National Highway Sector Schemes (NHSS) Review - Implementation Phase 3

National Highways is seeking support to implement Phase 3 of its review of National Highway Sector Schemes (NHSS) and Quality Management Schemes for site-based activities. This follows Phase 1 (2023-2024) which concluded that National Highways should continue requiring Quality Management Schemes for relevant activities while reducing reliance on NHSS by name to enable equivalent schemes. Phase 2 (2024) validated this direction and identified key implementation needs: establishing clear documented rationale for scheme requirements by activity type, strengthening procurement checks beyond certificate verification, and implementing consistent on-the-ground assurance practices. Phase 3 will address these findings through workstreams covering internal awareness building, risk-based scheme specification aligned to specific activities, enhanced procurement criteria, and strengthened assurance mechanisms. Suppliers and service providers with expertise in quality management systems, highways certification, risk assessment, and assurance frameworks are invited to support implementation of these improvements to ensure consistent application of quality standards across National Highways' contracted activities.