Whitepaper: Rethinking Construction

Rethinking Construction Report is the 1998 report of the Construction Task Force to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, on the scope for improving the quality and efficiency of UK construction.

We outline below the introductory paragraph from Sir John Egan to this groundbreaking report. If you would like to download the full ReThinking Construction report then continue to the link below.

Sir John gave an update on his report for Asite at the Rethinking Construction Update Event on 4 October 2006, Great Eastern Hotel, London. If you would like to read more about this event, then please go to the News and Event section of this website.

Deputy Prime Minister

"It gives me great pleasure to present the report of the Construction Task Force on the scope for improving quality and efficiency in UK construction. A successful construction industry is essential to us all. we all benefit from high quality housing, hospitals or transport infrastructure that are constructed efficiently. At its best the UK construction industry displays excellence. But, there is no doubt that substantial improvements in quality and efficiency are possible. Indeed, they are vital if the industry is to satisfy all its customers and reap the benefits of becoming a world leader. The Construction Task Force wishes to see the dramatic improvements already being demonstrated on client-led projects spread throughout UK construction.

In formulating our proposals for improving performance we have studied the experience that has been gained at the cutting edge of construction and in other industries that have transformed themselves in recent years. We have learnt that continuous and sustained improvement is achievable if we focus all our efforts on delivering the value that our customers need, and if we are prepared to challenge the waste and poor quality arising from our existing structures and working practices.

We know that it is not easy to sustain radical improvement in an industry as diverse as construction. But, we must do so to secure our future. Through the Task Force, the major clients have committed themselves to driving forward the modernisation of the construction industry. We look to Government, as the largest client, to join us. But, we are also issuing a challenge to the construction industry to commit itself to change, so that, working together, we can create a modern industry, ready to face the new millennium."

Sir John Egan
Chairman of the Construction Task Force

Click here to view the Rethinking Construction Report*.

*Please Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document. If you do not have a copy visit the Adobe web site for your free download.