Paving machine applying new Kiwa tested asphalt on a highway under construction, surrounded by construction workers and vehicles, in a rural area

National Highways Sector Schemes (NHSS)

National Highways Sector Schemes (NHSS) are tailored quality management systems developed for organizations operating within the UK road network. These schemes extend the ISO 9001 standard by adding requirements specific to highways maintenance and construction, ensuring that all work is performed safely, efficiently, and to consistently high standards. Achieving NHSS certification confirms an organization’s competence and compliance, providing confidence to National Highways, local authorities, and the public that all activities meet rigorous professional benchmarks.

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What is the NHSS?

National Highways Sector Schemes (NHSS) are tailored management systems designed to adapt and enhance ISO 9001 specifically for the highways sector. These schemes are created collaboratively with key industry participants, such as National Highways, local authorities, certification bodies, and trade associations, to establish clear standards for best practices in the design, upkeep, and management of highway infrastructure. Each scheme is overseen by a technical advisory committee that includes representatives from across the sector, ensuring the requirements remain current, practical, and effective. Achieving NHSS certification demonstrates an organization’s ability to meet contractual and regulatory obligations, maintain skilled personnel and effective process controls, and uphold high standards in safety, environmental care, and ongoing improvement.

 

 Benefits of the Service

By achieving NHSS certification with Kiwa, your organisation benefits from:

  • Assured compliance with National Highways and local authority requirements.
  • Improved risk management, safety, and emergency preparedness.
  • Consistent quality and control across all processes and worksites.
  • Operational efficiency through structured systems and training.
  • Enhanced reputation as a trusted and qualified supplier.
  • Competitive advantage in bidding for public and private sector contracts.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and workforce competence.

 

Why Choose Kiwa?

As a UKAS-accredited and independent certification body, Kiwa is recognized for its expertise across the construction, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Clients benefit from assessors with specialized knowledge in highways operations, as well as the ability to integrate certification with ISO 9001 and other management systems. Kiwa’s approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and ongoing improvement, while its global network ensures international recognition. Choosing Kiwa means partnering with a trusted organization dedicated to supporting quality, safety, and long-term operational excellence.

Why the NHSS were developed

The schemes were created to provide:

  • A consistent benchmark for quality and safety across the highways sector.

 

  • Assurance that all processes are planned, controlled, and continually improved. 

 

  • A mechanism for reducing overall project costs through efficiency and reliability.

 

  • Confidence that personnel are trained, competent, and capable of delivering high-quality work.

 

  • A transparent framework for auditors and clients alike, promoting trust and accountability.

 

Which NHSS schemes are available?

Kiwa provides certification for a wide range of NHSS schemes, including but not limited to:

 

  • NHSS 2A: Design, supply, installation, and repair of fences for infrastructure works.

 

  • NHSS 2C: Design, supply, installation, and repair of environmental barriers.

 

  • NHSS 6: Minor structures.

 

  • NHSS 7: Application of road marking materials and road studs.

 

  • NHSS 8: Highway electrical equipment and supporting works.

 

  • NHSS 9A: Design, assembly, and provision of road traffic signs.

 

  • NHSS 10A/10B: Vehicle restraint systems.

 

  • NHSS 12A–12D: Temporary traffic management on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural/urban roads. 

 

  • NHSS 13: Surface treatments to road surfaces.

 

  • NHSS 16: Laying of asphalt mixes.

 

  • NHSS 17/17B: Vehicle recovery at highway construction sites and controlled roads. 

 

  • NHSS 18: Natural environment and landscape including ecology.

 

  • NHSS 19A: Corrosion protection of ferrous materials.

 

  • NHSS 23: Small-scale pavement repairs.

 

  • NHSS 30: Installation, maintenance, and repair of modular paving.

 

Each scheme aligns with the overarching requirements of ISO 9001, while addressing the technical and safety aspects specific to highways operations.

 

The certification process with Kiwa

    Define Scope and Assessment Plan

    The process starts with a thorough review of your organization, its operations, and the relevant National Highways Sector Schemes. Based on this assessment, Kiwa prepares a customized proposal and clearly outlines the scope of the certification process.

    Initial Certification Audit

    The certification audit is conducted in two stages:
    Stage 1: Evaluation of your management system documentation to confirm readiness, ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and NHSS requirements, and review legal obligations.
    Stage 2: On-site assessment where key processes and activities are sampled to verify practical implementation. After the audit, a detailed report is provided, along with an action plan if any improvements are needed

    Certification and Ongoing Surveillance

    Once all requirements are fulfilled, Kiwa issues the NHSS certificate, which is valid for three years. Ongoing compliance and continual improvement are maintained through annual surveillance audits, with a recertification audit taking place in the third year.

Why NHSS certification matters

For contractors and suppliers working under the Specification for Highways Works (SHW) or local authority contracts, NHSS certification is often a mandatory requirement.

The schemes help ensure:

  • Only qualified, competent organisations carry out highway works.

 

  • Quality and safety standards are consistent across the supply chain.

 

  • Public trust is maintained through transparent, auditable processes.

NHSS certification also strengthens your internal management approach — reducing risk, improving efficiency, and supporting compliance with broader ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.

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