Considerate Constructors Scheme launches updated checklist & scoring model to strengthen standards across community, environment & workforce

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has today launched a strengthened, modernised checklist and scoring model, introducing a clearer and more consistent framework for assessing responsible construction across the UK and Ireland.

This evolution of the checklist guided by extensive consultation with contractors, monitors, clients and subject matter experts, and further strengthened through testing with a pilot project, 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 under the Scheme each year.

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.

Desiree Blamey, Managing Director for Considerate Constructors Scheme, 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.”

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.

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 scored as not met, partially met or fully met
Minimum conformance baselines introduced
More meaningful differentiation between sites, enabling continuous improvement

2026 CCS Checklist Update – Practical Walk‑Through for Site Managers

New priority actions and stronger focus

Mental health support
Skin cancer awareness
Environmental incident readiness
Right‑to‑work verification
Supply Chain Collaboration
Skills gap & 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