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Month: September 2023

The full report can be found on the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s website here

Today, the Supply Chain Sustainability School has released the results of its eighth annual review of the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Programme in the built environment sector through the 2023 FIR Culture Impact Report. This year’s survey marked a milestone with 1,270 respondents, reflecting a 19.6% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing importance of the FIR mission within the industry.

The 2023 FIR Culture Impact Survey received a 68% completion rate, a testament to the engagement and commitment of the respondents. This year, 61% of the respondents had participated in the FIR Programme, with 32% of them having joined within the last 12 months. Notably, the survey revealed a diverse respondent base, challenging industry benchmarks with 52% of respondents being women, 11% disclosing a disability, and 8.8% representing non-white backgrounds. 

The survey further highlighted the invaluable role of FIR Ambassadors within the programme, with 434 Ambassadors (34% of respondents) sharing their insights.

Key findings comparing FIR Ambassadors to non-Ambassadors include: 

  • 76% of FIR Ambassadors agreed that their employer makes the most of their skills, compared to 68% of non-Ambassadors. 
  • 84% of FIR Ambassadors feel respected by their manager or supervisor, in contrast to 74% of non-Ambassadors. 
  • 85% of FIR Ambassadors agree that they feel part of a team at work, while only 74% of non-Ambassadors share the same sentiment. 

The survey also indicated that the FIR Programme has had a significant positive impact on participating businesses. The majority of respondents rated the quality of FIR training as excellent or good, with 90% approving of workshops, webinars, and the FIR resource library. Additionally, 91% of workshop attendees reported increased understanding, while 93% of webinar participants agreed that their comprehension improved. E-learning modules also received high praise, with 93% reporting enhancement of knowledge, and 85% implementing knowledge gained from the FIR resource library.

The impact on individuals, as reported by the survey, remains consistent year on year, with positive results increasing alongside the growing number of respondents: 

  • 94% agree that the FIR Programme helped them understand the business case for embedding FIR within their business.
  • 87% feel empowered to deal with FIR issues more effectively.
  • 83% now have the confidence to challenge poor behaviours. 

Regarding the impact on business processes, the survey revealed that many organisations are reporting positive changes: 

  • 63% reported pockets of good practice or fully embedding change in their recruitment practices. 
  • 59% fully embed FIR within people-management processes or report pockets of good practice.
  • 25% have fully embedded diversity monitoring, with 55% starting the process or achieving pockets of good practice.
  • 18% have fully embedded FIR within their procurement process to drive a culture of FIR within their supply chains. 

Anonymous participants provided insights into the personal impact of the FIR Programme. Their comments highlight the programme’s ability to create better individuals, foster networking opportunities, and empower employees to promote FIR ideals:

One anonymous survey participant commented: “As a senior manager, I feel the knowledge I have gained and increased allows me to further promote FIR ideals and ideas with my business. I am of a generation before FIR, and the ideals encompass and uphold perfectly, a lifelong held belief that tolerance and being a decent human being are paramount and essential in life.” 

The FIR Programme’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and respect in the built environment sector is evident in these compelling survey results, showcasing its positive impact on individuals, businesses, and the industry.

The School is part-funded by CITB and industry Partners, with the direction of the School being led by over 200 Partners – working in collaboration, they share knowledge and free resources to inspire the UK built environment to drive positive change.  

The Supply Chain Sustainability School provides free practical learning and support in the form of sustainability training, networking, e-learning modules, tailored assessments, action plans and a library of over 3,000 online resources. Sign up for free: https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/   

Equality in pay is an essential marker of fairness, inclusion and respect. We can’t achieve equity in workplaces until we understand and work to close pay gaps that exist to the detriment of minoritized groups.

On International Equal Pay Day, it is important to pay attention to the pay gaps* seen across the built environment sector.  Across all areas of gender, ethnicity and disability, we have a significant way to go to reach parity.

It is best practice to capture and monitor data on gender, ethnicity and disability pay gaps. The data is an essential first step to understanding, and then working to fix issues around equal pay for each of these groups. 

*NOTE: The Gender Pay Gap is a measure of the comparative hourly wage of men and women across the UK. It is not the difference in pay between men and women for doing the same job.

 

Gender Pay Gap

The 2022 Diversity Data Benchmarking Survey (the largest data capture exercise across the UK built environment sector) run by the Sustainability Tool found that a 20.7% gender pay gap remains in favour of men in the sector, leaving women with, on average, less than 80% of men’s earnings.  

This figure is worse than the census data from ONS, although there is considerable variation across trades and a lower gap for construction operatives – still unacceptably so. 

Ethnicity Pay Gap

We also see an average ethnicity pay gap of 8.3% – yet only 4% of respondents capture ethnicity pay data. It is encouraging that 28% of respondents intend to do so, but this still leaves a large majority of 68% of businesses not meeting best practice and unable to understand the issues and close the gap in ethnicity pay. 


