The pilot phase of a new accreditation standard for construction companies that want to demonstrate fair and equal treatment for all staff, job applicants and subcontractors bidding for work has been oversubscribed, says CITB.
To be known as the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Accreditation Framework, it has been developed with Liverpool-based consultancy Constructing Equality to support the industry in developing fair and inclusive employment practices.
CITB and Constructing Equality launched a large pilot programme under its original name of the Be FaIR Framework earlier this year following a limited trial last summer. They received applications from 148 main and subcontractors, and other expressions of interest. However, the partners were only able to include 110 firms on the funded pilot programme.
The 110 companies range from small subcontractors such as Highwire, Macform and Cullins all the way up to large main contractors such as Vinci, Wates Group, ISG and Graham.
The pilot phase is now underway and due to be concluded by December 2013.
The scheme offers a construction-specific alternative to the Investors in Diversity standard, and allows companies to gain accreditation at four different levels. It offers best practice guidance on recruitment, training, promotion, remuneration, work-life balance and subcontracting work.
In total, 13 main contractors, largely drawn from UKCG members, are participating. The framework also has the support of the Industry Leadership Group for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, chaired by Judy Lowe, CITB deputy chair.
Contractor Graham, one of the test companies, says it has already identified improvements across its business, especially among the workforce on site, in terms of morale, motivation and commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect for everyone.
The CITB FIR Accreditation Framework enables companies to develop and progress as they move through accreditation levels. Level 1 involves simply complying with the Equality Act 2010 and other legislation, through to being a leading light for best practice in the sector at Level 4.
The framework is written in “strands” that segment the sector into its different types of organisations, such as clients, Tier 1 contractors and subcontractors.
Companies wishing to find out more about how they can adopt the FIR Accreditation Framework should contact their CITB local office or visit the CITB website.
