Top stories

Zero Carbon Hospital being planned by NHS Lanarkshire 

NHS Lanarkshire is planning a £500m new hospital in Wester Moffat on the outskirts of Airdrie in Scotland. This will be the first in Scotland to be designed as fully net zero for both the build and operation phases.

Find out more >>

New Office Development For Carrick Square, Glasgow

Initial plans have been brought forward for a major office building on a site in Glasgow’s Broomielaw office district. Mosaic Architecture & Design has submitted an application for planning in principle to erect the second phase of planned office development at Carrick Street.

If approved, the 17-storey office block will be situated behind the 14-storey phase one building, with construction due to start on that in the first half of 2022.

Learn more >>

£1.3bn Edinburgh Waterfront Scheme Seeks MMC Expert as Development Partner 

The City of Edinburgh Council is looking for a development partner to start a major new regeneration of part of its waterfront. The £170-£190m first phase of the overall Granton Waterfront project requires expertise in sustainability and modern methods of construction.

440 private homes, 200 council homes, 2,000 square metres of private commercial space and 1,000 square metres of public-sector space are being planned, connected by sustainable transport infrastructure and served by low-carbon energy projects.

Read more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

New Sustainability Supply Chain & Stakeholder Workshops announced by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN)

As a principal partner of COP26, one of SSEN’s key goals is to build a legacy through their involvement with this crucial summit to create a cleaner, greener future for all of us.

Part of that commitment is to bring industry together who are already powering change through the work they are doing to make net zero a reality.

As such SSEN are supporting industry on the transition to net zero by offering the Climate Academy, a series of six online learning sessions available to charities and businesses across their licence areas.  In partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the Climate Academy will provide a rich knowledge and understanding of climate change issues and what we can do to address them.

Starting on 26 January 2022, the sessions will share insight on safeguarding and enhancing the environment, with an emphasis on education and awareness of climate change. There will also be a strong focus on social inclusion, and creating a more fair, just and inclusive society at local, national and international levels.

The sessions will be “Lunch and Learn” hour long sessions, taking place 12:00pm -13:00pm on the following dates:

• 26th January 2022 – Introduction to Climate Change
• 2nd February 2022 – Net Zero & Carbon Neutral 
• 9th February 2022 – Adaptation
• 16th February 2022- Climate Change and Nature
• 23rd February 2022 – Climate Change and People
• 2nd March 2022 –  Waste, Resource Efficiency and the Circular Economy 

Register using the links above to secure your place!

Top stories

Renewable Energy in Wales

The Welsh Government has published the outcome of the exercise to identify opportunities to significantly scale up renewable energy in Wales.

Find out more >>

Safer Building in Wales: A Consultation; A building Safety White Paper

The Welsh Government’s response to Safer Buildings in Wales: A Consultation. The Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper consultation was published on 12 January 2021. It set out our plans to improve building safety following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, and the policy goals our programme of work is intending to deliver in response to the issues identified by the Hackitt Review, the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry and our own Building Safety Expert Group.

Read more >>

Barriers to Innovation in Smart Energy Services for SME’s

SMEs account for 99.9% of the business population of the UK representing a staggering three fifths of employment and half of the turnover of the UK private sector (£2.3 trillion). They contribute a significant amount to overall UK emissions and represent a market opportunity for smarter energy services to help them reduce their energy use and carbon impact.

Learn more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

New Building Regulations Mean Buildings Will Produce 1/3 Less Carbon

New homes and buildings in England will have to produce significantly less CO2 under new rules.  Under the new regulations, CO2 emissions from new build homes must be around 30 per cent lower than current standards and emissions from other new buildings, including offices and shops, must be reduced by 27 per cent.

Find out more >>

Digital Twin Simulation Helps Baristas Make A Perfect Espresso

A century-old Italian maker of high-end coffee machines used digital twins to virtually eliminate physical prototypes and set the stage for IoT*-connected product as a service.

(The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet”.

Learn more >>

Workers Desperate To Return To The Office, Study Finds

The novelty of working from home is wearing off with the majority of employees keen to get back to their desks according to a new survey conducted by the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management, revealing that 60 per cent of employees expect to get back to full time work this year.