Disability Pay Gap

In terms of disability pay, we see an average disability pay gap of 2.5% – however again, only a minority of businesses are capturing this data.  In 2022, only 2.2% of businesses captured disability pay data, with 22.6% intending to do so, and 75.2% not intending to capture disability data. 

Take Action!

We won’t achieve pay equity unless organisations commit to capturing this essential data, and using it to drive their diversity and inclusion work.

Attend our Diversity Data Benchmarking Conference on 12 December in Birmingham to hear about the latest data available on the diversity of the built environment   sector, and expert insights into how to use this data to drive positive change. 

Now in its third year, the Diversity Survey has grown to capture over half a million employees from over 520 businesses across the UK, and we continue to expand the reach to obtain critical insights for the built environment sector to collaboratively drive change. Participating in the survey is free, and provides organisations with standardised diversity measuring, comprehensive data analysis, progress tracking, and actionable insights to enhance business performance and support transparency and accountability. Further functionality is available through the Diversity Tool which allows organisations to drill right down into their supply chain metrics, unparalleled in the sector. 

Written by Cathryn Greville, Head of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect.

Cathryn Greville is our EDI specialist, and heads up the Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) Programme which provides an extensive range of training, tools, guidance and resources to assist organisations in addressing workplace culture challenges and build inclusive and respectful environments. 

The Supply Chain Sustainability School has today released its groundbreaking industry report focused on “Packaging Optimisation in the Housebuilding Sector.” This comprehensive report addresses a critical issue in the built environment – packaging waste – and provides practical solutions for reducing its impact on both cost and carbon. 

Packaging waste has emerged as a significant challenge within the built environment industry, contributing to economic and environmental concerns. This report addresses these critical challenges and whilst focusing on the housebuilding sector, known for its substantial packaging demands, its insights extend beyond and are relevant for wider construction, facilities management, infrastructure, and more.  

Ten School Partners have collaborated to co-fund this project, with a total of over 30 organisations joining forces to make this report possible. It encompasses real-world, actionable examples of packaging optimisation, including source elimination, reuse strategies, and optimal recycling conditions. It covers various packaging types, offering a comprehensive guide to implementing effective change. 

Importantly, the report sheds light on the policy challenges that organisations dealing with significant packaging volumes are likely to encounter. It addresses key concerns such as the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility, providing essential insights for navigating regulatory landscapes. 

Key highlights of the report: 

  • Real-world examples of successful packaging optimisation strategies 
  • Insights into source elimination, reuse, and recycling optimisation 
  • Coverage of major packaging types and their optimisation potential 
  • Examination of common barriers to change and ongoing trials to overcome them 
  • Analysis of policy challenges faced by organisations dealing with substantial packaging volumes 

Packaging remains a substantial cost and environmental burden for businesses. The UK construction industry alone generates around 55,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with an estimated 35,000 tonnes originating from packaging. Less than half of this plastic packaging is recycled, reinforcing the urgency of effective solutions. 

Matt Nichols, Regional Director at Reconomy and Chair of the School’s Waste and Resource Use Leadership Group, said: “Packaging and the waste created by its treatment remains a major contributor to cost and carbon across the entire built environment.  Our Housebuilding sector is not alone in experiencing major challenges to address this problem, so this opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the industry whilst drawing upon insights from so many expert stakeholders within the School partnership could not be missed.  This project report contains content applicable not just for Housebuilding, but for anyone interested in optimising and reducing the endless flow of packaging arriving at project sites every day. I cannot recommend it enough”. 

Mark Turner, Waste and Resource Management lead for the Supply Chain Sustainability School, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the report: “This has been a brilliant opportunity to help deliver our School mission to enable a sustainable built environment through knowledge and collaboration. We have worked closely alongside four of the UK’s largest Housebuilders and in total over 30 leading organisations within the built environment to produce this report. Insights from the Housebuilders, their suppliers, product manufacturers, along with waste management and policy experts have provided a window into the opportunities for packaging optimisation. Most crucially, all of these organisations have entered into the spirit of open collaboration, providing solutions and practical examples for others to follow. We can only thank them.” 

To access the full report and contribute to sustainable packaging practices in the housebuilding sector and the broader built environment, read the full report here. 

In the dynamic realm of the built environment sector, diversity has proven that it is not just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing the core tenets of Fairness, Inclusion, and Respect (FIR) isn’t just about being socially responsible—it’s about setting your business up towards success.

Our latest video resources bring you invaluable insights from industry leaders, each shedding light on crucial aspects of fostering diversity and inclusivity within your company.

 

Engaging a Diverse Supply Chain

Have you ever wondered what it really means to embrace diversity throughout your supply chain? Curious about how it can benefit different aspects of your organisation?

