Member Article

GRAHAM Construction win national diversity award

GRAHAM Construction is the first company to win a UK-wide award in recognition of its commitment to equality and diversity.

After undergoing a rigorous assessment to measure levels of fairness, inclusion and respect across its 1,000-strong workforce and supply chain, GRAHAM was awarded the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Be Fair Bronze level accreditation.

The Be Fair initiative has been introduced by the CITB to provide a structure for employers to recognise and encourage inclusive working environments across construction and the built environment.

Michael Smyth, Head of Human Resources at GRAHAM Construction, said: “Since launching the Be Fair initiative, our employee engagement levels have improved significantly. We have seen a 10 per cent increase in employee satisfaction, improved retention levels, and 85 per cent of employees would strongly recommend working for GRAHAM Construction.

“Putting fairness, inclusion and respect at the core of our people strategy has also provided tangible business benefits, leading to us winning major contracts with national clients.”

“GRAHAM Construction aims to be an employer of choice where everyone is recognised and valued as an individual. This allows us to create a diverse workforce that engages with our business values of openness, respect, innovation and performance.”

Diane Green, Area Delivery Manager at CITB, said: “CITB’s Be Fair Accreditation Framework is the first of its kind and provides a structure for employers to create more inclusive working environments, both in offices and on sites, to address fairness, inclusion and respect within the organisation.

“The stringent requirements allow companies to promote diversity and equality and benchmark themselves against a national standard.

“I would like to congratulate GRAHAM Construction on surpassing the requirements and demonstrating how they place fairness, inclusion and respect at the very heart of the organisation.”

GRAHAM Construction operates across the UK and Ireland, delivering multi-million pound construction and civil engineering projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, leisure and transport.

In 2013 GRAHAM Construction became the first major construction firm in Scotland to receive the Be Fair Bronze level award from CITB Scotland after successfully participating in the pilot programme.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Laura Berry .