HS2’s construction partner for Old Oak Common Station has achieved a prestigious workforce award – recognising its outstanding commitments to diversity and inclusion. Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA, which is leading construction of the west London super-hub, has been awarded the Clear Assured Platinum Accreditation by the Clear Company.
The accreditation – the highest possible Clear Assured accolade – is awarded to companies that can demonstrate equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) best practice against a robust audit and evidence-based framework.
There are 450 organisations in the Clear Assured community, 280 of which have received formal assessment, with BBVS and HS2 Ltd making up two of four organisations to achieve the Platinum Standard.
In particular, the project received praise for its approach to embedding a safe, respectful and inclusive culture through collaboration with its partners. Initiatives to advance inclusive leadership, social value and community outreach, and the health and wellbeing of its workforce, particularly mental health, were highlighted as particular areas of success.
In 2021, HS2 Ltd set the standard when it achieved Clear Assured Platinum Status and became the first UK company to do so. Another of HS2’s main works contractors, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), which is leading construction of the railway in the West Midlands, was awarded Clear Assured Gold Status in 2022.
Peter Gow, Project Client for Old Oak Common Station at HS2 Ltd, said: “We have a firm commitment to embedding EDI principles across the programme. With our contractors and supply chain partners we are seeking to change the industry by challenging ourselves on ‘what good looks like’ to achieve better workplace environments which embrace best practice.
“I would like to congratulate the team at BBVS and everyone in team Old Oak for achieving Clear Assured Platinum – what a fantastic achievement and well deserved.”
Steve O’Sullivan, Project Director for BBVS, said: “At Old Oak Common, we have worked hard to establish our EDI programme. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all our people feel safe, respected and valued. We have partnered with our project team colleagues and our supply chain to grow and deliver an inclusive project which touches the lives of some of the most disadvantaged communities in London.
“Achieving this accreditation is testament to the commitment and dedication of our team to delivering sustainable outcomes. Senior leadership support is delivered by being proactive, authentic, visible and accountable. Our team has followed their lead to embed an inclusive culture, which shapes and influences the EDI narrative both across the project and in the industry. This is the legacy that HS2 will leave.”
Kate Headley, CEO of the Clear Company, said: “What is remarkable about this achievement as a relatively newly formed joint venture, is how a small team have managed to power through so much activity to achieve impact so quickly. They have shown tremendous commitment in getting the whole organisation behind the journey to become a Platinum accredited employer.
“This is a model example of how an organisation can best utilise Clear Assured’s resources, consultants and online project management platform to support real change in employment best practice.”
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