Join Aaron Reid of Morgan Sindall, Osita Madu at HS2, and Chris Reid of EKFB as they reflect on the benefits of supplier and workforce diversity. Drawing from their extensive experience, these industry leaders take you through the process of building a diverse supply chain—an essential topic in today’s business world. Watch this introductory discussion to find out more.

 

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect: Benefits of a Diverse Workforce

Do you know how having a diverse workforce could benefit your organisation?

Get ready to hear from Osita Madu, the Senior EDI Manager at HS2, as they delve into the importance of having a diverse workforce. As the person responsible for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at one of the industry’s prominent organisations, Madu shares how a diverse workplace can truly transform your business.

Tune in to learn how you can make a difference by promoting inclusivity, supporting your team, and fostering positive change. Remember, a diverse team is more than just a group of individuals; it’s a driving force for innovation, growth, and resilience.

 

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect: Procuring for a Diverse Workforce

Are you familiar with the importance of choosing procurement strategies that put diversity first?

Diversity isn’t just an abstract concept — it’s a promise that reaches every part of your company. Aaron Reid, the Director of Sustainability at Morgan Sindall, emphasises why seeking a diverse workforce isn’t merely a choice anymore, it’s a matter of ethics. With a shortage of skills and a noticeable lack of representation, Reid’s insights carry a sense of urgency. Let his knowledgeable insights lead you through new territory, helping your business stay at the forefront of positive change.

 

The importance of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect

Are you curious to know how implementing FIR in your organisation can generate positive results?

Fairness, Inclusion, and Respect are more than just words at EKFB—they’re the foundations of a culture based on openness and inclusivity. In this video, you will explore how FIR seamlessly intertwines with EKFB’s core values, fostering an environment where diversity isn’t just embraced, but celebrated. From bustling sites to corporate corridors, EKFB’s commitment to an all-encompassing ethos serves as a stirring testament to what’s possible when diversity becomes the bedrock of culture.

 

Now it’s your turn

The journey towards a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable built environment begins with knowledge and action. These thought-provoking video resources stand as beacons, guiding your first steps towards a better future for your all.

Join these companies and become a catalyst of change. Take the first step — watch the videos and empower change today.

 

Written by Berta Santos, Project Coordinator for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect.

Action Sustainability, the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s delivery partner, has today released new guidance, highlighting how to address modern slavery and labour exploitation risks in the solar photovoltaic supply chain.

With the effects of climate change becoming apparent in all corners of the world, the transition to a low-carbon economy is more urgent than ever. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is vital in enabling this transition: it captures solar energy efficiently, producing low-carbon electricity and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

However, recent reports such as the Global Slavery Index 2023 and Sheffield Hallam University’s ‘In Broad Daylight: Uyghur Forced Labour and Global Supply Chains’ have exposed how the solar PV industry is vulnerable to forced labour.

Action Sustainability’s new ‘Addressing Modern Slavery and Labour Exploitation in Solar PV Supply Chains Procurement Guidance’ explores the modern slavery and labour exploitation risks and impacts in the solar PV supply chain and the critical steps to take to address these issues.

Key features of the guide:

  • Outlines pragmatic steps to address these risks throughout the commercial lifecycle
  • Valuable insights into effective solar PV procurement due diligence
  • Practical tips and guidance for implementing best practices for solar PV procurement
  • Signposts to existing tools, resources and collaborative initiatives to help organisations improve their approaches

While the guidance focuses on solar PV, its content is transferable to responsible sourcing strategies for other renewable energy technologies, allowing organisations to reduce reputational risk, meet client requirements, gain competitive advantage, increase investor confidence, and develop more resilient supply chains.

Helen Carter, Lead Consultant at Action Sustainability and co-author of the report said: “Human rights abuses such as modern slavery, forced labour and labour exploitation are embedded in the history of our energy journey. We’re in the process of changing the energy mix and moving to a more sustainable model, yet the technologies we’re relying on are entrenched with human rights issues. We wanted to produce this guide to help organisations of all shapes and sizes take a responsible approach to this transition – we hope it goes some way to doing that.”

Mandy Messenger, Managing Director of Advanté and co-collaborator of the guide said: “Advanté purchases solar panels to power our Oasis EcoLogic Solar welfare fleet. When the risk of modern slavery attached to the solar industry started to emerge, we discovered that verifying the origin of solar panels and constituent components was a difficult task. We took the opportunity to join forces with Action Sustainability and other collaborators on this guide to address these issues and share our own experience and learnings to start making a difference.”

