Monday, March 16, 2009

Considerate Contractor Award Scheme

Bethell Power Services, part of the Bethell Group, has recently signed up to the Considerate Contractor Award Scheme with West Lothian Council.  Bethell Power Services has a substantial operating base in West Lothian to service a number of projects for Scottish Power Energy.

The Considerate Contractor code of practice is designed to maintain the highest standards when companies carry out any work on roads and footpaths, ensuring that West Lothian remains a “Centre of Roadworks Excellence”.

Work is inspected both by Council teams and lay assessors with all results being fed into a monthly performance table.  For three consecutive months – since joining the scheme – Bethell has received an “excellent” rating.

Said Dave Thompson, planning manager for the Bethell Power Services Scottish Power contract:  “We are delighted to have received such positive results but we are not in the least complacent.  We have all got to work extremely hard and particularly remain focused on health and safety, quality and demonstrating an understanding of residents’ needs when working on their doorstep.  Feedback from the public has proved to be invaluable and we are keeping our eyes firmly on the need for continuous improvement across the board.”

The code of practice includes the efficiency of informing customers before work starts, the identification of work on site, safety and protection of works in progress, courtesy and consideration for the general public, protection of the environment, maintaining quality, staff training and the sequence and method of working.

Jim Forbes, utilities officer for roadworks at West Lothian Council added:  “The Considerate Contractor Code of Practice is very exacting and contractors who sign up to it have to be focused and dedicated to achieve the highest standards.  Anyone who doesn’t perform adequately is liable to censure and will, if they fail to improve sufficiently, lose their place on our approved contractors list and face other consequences. Conversely, those contractors who consistently perform well will be commended and their contribution highlighted in an annual awards event. 

“Assessments are carried out by West Lothian Council Roads Network staff and also Considerate Contractor Assessors who include serving councillors and members of the public.  The results provide a random snapshot of the job and, over time, build up to form a vibrant picture of the contractor and the way in which he works.”

Results for 2008-2009 will be announced on 29 May.