The assessment drew on the work of our highways projects, with National Highways awarding a maximum score of 28/28.
The Gold Standard is an evidence-based assessment, which determines how closely our commercial, procurement, risk management and economic crime processes strategically align with those of National Highways. This involved all of our highways projects, including A428, M42 J6, A46 and Lower Thames Crossing (LTC).
The assessment covers how our supply chain are selected, assessed and performance managed through delivery – including commercial reporting and risk management. It also includes evidence of social value and sustainability.
Andrew Stephenson, Procurement Director at National Highways said: "The National Highways Gold Standard was developed in 2022 and is aimed at increasing the commercial and procurement maturity of our supply chain.
"Skanska has been successful in demonstrating their alignment to all of our assessment criteria which focuses on evidencing best practice approaches across key areas such as strategic procurement; subcontractor performance management, demand and operational planning as well as contracting strategy.
"Suppliers need to meet all requirements within the assessment to achieve Gold status so this is no small task and ultimately results in a more mature, capable and resilient supply chain.”
Skanska’s Head of Procurement Phil Cash said: "It’s been a two-year journey for us to reach this award, starting with supporting National Highways with their original pilot scheme in 2022. To achieve 100%, which is the requirement for Gold Standard across nine different focus areas, is an incredible achievement for Skanska.
"As it was an evidence-based assessment, it wasn’t good enough to say ‘this is what we do’. We had to prove we were doing it with examples across our highways sector, which met the 'excellence' standard, and showing we have robust policies and processes as a wider UK business.
"There are procedural benefits Skanska will now be able to explore with National Highways due to the level of alignment gained from the award."
Jason Gostling, Highways Operations Director added: "It’s a fantastic achievement that demonstrates the depth of talent we have in the business, and commitment to delivering the very best project outcomes.
"It also demonstrates to National Highways that we are a trusted partner, which sets the right culture and approach to creating integrated and collaborative teams with our supply chain partners.
"We are now very much focused on delivering the Gold Standard requirements, while sharing learning across the business."