Read more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

Second National Infrastructure Assessment: Baseline Report 

This Baseline Report sets out the current state of the UK’s economic infrastructure and identifies key challenges for the coming decades. The Commission will make recommendations to address these challenges in the second National Infrastructure Assessment, to be published in the second half of 2023.

Read more >>

National Infrastructure Commission Announces Net Zero Remit

The new guidance adds a fourth objective to the NIC’s scope of work – to support climate resilience and the UK’s transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 .

Find out more >>

Equinor and Cadent Gas Plan ” Hydrogen Town”

Cadent and Equinor have joined forces to realise the ambition of delivering one of the world’s first low carbon Hydrogen Town. The conversion of the gas networks of a town to 100% low carbon hydrogen have the potential to “drastically reduce” the carbon emissions linked to home heating. In turn, this could bring down the overall emissions in the town by around a quarter.

Learn more >>

January’s Featured Topic: Biodiversity & Ecology 

All of the Earth’s plants, animals, insects and microbes contribute to biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part. Without biodiversity, we would not have clean air, water or soil. Our food sources, raw materials and even our climate can be dramatically affected by changes in species diversity.

Start your learning on the topic of Biodiversity with the handpicked resources below:

Reducing Biodiversity Loss

A weblink providing an engaging introduction to biodiversity, what it means and why we need to preserve and enhance it. 

Learn more >>

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

This short video introduces some of the key the key impacts human have to biodiversity.

Watch now>>

Guidance for Pollution Prevention

A guide from  from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), giving advice on how to prevent pollution and protect the environment.

Find out more>>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

Universal method to report carbon in building and infrastructure launched

An international coalition of construction experts has published the world’s first universal standard for reporting carbon dioxide emissions used in the building and lifecycle of structures – also known as ‘embodied and operational carbon’ within the industry.

Find out more >>

Government ringfences investment in tidal power

The Government  will invest £20m a year in tidal stream electricity as part of its renewable energy auction scheme.

Read more >>

UK will require new homes to have EV chargers starting in 2022

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be required for all new homes and businesses in the UK starting in 2022, the government announced today. The new measure aims to boost EV adoption in the nation by adding up to 145,000 extra charging points each year.

Learn more >>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

Nature Scot publishes its new draft guidance for comment: Developing with Nature

This guidance has been prepared in support of the draft National Planning Framework 4, to inform understanding of The Scottish Government’s approach set out in Policy 3(e) on the Nature Crisis.  This policy refers to the inclusion of ‘appropriate measures’ to enhance biodiversity for certain local and non-EIA development.  The draft guidance provides advice on 23 such measures, including managing water with nature, providing homes for nature and planting for nature.

Find out more >>

SGN plans accelerated hydrogen roll out

SGN has set out an accelerated pathway for converting Scotland’s gas networks to 100% hydrogen, starting with Aberdeen. The gas network company commissioned consultant Wood to investigate the feasibility of a hydrogen energy system with a view to helping deliver the Scottish government’s target of one million homes having low-carbon heat by 2030.

Read more >>

Edinburgh trams to Newhaven project remains on track

The Trams to Newhaven project remains on track to be completed by Spring 2023, as the City of Edinburgh Council marks the two years point in the projects construction.

Learn more >>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

Upcoming virtual training:

Understanding climate change & carbon and the importance to your organisation & customers 

The built environment is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions and reduction has to occur to avoid the worst effects. There is increasing pressure on our industry to ensure that we are reducing carbon in the design, construction and operation of projects, and organisations need to understand how to help their customers meet this challenge.

This workshop will develop your knowledge and skills so that you can support your organisation by assessing and reducing your carbon emissions.

Event Details:

• DATE: 14th December
• TIME: 9:30am -12:30pm
• LOCATION: Online

Register now >>

Top stories

Barratt Developments unveils flagship zero carbon home, ‘Z House’

The Z House, built on University of Salford’s main campus, is the first home in the country to be built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the Future Homes Standard.

Find out more >>

Boris Johnson confirms mandatory EV charging points for new buildings in England

All new homes and workplaces built in England from 2022 will need to have electric vehicle (EV) charging points as standard, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed.

Read more >>

Countryside announces net zero strategy

Countryside has launched it’s Net Zero strategy, with an aim for a “swift transition” to a decarbonised economy and society by 2050.

