Writing a Great Method Statement for Your Construction Business

If your business is looking to win work in the construction sector, you might not realise how important a method statement can be. A clear, comprehensive method statement demonstrates that you understand the project, can deliver the work safely, and comply with all necessary regulations. In short, it strengthens your bid and builds trust with clients.

Having worked extensively in construction and bid writing, I know how much a great method statement can influence the outcome of a project. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about creating clear, structured and effective method statements, walking through what to include and the common mistakes to avoid.

What Is a Construction Method Statement?

A method statement is a document that explains how a specific task or project will be carried out safely, to a high standard, and in compliance with any regulations. When working with construction businesses, this will include details on the sequence of work, the tools and materials required, and the safety measures that will be put in place. Its purpose is to ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of what will happen, who will carry out each task and when.

This document is a core part of tender responses too. Effective method statements often form part of quality-related procurement questions. Here at Thornton & Lowe, we’ve previously put together a guide to common quality questions for method statements. This guide explains how public-sector tenders evaluate these statements, and shows how clarity, compliance and structure can make the difference in winning bids.

How to Structure a Construction Method Statement

When I create a construction method statement, I follow a clear and consistent structure. This makes it easy for anyone reading it to quickly understand how the project will be delivered.

A simple structure that you can use includes:

• Basic project details, such as name and location
• A scope of works that defines what is and isn’t included, helping to prevent ambiguity (and avoid unnecessary follow-up questions)
• Listing all responsible personnel, including the site team, supervisors and management, to give evaluators confidence in your delivery structure
• The order in which the tasks will be completed (known as a sequence of works), which you can support with timelines or flow diagrams
• Requirements, certifications and inspection records related to the plant, tools and equipment
• Details of the materials you’ll use, as well as how they’ll be sourced, managed and maintained
• Explanations of how you’ll manage safe entry and exit for workers, vehicles and equipment (access and egress)
• Waste disposal and housekeeping, to outline how you’ll maintain a safe and clean site
• Emergency arrangements, including procedures for incidents and key emergency contacts
• Environmental considerations, showing that you’ve taken into account how to minimise your impact (e.g. through dust control or noise management)
• Health and Safety measures, aligned with your risk assessments to show that you’ve taken a joined-up approach

In my experience, this structure helps to make the document clear and easy to reference during a tender submission. Our team of expert bid writers will take a similar approach when helping clients put together winning bids. A logical, well-laid-out method statement will always score higher than one that feels rushed or disorganised.

Tailoring a Method Statement

Every site is different, and I never treat a construction method statement as a one-size-fits-all document. While having a library of existing content can be a useful starting point, don’t make the mistake of simply copying and pasting from one bid to another.

By tailoring my method statement to each specific project, it makes it easier for everyone on site to understand their responsibilities and follow agreed processes. Being clear at this stage helps to save time and reduce mistakes further down the line, as well as building trust with clients. Below, I’ll break down some key questions to ask when writing an effective method statement.

Who Is Your Audience?

Think carefully about who will be reading your method statement. A principal contractor, a site operative and a client representative might all use the same document, but they’ll look for different things.

I aim to make the language accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical background. If I know the audience well, I can decide whether to go into greater technical detail or to focus more on practical steps and visuals. The goal is to make the method statement useful to each person who picks it up.

What Are the Project Requirements?

When putting together a method statement, I start by looking closely at the requirements for the project, including the exact scope of work, the site conditions and any specific client needs. This helps me address risks that are unique to that project rather than relying on generic statements.

Is the Method Statement Aligned with Risk Assessments?

When I prepare a method statement for construction businesses, I always align it with the risk assessments for that job. This ensures that any necessary control measures, such as PPE or traffic management, are spelled out clearly and understood by site operatives, supervisors and any external stakeholders. This makes them especially valuable when competing for contracts where safety, compliance and quality are evaluated as part of the tender process.

Have You Defined Key Responsibilities?

Clear responsibility assignments reduce the chance of delays or mistakes. Whether it’s a site supervisor, plant operator or subcontractor, I always identify each role, and outline their duties within the method statement. This makes accountability visible and helps everyone understand who is responsible for each stage of the work.

Have You Considered Safety and Compliance?

Every method statement I prepare is developed with safety and compliance at its core. I check that it aligns with current health and safety legislation, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. Where relevant, I reference required permits, planned inspections or specialist training.

This level of detail not only helps to keep everyone safe but also demonstrates a professional approach that can make a difference in competitive tenders.

Top Tips for Writing a Construction Method Statement

When putting together a successful method statement, it’s crucial to think about how the document is written and presented. Here are some top tips:

• Avoid jargon: Just because you understand what an acronym or term means doesn’t mean that the person reading will. Use clear, everyday language so the document is easy to follow for all readers.
• Keep it readable: Use short sentences, bullet points and headings. These make technical points easier to follow and the document simpler to read.
• Use visuals: Method statements can often refer to complex tasks. You can make these clearer by incorporating diagrams, photos and flowcharts.
• Be specific: Avoid generic phrases and make sure that your details relate to the exact site and scope of the project.

Review and Approval

Before a construction method statement is complete, it needs to go through a proper review and approval process. This is an opportunity to make sure that the document is accurate and complete before submission. I make sure the review is carried out by someone with the right expertise for the job, whether that’s a Site Manager, Health and Safety Advisor or a Project Engineer familiar with the scope.

During the review, I ask the reviewer to check not only that the technical details are correct, but that the instructions are realistic for the conditions on site. This is often where small but important changes are identified, such as clarifying the order of steps or adjusting a control measure to suit the space available.

Once the review is complete, the method statement is signed, dated and approved. I keep a record of this sign-off so that, if needed, I can show evidence of due diligence to the client or to a regulatory body. I also schedule periodic reviews if the project will run for several months. This allows the method statement to evolve alongside changes in scope, personnel or site conditions, ensuring it stays accurate and useful.

Making It Site-Ready

A well-written method statement only has value if it can be accessed and used by the people who need it. That’s why I focus on making it “site-ready” from the moment it’s approved. I produce both printed copies for the site office or welfare area and digital versions that can be accessed on tablets or phones. This way, no one is left without the information.

I also make sure the method statement is stored in a place where it’s easy to find. If updates are issued, I replace older versions immediately and communicate the changes to the team. In my experience, this proactive approach keeps the document relevant and prevents outdated information from being used. A method statement that is visible, current and understood becomes a working tool for safety and efficiency, not just a file in the background.

Expert Support for Construction Method Statements

A construction method statement shows exactly how I plan to deliver work safely, efficiently and in line with the client’s expectations. When it’s written well, it’s a living document that guides the project, reassures stakeholders and stands up to scrutiny if challenged.

A strong method statement can make the difference to the outcome of a tender. It reflects preparation, attention to detail and a professional approach to managing risk. These are qualities that decision-makers look for, whether the work is for a small refurbishment or a large-scale infrastructure project.

If you want to strengthen your tender submissions, refine your method statements or ensure your documentation meets the highest standards, our bid management services can help you put forward a compelling, compliant and confident bid.