Constructing Excellence’s Performance Measurement Working Group met on 25 June 2026 for a detailed discussion on how major clients are using performance data to drive improvement across the construction sector, with a spotlight presentation from Andrew Blackett, Supply Performance Lead at National Highways.
The session brought together members from across client, contractor, consultancy, academic and supply chain organisations to share practice on metrics, data collection and performance improvement. Chaired by Simon Cross, the group’s purpose is to help the sector make better use of performance measurement by aligning approaches, strengthening KPI capability and supporting more consistent use of data.
Key takeaways:
- National Highways is using performance measurement to connect strategic priorities with supplier delivery, aligning its supply chain activity to outcomes such as safety, journey reliability, resilience, environmental responsibility, user needs and efficient delivery.
- Data quality and consistency remain major challenges, particularly when collecting information through complex supply chains on areas such as embodied carbon, incident response, maintenance performance and supplier payment practices.
- Greater cross-sector alignment is needed, shared metrics, clearer standards and collaborative frameworks could help clients and suppliers use performance data more effectively.
National Highways’ approach provided a practical example of performance measurement at scale. As the organisation responsible for England’s motorways and major A roads, it operates in a complex environment shaped by public accountability, ageing infrastructure, customer expectations, environmental commitments and the need to demonstrate efficient use of public money. Its performance is monitored against outcome areas that include safety, journey reliability, network resilience, environmental responsibility, user needs and efficient delivery.
Andrew explained how these high-level objectives are translated into supplier performance expectations through National Highways’ collaborative performance framework. Rather than treating measurement as a purely compliance-driven activity, the framework aims to support conversations with suppliers about what is being measured, why it matters and how performance can be improved over time.
The discussion highlighted the practical challenges of collecting reliable data through complex supply chains. Carbon measurement was explored in detail, including the difficulty of capturing embodied carbon from principal contractors and their extended supply chains. Members noted the importance of agreed standards, clear definitions, auditability and realistic contractual expectations if data is to be useful rather than burdensome.
The group also discussed the role of digital tools, including dashboards and automated data sources, alongside the continuing need for human interpretation and assurance. Andrew described the challenge of reconciling data from multiple systems, regions and incident sources, reflecting the wider issue many large organisations face in joining up performance information.
A recurring theme was the need for greater consistency across government and major clients. While there is developing collaboration between organisations such as National Highways, HS2, Network Rail, Transport for London, the Department for Transport and the Cabinet Office, members recognised that shared approaches to metrics and data collection remain an evolving area.
The meeting concluded with an update on the group’s forthcoming paper on how to performance measure. The paper will set out practical guidance on aligning strategic objectives, defining measures, collecting data through delivery partners and creating consistent performance frameworks. The group will continue to invite organisations to share their approaches, building a richer picture of how performance measurement can support better outcomes across the built environment.