Take a look >>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Upcoming Homes virtual training:

Transitioning to HVO – Case Study Lunch ‘n’ Learn 

This case study session with leading housebuilder Lovell will cover the implementation of HVO fuel, a direct substitute to red diesel that they have been using to power telehandlers and generators on site.

Join us >>

Delivering Social Value with Keepmoat Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Find out why social value is important to business success at Keepmoat and about social value implications for Keepmoat’s supply chain.

Join us >>

Top stories

Pallet recycling scheme seeks to cut industry waste

BAM, Morgan Sindall and Willmott Dixon are among early backers of a new pallet recycling scheme for the construction industry.

Find out more >>

Balfour secures construction’s largest sustainability-linked loan

Balfour Beatty has secured a sustainability-linked loan it claims is the largest in the construction sector. 

Read more >>

New rules proposed for construction carbon

New regulations should be introduced for construction to avert the risk of missing net-zero goals, the UK Green Building Council has warned. The body’s Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap has called for legislation to limit the damage development does to the environment both in construction and use. 

Take a look >>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Upcoming construction virtual training:

Sustainable Materials – Lunch ‘n’ Learn

This case study session with leading housebuilder Lovell will cover the implementation of HVO fuel, a direct substitute to red diesel that they have been using to power telehandlers and generators on site.

Join us >>

Setting Science Based Targets – Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Offering you practical guidance on how to set a Science Based Target in your organisation.

Join us >>

Top stories

UK Government announces biggest investment into Welsh tidal power

The UK Government will invest £20 million per year across the UK in Tidal Stream electricity as part of its flagship renewable energy auction scheme, kickstarting a brand-new chapter for Wales’s tidal industry and creating jobs across Welsh coastal regions.

Learn more >>

New Stats Show Wales Upholds World Class Recycling Rates

Wales is currently ranked third in the world in recycling. Reducing waste ranks the priority goal- the amount of rubbish ending up in landfill for 2020-21  in Wales dropped to less than 5%.

Find out more >>

£45 Million package to train staff & help Welsh SME’s grow

A £45 million package of funding that will help small businesses across Wales to grow and support thousands of people to train to work in key sectors is being made available by the Welsh Government. As part of the package, £35 million will help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Wales relaunch, develop, decarbonise and grow to help drive Wales’ economic recovery

Read more>>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Top stories

Reducing carbon emissions through circular economy

The circular economy is to play a critical role in helping to cut carbon emissions. By recycling existing materials the highly energy-intensive production of new raw materials is reduced, accelerating the movement to net zero carbon emissions. What technologies are available to meet the challenges ahead?

Find out more >>

Time to reskill our people to meet the needs of the digital economy

The Autumn Budget presented an opportunity to reshape the economy around technology and scientific innovation and take a proactive approach to reskilling for a digital era. This means upskilling certain areas such as the hospitality area.

Learn more >>

Hybrid Operations

Tom Absalom, Managing Director of JCA discusses the delivery of M&E services that support the operation of hybrid working. 

Read more>>

December’s Featured Topic: Lean & Operational Efficiency 

Implementing Lean principles in your business can improve and support the development of a better skilled workforce. There is a clear correlation between high performing processes and teams having a significant impact on sustainability goals, enabling us to meet challenges faced by organisations throughout the built environment sector, including reaching sustainability targets to reduce waste and carbon, and improving the wellbeing of staff.

Start your learning on the topic of Lean with the handpicked resources below:

Lean Construction in 3 minutes

A video providing an introduction to Lean and the benefits it can bring to your business to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle sustainability issues. 

Watch now >>

Kaizen The Secret behind Japanese Productivity

This short video explains why Kaizen can be the secret behind Japanese productivity.

Find out more >>

Visual Management

A module, which describes the purpose and aims of visual management, and outlines how visual management can support productivity and continuous improvement.

Get started >>

What do you think of the School’s resources?

As a member, we’d like to understand what’s important to you! Take 12 minutes to share your feedback in our Impact Survey, to help us shape the future of the School.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS >

Marc Roberts, Operations Director at LC International, discusses the six main time stealers found within a construction manufacturing process and outlines how to combat them.

