Pilot project to create a quality metric

The CLC is working with Cranfield University in partnership with the “Get It Right Initiative” (GIRI) to run a pilot project which aims to establish a quality metric as a viable alternative to the withholding of cash retentions as a form of insurance against defects.

Clients and contractors are invited to take part in the pilot project and help test the proof of concept for this innovative work. It takes previously successful data gathering schemes used to address health and safety concerns and late payment as its inspiration.

The practice of cash retentions originated as a means of providing security against defects in instances where quality of work in the industry remains inconsistent. However, retentions can be problematic for all parties in the supply chain due to late, partial or non-payment or permanently lost through upstream insolvency.

The industry needs to improve quality of work and develop mechanisms to support this. Both clients and contractors have indicated that quality of work is one of the main obstacles to achieving the industry ambition of zero retentions in construction contracts by 2025. This is an opportunity to unlock potential solutions.

Participation in the pilot is simple and can be done via a short survey which requires a small amount of data for a completed project. All information will be treated in a confidential manner and used solely for research purposes.

The survey can be found here. Participants can submit up data for up to ten projects.

GIRI FAQS are provided and the CLC would be happy to provide any further information on the pilot and how data will be used. Please contact here.