SC21: Strengthening performance for UK growth
The SC21 programme provides flexible and structured support to raise your quality and delivery performance. Built on nearly 20 years of success, it is trusted and recognised by leading Primes and OEMs in the aerospace, defence, security and space supply chains. Get started now
Driving competitive advantage through operational excellence
SC21 is a key driver of business success, offering a clear and practical continuous improvement framework that enables your organisation to develop greater efficiency and productivity and become more competitive.
The programme is flexible enough to be used by companies in any sector and for manufacturers and service providers.
Improvement and Community are central to success with assessments and resources developed to gain insight and provide knowledge to support growth.
As well as a free Baseline Maturity Assessment, participants can undertake a more detailed performance review with a practitioner; helping to clarify priorities, evolve strategy and build knowledge to strengthen leadership and embed learning across every stage of the improvement journey.
Either assessment can be used to develop a bespoke Continuous Sustainable Improvement Plan (CSIP), an evidence-based approach to identifying your strategic priorities, tracking actions and driving change and is a crucial part of the SC21 programme.
When your performance reaches specific levels of excellence, evidenced by the CSIP, you will be eligible for a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
SC21 Process
Insight to drive improvement
Meaningful growth starts with analysing current performance.
To help you take that first step, our FREE assessment tools can evaluate your progress in areas such as competitiveness and ESG and provide a detailed report on how to improve.
Through this knowledge you can create a roadmap for success, identifying quick wins and prioritising other areas that require more focus.
A guide to GHG reporting for aerospace and defence SMEs
Measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is foundational for a sustainable future. This comprehensive guide provides practical insights, step by step instructions and a worked example for both mandatory and voluntary GHG reporting.
View reportSocial Value in Defence
The MoD, ADS and industry partners, have created a Social Value 101 guide to show ‘What good looks like’ for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector when undertaking Government procurement procedures.
View reportAccess to finance services in the UK
ADS and UK Finance have collaborated on an Access to Finance Guide: aiming to ensure defence and security businesses have the tools and knowledge they need to innovate, scale and grow.
View reportNews, insights and upcoming events
Improvement Resources
From handy guides, webinars and events, our specialist resources give you the tools to transform efficiency and grow sustainably. Competitiveness is themed on Competitive Strategy and Management Systems; NPI & Lifecycle Management; Operations and Supply Chain. Additional modules, including Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG); and Digital and Cybersecurity are also available. Find out more
Recognising success in your SC21 journey
By embracing SC21 your organisation will start to achieve higher levels of maturity and performance which can be recognised by the attainment of a Bronze, Silver or Gold award. These awards are independently assessed and recognised by Primes and OEMs. Celebrate progress and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement. View moreFAQs
What am I compelled to do in SC21?
The only mandatory part of SC21 is the production of a Continuous Sustainable Improvement Plan (CSIP). SC21 is an improvement programme and it is the CSIP that demonstrates your commitment to improvement by linking it to your business strategy.
How much does it cost to join SC21?
It costs nothing to join SC21 and there are free assessments, tools and resources that we encourage you to use. You can continue using these free tools for as long as you wish. The only mandatory part of SC21 is an improvement plan. In order to make sure you are still ‘active’ and committed to the process, we will ask you to send us your CSIP, or complete the free assessment on an annual basis.
If you go deeper into SC21, such as with the deeper Performance Review there are some elements where you need help from 3rd party consultants which will require payment. Costs would be negotiated directly with them.
Who decides how much improvement activity I do, and how fast I do it?
You choose how you progress. Each participant is unique and SC21 provides a bespoke improvement route through the CSIP that you develop. We do not tell you how much you must improve or by when. It is flexible and directed by you. If circumstances or market volatility change, you can speed up or slow down as required.
Am I joining an existing community of like-minded companies?
Yes, the SC21 programme office circulates regular updates offering business and training opportunities. You will be invited to free training activities and events and encourages the use of free online resources.
