National Highways Sector Scheme 18 for the Natural Environment and Landscape, including Ecology for Infrastructure.
The National Highways Sector Scheme 18 (NHSS18) is the customised management system for landscaping and the environment (including ecology) and is a mandatory requirement for all contractors working for Highways England and other infrastructure providers.
NHSS18 reflects requirements embodied in EN IS09001:2015 Quality Management system with specific relevance to Landscape Construction and Maintenance, Arboriculture, Application and Management of Pesticides, Amenity, Ecology and Environmental Management and Countryside Management.
The scheme aims to ensure that Organisations working on roads have a trained and competent workforce. Sector Schemes are designed to provide an industry benchmark, ensuring all processes are planned and demonstrate continually improving standards, promoting confidence in quality management systems by the provision of a robust and transparent system.
How to obtain accreditation?
Initially, you will need to familiarise yourself with the scheme document, which can be found on the NHSS18 Schedule of Suppliers website. An updated version of Appendix S can be downloaded from this page. Please note this document is advisory and is subject to change but is seen as best practice.
Accreditation can be achieved through one of the following UKAS Registered Certification Bodies:
| UKAS Registered Certification Body | Address | Tel | |
| Exova BM TRADA | Stocking Ln Hughenden Valley High Wycombe HP14 4ND |
+44(0)14 9456 9745 | cert.admin@exova.com |
| BSI (British Standards Institutions) | Kitemark Court Davy Avenue Knowlhill Milton Keynes MK5 8PP |
+44(0)34 5080 9000 | mk.customerservices@bsigroup.com |
| Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) | Trinity Park 1 Bickenhill Ln Birmingham B37 7ES |
+44(0)80 0783 2179 | enquiries@lrqa.co.uk |
| Alcumus ISOQUAR Ltd | 1 Cobra Court Blackmore Road Stretford Manchester M32 0QY |
+44(0)16 1866 6186 | certification_sales@alcumusgroup.com |
| SGS United Kingdom Limited | Rossmore Business Park; Ellesmere Port South Wirral Cheshire CH65 3EN |
+44(0)07 8258 53752 | ukenquiries@sgs.com |
This list is not exhaustive but you must only use a UKAS Registered Certification Body (CB). Advice on the current accreditation status of certification bodies should be sought directly from UKAS by calling +44(0)17 8442 9000.
The Schedule of Suppliers list for NHSS18 will give you information on who is registered and for which parts of the document.