Jo Potts, Sustainability Director, Supply Chain & Materials at Balfour Beatty added: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to tackling modern slavery and labour exploitation across our supply chain. As we stand on the brink of a green energy revolution, the guidance issued today delivers detailed insight and practical guidance on how organisations can decarbonise and transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, whilst being aware of and taking appropriate steps to protect people – and the planet.”

To read the guidance and learn how to align with procurement best practices for solar PV, download it here.

The Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) and the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Plant Group have worked together to develop a new Eco-operations National Training Delivery Framework.

The construction plant sector is providing initiatives and solutions for the UK’s path to net zero, with machine usage identified as a contributor to carbon-based emissions. The long-term aim of the sector is to replace all carbon-emitting equipment with zero or low-emission-powered versions. However, in the short term, the aim is to reduce engine-derived emissions as much as possible through minimising engine run time and using the equipment efficiently. 

Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive education program for equipment owners, operators, and users, and eco-operation courses are at the forefront of this educational initiative.

To ensure uniformity and standardisation in eco-operations across the industry, the PSRO and the School’s Plant Group have worked collaboratively to develop and launch the new training delivery framework.

The framework defines the parameters for consistent delivery, identifying and providing guidance on areas including core and optional learning outcomes, content, teaching methods, assessment strategies, and course durations. It also tailors the course content and delivery specifics for various roles, including Plant Operators, Supervisors, Plant and Site Managers, Planners, Plant Procurers, Maintenance Personnel, and more.

The aim is that upon completing a course based on this framework, delegates will attain a required level of understanding of how to reduce machine-based carbon emissions. This will enable them to recognise and apply learned reduction techniques, operational processes and emerging machine technologies. The goal is for each delegate to take personal ownership for emissions reduction.

The framework is structured into three parts: Part 1 outlines its aims and principles, Part 2 details delivery aspects for different occupations, and Part 3 specifies learning outcomes and training specifications.

Peter Brown from the PSRO said: “With education being a key part in terms of plant-emission reductions and from a programme jointly developed by CPA members Flannery Plant Hire and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, we’re pleased to have built upon and created the framework in partnership with the School. This will help ensure that future training courses on this topic both cover the relevant industry-derived content and provide a platform for the consistency of the training of plant and site-based occupations through this open-source framework.”

Imogen Player, Senior Sustainability Consultant and Plant Category Group Lead at the Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “For the built environment to seriously tackle climate change and reduce emissions, then the impact that good operator behaviour has must be properly realised. The publication of the Eco-operations National Training Delivery Framework is great, and I’m excited for it to lead the way forward for best-practice training.”

The new training delivery framework is now available to download from here.

Learn more about the School’s Plant Group here.

Action Sustainability, the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s delivery partner, has today released its new report offering unprecedented insights into the current state of sustainable procurement adoption and maturity across various industries in the United Kingdom.

In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the field of supply chain sustainability, with sustainable procurement garnering global awareness. However, although numerous organisations are taking action to become more sustainable themselves, they often fall short in extending this to their supply chains.

In response to this, Action Sustainability has published a ‘Sustainable Procurement Progress Report 2023’, drawing from their evaluations of various organisations against the ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement Standard.

Findings in this report indicate that, while organisations that invest in sustainable procurement have some level of sustainability embedded in their procurement activities, more progress needs to be made for this to be perceived as business-as-usual and to fully realise all benefits. The report provides valuable insights to organisations aiming to start embedding sustainability into procurement practices, as well as those seeking to further develop their existing approaches.

Key highlights from the report:

  • In-depth analysis of the current sustainable procurement landscape across industries, with a specific focus on construction, train operating companies and utilities.
  • Real-world case studies from various organisations sharing their sustainable procurement journeys, including the challenges they have faced and the opportunities they have seized.
  • Best practices and actionable recommendations to help organisations realistically achieve sustainable procurement goals.

Central to the report’s vision is the need to embed sustainable procurement across each spending area and continually seek improvement. It advocates for a collaborative approach, emphasising communication, knowledge-sharing and partnership throughout the value chain as key to shaping a more sustainable future.

Shaun McCarthy OBE, Director of Action Sustainability, said: “This report provides useful case studies and advice from some of the numerous people we have worked with over the years. We have not taken a scattergun approach to this work, reporting on sectors based on flimsy research, we have focused on those sectors where we have comprehensive, hands-on experience and insight. It is not a complete overview of sustainable procurement; it is our attempt to share what we really know.”

Dale Turner, Head of Procurement & Supply Chain at Skanska, added: “Over the last 10 years, there has been greater alignment between our customers and extended supply chain. The hierarchy of the relationships are aimed at encouraging collaboration and achieving more value together.  A sustainable procurement approach also drives a more diverse supply chain which helps to manage risk and understand where innovation can be applied down the tiers of the supply chain to make our projects more efficient and productive.”

To read the complete report and gain an in-depth understanding of the sustainable procurement landscape, download it here.