Unlocking productivity through a 'zero-error' culture

GIRI board members Jack Smith from Platform and Duncan Aspin from VolkerStevin presented at UK Construction Week this month, drawing strong interest from across the industry in their session on building a zero-error culture.

The presentation explored what a zero-error culture really means, why it matters, and how it delivers real value by eliminating waste caused by error. Offering both client and contractor perspectives, Jack and Duncan highlighted the growing recognition across the sector that reducing error is a fundamental driver of productivity and performance. 

GIRI research suggests that the financial cost of error as up to 25% of project cost, or up to £25 billion per year.  Jack and Duncan also explored the human and reputational cost of error caused by disasters such as the Grenfell Tower fire and the Carmont train derailment.

Jack Smith said: “From a developer’s perspective, eliminating error isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s fundamental to unlocking value and reputation.”

He explored the top ten root causes of error, including inadequate planning and poor communication.

Duncan explained how GIRI’s guidance and training is supporting the industry to develop a stronger quality culture where right-first-time delivery is prioritised. He shared VolkerStevin’s experience of training over 400 individuals across the organisation in error reduction to improve culture and behaviours.

Duncan said: “A zero-error culture is about doing what we already do, but better, more consistently, and with greater focus.”

If you would like to invite a GIRI expert to speak at your event, contact press@getitright.uk.com.