Chard Regeneration site ‘A shining example of best practice’
Photo: Project Manager Rich Monk
Chard Leisure Centre, part of Somerset District Council’s Chard Regeneration Scheme, has received recognition for the project team’s commitment to being a ‘considerate constructor’.
The project, which is undergoing a major investment and refurbishment programme, was highlighted during a visit from the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) as a, “shining example of best practice.”
The site, which is voluntarily registered with the national CCS scheme by main contractor, Speller Metcalfe, is marked across five key areas: site appearance, community, environment, safety and workforce.
Achieving an overall score of 43 out of 50 for their first site visit, the project was marked as ‘excellent’ or ‘exceptional’ in all areas, with the visiting CCS monitor highlighting safety measures implemented to support workers during the coronavirus pandemic as, “particularly worthy of note, as it is clear safety related issues are of paramount importance to Speller Metcalfe.”
As well as COVID-19 measures, the team was also recognised for their commitment to improving mental health in the workforce, which has been a company-wide campaign since 2017 when it was announced that the suicide rate for construction workers in the UK is three times the national average.
“It is fantastic to receive this recognition for our Chard Leisure Centre project team, especially having scored so highly in every category,” said Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe.
“Since March we have all had to adapt to new ways of working, and the Chard team led by our Project Manager, Rich Monk – alongside all our Speller Metcalfe sites – have been working tirelessly to ensure we are meeting and where possible exceeding CCS standards, with the mental and physical health & safety of our workforce and the wider community our top priority.”
Councillor Jason Baker, portfolio holder for Chard Regeneration, said: “We are really proud that the contractors working at the Regeneration site, Speller Metcalfe, have achieved such a highly respectable score and are considered a shining example of best practice. It shows that as an organisation, South Somerset District Council really values how contractors operate and this is highly considered when tendering and procuring contracts.”
The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a not-for-profit, independent organisation founded to raise standards in the construction industry. Construction sites, companies and suppliers voluntarily register with the Scheme and agree to abide by the Code of Considerate Practice, designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements.
The leisure centre project, which once complete will include a five-lane swimming pool, learner pool, café, soft play area and gym, is due to complete towards the end of 2021.