Today, construction is as complex and technologically advanced as it’s ever been. In some areas, in fact, it’s becoming increasingly indistinguishable from manufacturing – and that’s meant thousands of construction businesses are beginning to confront challenges that manufacturers have been tussling with for decades.

Among the biggest is simply wasted time. Here, I want to examine the six most common time-stealers I see sapping productivity at ambitious construction firms around the country.

1: The breakdown loss
Equipment breakdowns cost time and money, stopping the flow of production and creating all sorts of knock-on impacts to lead times, product deadlines and project schedules.

Preventing them is often very simple. Ask yourself – just how reliable is the machinery you’re using? Are you regularly servicing it? In the long run, is it worth investing in new machinery rather than dealing with the aftermath of frequent shutdowns?

There could be some quick and easy fixes to machine-related downtime.

2: The changeover loss
So much time is lost when either a product or shift is being changed over, because everything is put on hold as the equipment is reconfigured, or the new workers prepare for the next shift.

In total, how long do these change overs take per day, week or month? No doubt, valuable time is misspent and could be used elsewhere.

Optimising your workflow to minimise these unwanted and costly disruptions might be a way to save a lot of time and money.

3: Idling and minor stops
Interruptions to work is a classic example of how time can be wasted in a production line. Rather than having everything ready before starting the job, work is stopped to fetch the materials to feed the station.

Maximise the productivity of your team by making sure they have what they need to do their job from the get-go.

It’s a simple solution that can lead to massive time savings.

4: Reduced speed loss
There are two key things to consider when you want to cut reductions in speed – people and machines. A piece of equipment is designed to perform at a certain rate, but if the settings aren’t configured properly, the machine won’t be performing at the level its manufacturers intended.

Address this issue, and you could achieve drastic improvements in performance.

When it comes to the team working on the production line, each member will have a different level of experience. A skilled person who knows the intricacies of the line will understand all the nuances of the job inside and out, compared to someone new.

To prevent reduced speed losses, it’s fundamental that all new recruits complete a comprehensive enrolment programme so that they too can learn the same ‘dark arts’ as the more experienced employees.

The results? Each person can work safely at an equal rate, and deliver exceptional quality.

5: Quality loss
Failing to make products right first time causes delays. Whether it’s issues with the materials supplied, the approved drawings or the machines, consider what can be done to fix things at the source as opposed to just sticking a plaster on the error and making do.

Reduce the number of reworks, or eliminate them completely, by teasing out the root cause of the problem and finding a proper solution.

6: Start-up and set-up loss
The biggest time vacuum on site is start-up and set-up losses. It’s rare to see a project kick-off exactly as scheduled, because the right resources aren’t always ready when they’re given the green light.

Everything should be set up and in place ahead of time so that nothing falls behind and off-track from the critical path of the project.

The good news is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to stop these frustrations and unnecessary losses. Understanding what the solutions are and how to apply them can have a real positive impact on the supply chain and manufacturing process, resulting in big savings on time, money and materials.

The School has a wealth of free material available to support you to spot the six time stealers within your organisation, take a look here. We’ve also worked with LC International to secure access for organisations to utilise their CITB levy to pay for Lean Foundations skills training. For more information about how LC International can work with you to spot the six time stealers click here.

“Our greatest asset is our People”

How HW Martin (Traffic Management) are using the People Matter Charter to evidence their commitment to their employees and supply chain partners.

Since establishment in February 1988, H W Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd has developed into one of the largest traffic management providers in the country. Their mission is to be a safe, customer-focused traffic management partner of choice for their clients, whilst being a primary embedding mechanism for an inclusive and sustainable sector. Their experts deliver data-led, traffic management services within a temporary environment. Put simply, they guide vehicles around roadworks in the safest, most efficient way possible, delivering excellence in operation for their clients.

HW Martin (Traffic Management) pride themselves on their dependable, agile, and progressive approach that has seen them continuously fulfil their commitments to clients for the past 33-years. They are inspired to improve the experience of everyone who travels or works on both the Strategic and Local Authority Road Network.

HW Martin (Traffic Management) and the People Matter Charter

HW Martin (Traffic Management) first became aware of the People Matter Charter during one of The School’s Fairness, Inclusion and Respect webinars. James Hunt (Sustainability Manager) is a proud FIR Ambassador and the principles of the Charter resonated with his own beliefs on how an organisation should treat it’s greatest asset, it’s people.

