Performance management of construction suppliers and consultants

Information about performance reviews process for contractors, consultants and schools.

Level of compliance Main audience Other

Inform

  • Project Managers
  • Construction suppliers
  • Construction consultants
  • Ministry’s Project Delivery Managers
  • School Property Advisors
  • School boards
  • Principals and Tumuaki

If you are a construction supplier or consultant, you will be required to undergo performance reviews with us. Performance reviews are arranged between the Ministry and the supplier based on the current project stage, with a minimum requirement of one review per year. Performance reviews enable the Ministry to understand how our suppliers are performing and how we can improve our processes and systems as Ministry.

About performance management

We value the work that our construction suppliers provide to help us deliver quality learning environments in schools across New Zealand.

As part of being a good customer, and part of our commitment as a signatory to the Construction Sector Accord, we strive to lift the performance of the construction sector and support our suppliers to continuously improve the services they provide in an open, transparent and collaborative way.

Effective performance management means that suppliers:

  • know what is expected of them
  • are supported to achieve the agreed expectations
  • are monitored and assessed on performance
  • are aware that if issues arise, we will aim to resolve them before escalation.

Performance reviews are required across a number of different services provided to the Ministry. We measure the performance based on the particular service you have offered for each individual project. We focus on how well you have performed in key deliverable areas such as:

  • health and safety
  • management
  • production. 

How the Ministry uses the performance results

Performance reviews enable the Ministry to understand how our suppliers are performing and how we can improve our processes and systems.

Each completed performance assessment builds the performance profile of any given supplier and enables both parties to identify areas where performance exceeds expectations or challenges have arisen, as well as trends and opportunities.

Over time, the Ministry will use this additional information to assist procurement decisions ensuring that suppliers and opportunities are awarded based on best fit and best performance.

Completing performance reviews

Ministry-led projects

For Ministry-led school property projects, performance assessments are completed by the Ministry of Education Delivery Manager for the project, with the most appropriate person from the supplier’s side, usually the Project Manager. Feedback from the Engineer to Contract, Design Review Panel and/or Construction Observer may also be included. These are the people most appropriate to complete the assessment as they work closely during a project, and will have the best understanding of the work undertaken.

Performance reviews are arranged between the Ministry and the supplier based on the current construction stage, with a minimum requirement of one review per year.

Performance reviews may take up to an hour depending on the project. The Ministry representative will lead the conversation and record the agreed marks and comments. Once a performance review has been completed and submitted, the supplier will receive a copy of the assessment.

School-led projects

For school-led projects, performance assessments will be completed by the Property Advisor for the project and the most suitable representative from the supplier’s side. Feedback from the school representative/ principal or other representative close to the project may also be included. This is important as they work closely together during a school-led project, and have an understanding of the work undertaken.

Performance reviews will be arranged between the Property Advisor and the supplier, with one assessment being completed per project. Performance reviews for school-led projects will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on the assessment. The Property Advisor will lead the performance conversation with the supplier. Once a performance review has been completed and submitted, the supplier will receive a copy in their emails.

Settling disagreements

We understand from time to time there will be a difference of opinion during performance reviews. If the supplier and Ministry of Education disagree on the result of the review, this will be recorded in the comments and escalated to a specialist team for moderation to ensure a fair outcome for both parties.

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