Balfour Beatty VINCI, Clear Assured Framework, diversity, HS2, inclusion, UK,
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HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has been awarded the Clear Assured Gold standard accreditation for embedding best practices into all elements of its work.
HS2 Ltd set the standard when it achieved Platinum status – the only company in the UK to do so – in February 2021. Now its construction partners, and businesses within the wider supply chain, are being supported to achieve the same high standards across their recruitment practices and workplace environments.
“Almost 30,000 people are working on HS2, and we’ve made a steadfast commitment to ensuring our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that Britain’s new railway will serve,” says the Head of Legacy at HS2, Natalie Penrose.
“By striving to ensure that our working practices and construction sites are safe, inclusive, and responsive to individual’s needs, we’re making great waves in attracting more women and people from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups into our workforce,” says the Head of Legacy at HS2 Natalie Penrose.
The Clear Assured Framework is underpinned by a robust audit and evidence-based assessment process that examines all aspects of an organisation’s performance to ensure it embeds and promotes equality, diversity and inclusion (ED and I).
BBV has made significant strides in its commitment to the EDI agenda, having first achieved Bronze status in January 2021, Silver in October 2021 and Gold in October 2022.
“Achieving Gold accreditation recognises the foundations we have laid at Balfour Beatty VINCI since 2020. We hope it sends a clear message to those thinking about a career in the construction and infrastructure sectors that we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone,” says Balfour Beatty VINCI HR Director Lucy Jones.
“We have made significant strides in this space, but we also recognise that more can always be done. We will continue to make improvements across our joint venture, drive behavioural change, and support underrepresented groups, including through engagement with our valued supply chain partners,” says Balfour Beatty VINCI HR Director Lucy Jones.
BBV scored highly across several categories, including Finding Talent, Policy and Procedure, Assessing Talent and Retaining Talent. The construction company was also praised for its transparent approach, delivering training programmes and its work with third-party suppliers.
“Achieving Clear Assured Gold accreditation is a marvellous milestone for Balfour Beatty VINCI and demonstrates ED&I is fully integrated into the business,” says Head of Clear Assured Anna Mäkinen.
“Their leadership, support for underrepresented groups and in-depth knowledge of EDI issues is clear. They’ve evidenced that they’re constantly learning, taking in feedback and making positive changes towards a more authentic inclusive culture,” says Head of Clear Assured Anna Mäkinen.
BBV estimates it will support circa 7,000 jobs to deliver its work on HS2 and places a strong focus on supporting local people, particularly those out of work, into new careers within the construction sector.
Through its specialist training academies across the West Midlands, BBV invests in helping people develop new skills that will enable them to play a vital role in HS2’s construction.
Source: © High Speed Two Ltd 2022
Image Source: © High Speed Two Ltd 2022
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