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People
New scoring model from CCS aims to strengthen workforce standards
CM People staff Contributing author
The new checklist introduces 24 themes across community, environment and workforce. Image: CCS
The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has launched an updated checklist and scoring model to deliver a clearer and more consistent framework for assessing responsible construction across the UK and Ireland.
The checklist follows consultation with contractors, monitors, clients and subject matter experts, and was tested with a pilot project. It introduces 24 defined themes aligned to CCS’s three pillars of community, environment and workforce.
The new model replaces the former 27‑question structure and adopts a percentage‑based scoring system, ensuring equal weighting across all three areas and enabling greater transparency, consistency and comparability across construction sites of all types and sizes. More than 7,300 sites are assessed by CSS each year.
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From 5 May 2026, CCS’s nationwide network of monitors will begin using the updated code and checklist, supported by a refreshed digital ecosystem designed to make participation clearer, simpler and more impactful.
Clearer and easier to apply
Desiree Blamey, CCS managing director, said: “This update is an evolution, not a revolution, 90% familiar, 10% new. But that vital 10% brings greater clarity, transparency and consistency for everyone who uses it, making it clearer, easier to apply and giving every organisation, from principal contractors to specialist supply chain contractors, a more consistent, evidence-based framework.
“This is supported by a fairer scoring model that helps teams track progress and drive continuous improvement. Our focus remains the same: strengthening outcomes for communities, the environment and the workforce.
“We shaped this update with the people who use it every day. By listening to contractors, monitors, clients and the communities we serve. We’ve kept the heart of the checklist intact while making it more practical for teams on the ground. Ultimately, this evolution is about people, recognising good work, supporting safer and more inclusive practices and helping the whole industry continue to raise standards.”
CCS says the update strengthens alignment with client expectations, public sector priorities and wider industry needs, while continuing to set expectations that go beyond compliance by embedding key considerations such as safety, social value, progressive employment standards, environmental preparedness and inclusivity.
It also strengthens alignment with recognised industry frameworks, including clearer links to environmental and social criteria widely used in BREEAM assessments. BREEAM has been engaged throughout the development process, and a new score‑mapping guide will be published.
The checklist has also been designed with an ISO‑ready structure, with themes and expectations that mirror the approach used, making it easier for organisations to align CCS evidence with existing quality, environmental and health and safety accreditations.
The refinements also improve alignment with recognised social value reporting frameworks, making outcomes easier to measure, evidence and compare for clients and contractors.
More focus on skills, wellbeing and inclusivity
A sharper focus on skills, employment standards and workforce pathways reflects the sector‑wide skills challenge, while strengthened mental‑health expectations – including Lighthouse Charity information visible on every site – reinforce CCS’s commitment to wellbeing.
New UV protection guidance supports safer outdoor working when UVI levels are greater than 3, and clearer expectations for supply‑chain collaboration help align subcontractors, suppliers and clients around consistent standards.
Practical, behaviour‑focused expectations on harassment and inclusivity set a stronger baseline for respectful, fair and professional working environments.
Key changes to the code and checklist
A clearer structure;
24 themes grouped under Community, Environment and Workforce;
Each theme supported by clear, outcome‑focused expectations;
Plain‑language guidance designed to support both major contractors and SMEs.
A fairer, more transparent scoring model
Percentage‑based scores replace the previous out‑of‑45 system;
Every expectation is scored as not met, partially met or fully met;
Minimum conformance baselines introduced;
More meaningful differentiation between sites, enabling continuous improvement.
New priority actions and stronger focus
Mental health support;
Skin cancer awareness;
Environmental incident readiness;
Right‑to‑work verification;
Supply chain collaboration;
Skills gap and employment standards;
Social value measurement and reporting.
Recognising excellence
Innovations and best practices now submitted year‑round;
Additional points influence National Site Awards (not core site scores)
Best Practice: +2%;
Innovation: +4%.
Digital transformation and improved monitoring
Accompanying the checklist update is a major upgrade of CCS’s digital tools:
A new visit preparation tool;
Replacing the former self‑assessment, this digital checklist provides:
In‑platform guidance aligned to every theme;
E‑learning lookup for priority actions;
Improved project and value inputs;
ISO certification capture;
A new Improvement Opportunity Library;
Enhanced usability for SMEs and supply chain partners.
Updated monitoring and reporting
From May, monitors will use a redesigned reporting template offering:
Granular theme‑level scoring;
Clear summaries of improvement opportunities;
Consistent evidence‑based assessments.
Product and registration updates
CCS is also updating its product portfolio to better support organisations of all shapes and sizes, including:
Enhanced registration pathways for SMEs, supply chain partners and maintenance contractors;
A refreshed multi‑site programme;
The return of ultra sites, with increased monitoring and enhanced support;
An upgraded CCS portal with modern infrastructure, improved organisational visibility, role‑based access control and optional SSO integration;
From 2027, CCS will also launch upgraded banners, van stickers and digital assets to support clearer, more consistent industry communication.
Supporting industry through the transition
To help organisations prepare, CCS is offering:
Updated guidance for every theme;
Printable site‑ready resources;
Scoring explainers;
A series of webinars for contractors, clients, site managers and organisations;
Training for monitors and staff to ensure a smooth transition.
More information, including the full checklist, guidance documents and digital tools, is now available on the CCS website.
