmap.info www.ccsbestpractice.org.uk
Twitter: @CCScheme @ccsbestpractice @IvorGoodsite #loveconstruction
Instagram: CCScheme ccsfirstimpressions ivorgoodsite #loveconstruction
Biography
Mike Petter
Director, Considerate Constructors Scheme
Mike is a Director of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the organisation established to improve the image of the construction industry. Mike is a Chartered Civil Engineer who has over 30 years’ experience working in the construction industry and has monitored over 1100 construction sites registered with the Scheme.
Mike began his career at Geoffrey Osborne Ltd, working on a variety of construction projects before becoming Managing Director. He was also Regional Director at Alfred McAlpine Civils. Prior to joining the Scheme in 2008, Mike was Managing Director for Five Dimensional Management Ltd, a well-established consultancy firm specialising in construction.
