Bespoke research services

Successful construction projects demonstrate success and save time by following good practice in planning, by using accurate relevant data and setting the right standards and targets.

Referring to the right research helps improve the quality and efficiency of project management, provides stakeholder confidence, saves time and money and addresses the issues that make the difference between success and failure.

At ConstructionSkills our job is to build and share skills intelligence;, making sure our customers and industry stakeholders benefit from each other’s experience to deliver positive and profitable outcomes.

Utilising our bespoke research service can make this happen.

Why ConstructionSkills?

ConstructionSkills has a range of unique tools, data, research and forecasting techniques that provide targeted research solutions relating to skills and employment needs. As the Sector Skills Council for construction we’ve establish years’ of expertise in all areas of the industry and established an unrivalled knowledge and network of experts. Plus we have access to unique data.

Who should use bespoke research services?

Those responsible for construction and infrastructure programmes and related training or assessing economic benefits. Also, construction contractors and clients who are purchasing construction. That includes local authorities and public sector organisations who procure construction and need to demonstrate community benefits such as links to generating employment and skills locally.

How we’ll help and advise you

Initially a researcher will discuss your requirement and meet with you to establish the outputs and outcomes you are addressing. A range of solutions will be offered but you’ll normally receive an accessible relevant report and recommendations including an evidence base upon which to make important decisions, based on national and local information and analysis

We will offer recommendations in support of project related decision making as well as follow-up support and consultation.

Where we can add benefit?

The simple answer is that research helps reduce risk and ensures projects are defined according to accurate and relevant information, aiding good decision making. Research utilises:

• The Construction Skills Network (CSN) model, providing unique labour coefficients developed for seven industry sub-sectors to forecast detailed regional and national skills needs
• up-to-date detailed analysis of the regional economic issues effecting construction
• production of construction output and employment forecasts to 2020
• the uniquely capable Labour Forecasting Tool, delivering skills profiles for construction projects
• real-time pictures of construction projects competing for skills in your region
• workforce mobility data, defining how each profession follows projects and employment around the UK
• data and analysis on the supply of workforce skills and training for each ‘type’ and level (only accessible to Sector Skills Councils).

Assurance and competencies

Research services are provided by a dedicated team of specialists. The team draws on a national network of experts and unique sets of audited data and international benchmarks on all aspects of construction projects. Established for 20 years, the team supports CITB-ConstructionSkills in its roles as an Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council and has exceptional technical and project competencies. Researchers all have Market Research Society and Social Research Association qualifications and the Research Manager is a member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

What ConstructionSkills research clients say

Dozens of construction related initiatives have benefited from the insight, assurance and guidance provided by our insight.

“In these times of change when we are looking for value, quality and impact it is important that we maximise the benefit of any investment. This is best supported by rigorous research that enables evidence based decisions to be made. An example of this is the use of Labour Market Information provided by CITB-ConstructionSkills to predict investment by universities in education and training for the construction industry. This ensures that the pipeline of talent is maintained so that the investment in construction announced by the government can be delivered through a suitably qualified workforce.”

Professor Barry Clarke, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds and Senior Vice President, Institute of Civil Engineers

"The research provided by CITB-ConstructionSkills has been invaluable in gaining a better understanding of the dynamics affecting the construction sector in Wales. The detailed research has helped prioritise the work of the Forum and target our activity to best effect.”

Chris Hughes, Executive Director of the Welsh Built Environment Forum (Welsh Assembly Government)

“I really value the Construction Skills Network quantitative analysis produced through the ConstructionSkills Research Team on the construction industry’s future skills needs. Their independent economic model uses feedback from industry experts, so we no longer have to rely on gut reactions and individual experiences. This also makes assessing long-term trends much easier.”

John Laverty, Institute of Civil Engineers Regional Director South East