How ODGroup exceeds Considerate Constructors Scheme standards.
By Mia Cherry
Social Value Advisor
What is the Considerate Constructors Scheme?
The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) is a national initiative that champions higher standards across the construction industry.
Through a defined Code of Considerate Practice, the scheme sets clear expectations for responsible and respectful behaviour on site. Projects that register with the scheme are visited by independent monitors and scored against a detailed checklist under three key pillars:
- Respect the community.
- Care for the environment.
- Value the workforce.
Monitors provide a report and score (out of 45), helping constructors understand how well their practices align with industry-leading standards.
Delivering above the standard.
At ODGroup, we consistently exceed national CCS benchmarks, with our projects achieving an average score of 42/45, compared to the national average of 41/45.
Our standout performance includes a perfect 45/45 score on the Brunel Engine Shed, Grade II listed refurbishment for Buckinghamshire New University.
This achievement is a direct result of:
- Strong client collaboration.
- Deep community engagement.
- A unified and accountable site team.
How ODGroup delivers on CCS core values.
Respect the community
We believe that construction should enhance, not disrupt the communities in which it takes place. We align our community-facing actions with our internal Social Value Strategy, ensuring that every site leaves a positive, lasting impact.
Our commitments:
- Courteous, respectful behaviour from all operatives, including appropriate language and conduct in public-facing areas.
- Proactive engagement with neighbours and local organisations from project start to finish.
- Fundraising for a nominated local charity per site, including events throughout the project and continued engagement post-completion.
Practical actions:
- Weekly newsletters for neighbours and building occupants to minimise disruption.
- CCS posters with public contact details clearly displayed on site hoarding.
- CCS awareness built into all site inductions via dedicated slides and briefings.
- A live complaints register maintained and reviewed by the site team.
- Secure, controlled access points (e.g. turnstiles) for all operatives.
- Completion of CCS e-learning modules by every team member.
- Volunteering days dedicated to our nominated charity partners.
- Site visits and open days for apprentices and local college students to promote careers in construction.
- QR-coded local guides on site to promote small businesses in the area.
- Ongoing alignment with the client team to ensure a united approach to community impact.
Care for the environment.
We take environmental responsibility seriously, embedding sustainability into every project. Our dedicated in-house sustainability team works closely with site teams to drive best practice across waste management, carbon reduction, and resource efficiency.
Our commitments:
- Educating site teams on environmental impacts and sustainable practices.
- Transparent tracking of waste and emissions through digital platforms.
- Appointing a Sustainability Champion on every site to drive accountability.
Practical actions:
- Waste and carbon footprint tracking via SustainIQ, covering deliveries, travel miles, and energy use.
- Inclusion of environmental risk in each Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP).
- Site inductions include tailored environmental content.
- Display of ISO 14001 certification on all sites.
- Regular toolbox talks on environmental themes.
- Sustainability noticeboards outlining targets and KPIs.
- Bulk deliveries to reduce transport emissions.
- Monthly meter readings to monitor energy and water consumption.
Value the workforce.
A safe, supported, and inclusive workforce is fundamental to project success. We create environments that promote physical safety, mental wellbeing, and equal opportunity.
Our commitments:
- Promoting mental health awareness at all levels, including training for senior leaders.
- Ensuring fair access to facilities, equipment, and support services.
- Fostering a culture of appreciation and respect across diverse site teams.
Practical actions:
- Monthly compliance and appreciation awards with gift vouchers for outstanding operatives.
- Designated Wellbeing Officers on site to provide personal and professional support.
- Inclusive welfare spaces with accessible changing rooms and facilities.
- Promotion of diversity and inclusion through posters, talks, and daily practice.
- Inclusive PPE for all sizes and genders.
- Free fruit available weekly alongside ‘Fruit of the week’ posters with health tips and recipes.
- Regular cleaning of canteens and welfare areas to maintain hygiene.
- Display of ISO 45001 health & safety certification.
- Provision of prayer rooms and accessible female facilities, including sanitary products.
- Display of mental health and wellbeing support numbers in site toilets.
Setting a new standard.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is more than a badge of compliance for us, it’s a framework for delivering industry-leading construction with purpose. It underpins our ESG strategy and drives continual improvement across every site, project, and partnership.
Our ambition is to make CCS standards the default across all ODGroup sites, registered or not, setting a new internal benchmark for responsible, inclusive, and sustainable construction.
