The Best Practice Hub – a free online resource for the industry to share their considerate practice by showcasing examples, innovations and case studies – is proving to be a key resource for the construction world, with over 38,000 visits in its first year.
Launched by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, a non-profit-making, independent organisation, just 12 months ago, the Hub already has 1100 examples of best practice uploaded.
Users can search the Hub for best practice ideas in the areas of appearance, community, environment, safety and workforce, with the issues of mental health, noise and protection from the sun the most searched topics.
During 2015, the Scheme produced a ‘Spotlight on…mental health’ and ‘Spotlight on…occupational cancers’ to help drive awareness of best practices in these critical areas, both of which have proved highly popular.
The majority of large contractors, a substantial number of SMEs and many suppliers have already submitted numerous examples of best practice, recognising the benefits of collaboration in helping to improve the industry’s image as a whole. Top contributing companies include: Bouygues UK, Jerram Falkus Construction Limited, Kier Group, Mace, Mick George Limited, Skanska, The Berkeley Group Holdings plc and Wates.
Kier Group’s Director of Group Corporate Responsibility Alan Smith said: “We are pleased to be one of the top contributors to this brilliant hub. It is in every contractor’s best interest to share their innovative examples for improving the image and reputation of our industry among the public and customers alike. These don’t have to be either major or expensive examples; often the best ideas are the simplest. The best practice examples Kier project teams have loaded into the Hub to date clearly demonstrate the breadth and simplicity of being considerate – from green travel plans and bug hotels to health & well-being toolbox talks and restroom posters.”
Helle Dorrington, an Architect from Berkeley Homes West London commented: “The Hub has provided an invaluable tool for our teams to use. We regularly use it to get inspiration and share best practice. There are lots of great ideas about how to work better with local communities, improve safety and look after the wellbeing of staff.”
Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “The industry is recognising how collaboration is fundamental to addressing key issues such as mental health, occupational cancer risks, improving community relations, tackling skills shortages and encouraging innovation. The Best Practice Hub is proving to be an essential way for the construction industry to achieve this greater collaboration and, by doing so, helps continue to raise standards across the industry as a whole”.
