HS2 has announced the launch of a new innovative initiative that will help suppliers to create inclusive environments.
Although HS2’s supply chain is performing well, with the number of disabled, Black and ethnically diverse and female workers exceeding industry averages, the company wants to ensure that this trend continues. So the company has launched HS2 Marketplace to support its supply chain to create inclusive environments.
The initiative will equip suppliers with the tools they need to embed diversity and inclusion (D&I) best practice across their business processes. Over 2,300 businesses have already won work on HS2; and thousands more are expected to join them as £25 billion worth of HS2 contract opportunities flows out into the wider supply chain over the coming years.
The Marketplace platform will enable suppliers to access training and resources to support them in meeting and evaluating D&I progress against key performance indicators set by HS2; in line with the Clear Assured standard. The platform is designed and backed by the Clear Company. Earlier this year, the Clear Company recognised HS2’s exemplar commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion by awarding it the Clear Assured Platinum Standard accreditation. In fact, HS2 Ltd was the first company in the UK to achieve the award.
CREATING INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS
Embedding a contractual commitment for HS2 suppliers to champion diversity and create inclusive working environments will lead to improved outcomes and opportunities for workforces right across the country.
“With two decades of construction work ahead of us HS2 is naturally placed to be a real driver for change; and we’ll achieve this by ensuring that every company engaged in delivering Britain’s new railway plays their part in setting a new EDI standard,” stated HS2’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Mark Lomas. “HS2 Marketplace enables our suppliers to be confident that their practices and processes, from recruitment through to the workplace environment, are truly inclusive; and follow the best practice standards we expect.”
CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
HS2’s seven construction partners have already introduced a number of practical measures to champion diversity, inclusion and employee wellbeing across their worksites. Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall (EKFB), for example, has developed a bespoke programme of men’s and women’s health workshops; as well as creating wellbeing and prayer room spaces at its construction sites. The Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS) is upgrading its employee app to enable staff to capture, track and monitor EDI best practice. Additionally, Mace Dragados has implemented a new ‘Make it Stick’ campaign; which ensures that LGBT+ trained allies are easily identifiable on site through high visibility stickers worn on their hard hats.
“Once again HS2 have demonstrated ground-breaking progress and innovation with the launch of the Marketplace platform,” stated Kate Headley, Director of the Clear Company. “This is a significant step forward in creating a truly inclusive engineering sector; and the constructive, supportive approach will enable HS2 suppliers to improve access to long term career opportunities, for all people, right across the sector.”
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