Context

In an increasingly tough financial environment, highways expenditure is under pressure.  The highways industry as a whole, ie public and private sectors, need to do everything possible to continue to deliver and to improve services to the public in innovative and more efficient ways.  With national value for money targets in place, but no individual authority or service targets, the responsibility to deliver improvements to services and to achieve value for money cashable efficiencies lies with Councils and highway authorities.

Construction is one of the major areas of expenditure in CSR07 and highways is a significant area within construction. It is acknowledged in the industry that there are efficiency gains which can be achieved through changes in culture, procurement and processes.

Delivery Mechanisms

HELGs main deliverable is advice and influence, based on joint work by member organisations.   Member organisations are well placed to develop advice and to encourage improving practice in the industry to release efficiencies and improve services.

The main delivery mechanisms so far have been through the goodwill and interest of member organisations to champion efficiency.

Key to future delivery will be access to the knowledge of members, their support, and brokerage of advice. Brokerage will involve working with member organisations to understand their programmes, links with national support and advice requirements, and achieving a wider purpose by working together.

HELG Activities

HELG's main activities are in developing and providing advice and information to the highways industry and in promoting new and innovative practices.

HELG has developed a portal style website which includes the latest Highways Efficiency Toolkit, see the Knowledge Bank tab on the main menu.

HELG also endorses events and publications that are consistent with its aim.  Examples include:

• Surveyor Highways Efficiency Conferences in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
• National Highways and Transportation survey
• Selected Publications by member organisations
• HELG topic factsheets