The considerate constructors scheme: improving the image of construction, but how considerate are they to contractors

The United Kingdom (UK) construction industry is fragmented in nature, and frequently attracts hostility among local communities. The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within construction management is relatively new, and the industry is actively engaged in CSR practices. One such approach, and the focus of this paper, is the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). The CCS is an organisation that seeks to improve the image of the construction industry and encourages active engagement with stakeholders. Therefore, this paper aims to identify and document the advantages and disadvantages of registering construction sites with the CCS from a contractor's perspective. This study is part of a broader PhD investigation, concentrating on stakeholder management and engagement. The research method undertaken is qualitatively based, encompassing four case study individual interviews and two focus group seminars, with construction professionals on projects located throughout the UK. The data is qualitatively assessed using mind mapping software and cognitively summarised. Advantages of registering with the Scheme include that CCS principles are applied on all projects anyway, CCS has improved the image of construction sites, CCS is good for the image of the construction industry overall, CCS sets new standards, CCS is good for CSR and, CCS improves relationships with external stakeholders. Disadvantages of registering with the Scheme include having to pay to be a member, the site inspections are varied, the scoring is inconsistent, the CCS is very subjective, you have to pay a lot of money to improve the image of the site, the assessors do not understand the preparation work involved, and there is too much emphasis on irrelevant activities, to gain a high score. The key contribution of this research illustrates many positive and negative attributes, identifying six advantages and seven disadvantages from a contractor's perspective, of registering construction sites with the Considerate Constructors Scheme.