“Signing the Charter confirmed our existing commitment to our employees and supply chain partners.”

Commitment focus

HW Martin (Traffic Management) have chosen to focus on Intent 1, EDI (although they prefer FIR!). They have been promoting FIR in the work they do since 2016 with their approach and priorities evolving over time.

The Covid-19 pandemic; increased awareness of mental health issues; Black Lives Matter movement and the abhorrent abuse aimed at people over social media have drawn major attention to inequalities in our society and have raised questions about the effectiveness of plans and approaches to promote equality, diversity & inclusion.

As part of their Partner status with the School they have arranged for a “Becoming a FIR Ambassador” training session to be run, and they have invited colleagues and supply chain partners to this to further raise awareness. They are also in the process of creating bespoke Learning Pathways for internal colleagues which will incorporate FIR resources and CPD accredited e-learning.

Implementing the People Matter Charter within workforce strategy

In order to promote awareness and tackle under representation in their businesses, HW Martin (Traffic Management) believes that there is more to do to build understanding of, and engage with, structures of exclusion. Having have just produced their first FIR Report, they are also developing a Positive Action Plan to raise awareness internally of the topics raised.

They are looking at advertising, recruitment strategies and their general communications to identify how they can be more accessible to minority groups amongst other activities. The report also challenges some common misunderstandings relating to FIR.

“We want to develop is an environment that promotes equitability, equality and accessibility for all – this is simply about creating a level playing field.”

Should others sign the charter?

HW Martin (Traffic Management) believe that the Charter will ensure that an organisation focusses on their people – both directly employed and within the supply chain. They believe that having an effective and inclusive workforce strategy is essential to attracting and retaining people, especially considering the skills shortages in the construction industry. Signing up to the Charter will go a long way to ensuring that the welfare of employees and supply chain partners are prioritised, promoting that culture will provide the base for a sustainable sector.

“Using the Eight Commitments you can create a strategy to focus on specific areas for improvement whilst ensuring you celebrate and formalise the great work that is already happening within the organisation.”

Learn more about HW Martin (Traffic Management) here.

Learn more about HW Martin (Traffic Management)’s Partnership with the School here.

Top Stories for Scotland this Month 

Scottish Government announces £25m funding package to improve ventilation 

Business premises in Scotland will be able to access a £25 million package to improve ventilation and reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Read now >>

Scottish-made tidal turbine now generating power in Japan

Hailed by the Scottish government as a win for Scotland’s marine energy industry, a Scottish built tidal turbine has been installed in Japan and has clocked its first 10MWh of clean electricity generation after 10 days of operation.

Read now >>

Glasgow launches £30bn ‘Greenprint for Investment’

Glasgow City Council has set out a £30bn portfolio of investment projects designed to aid the city’s ambition of becoming net-zero by 2030.

Read now >>

Modern slavery resources recommended for you this month

With 40.3 million victims in forced labour estimated by the Global Slavery Index, and estimated 136,000 victims in the UK alone, there are now more people enslaved than there have ever been in human history. Labour exploitation is a lucrative business for organised crime and their willing participants and the built environment is no exception.

We have a wealth of resources to help you understand the principles of modern slavery and how you can use due diligence within your organisational processes to combat the risk of labour exploitation – take a look:

Modern Slavery: An Introduction This self-enrol learning pathway is designed to increase your understanding of modern slavery risks within your organisation and within your supply chain. It is the perfect place to start if you want to understand the principles of modern slavery and how you can use due diligence within your organisational processes to combat the risk of labour exploitation.

Enrol >>

Modern Slavery Due Diligence Prevention Checklist This checklist is based on best practice in the construction sector.  It outlines what organisations should have in place to combat modern slavery, as well as helping procurement specialists understand how to evaluate supply chain responses to requests for their own due diligence processes.

Get Started >>

Concrete – Tackling Modern Slavery in the Construction Sector Modern Slavery Video illustrating the forms of modern slavery and how it can manifest in the construction industry

Watch Now >>

Recommended for Scotland – get registered for our upcoming events:

Offsite and Mass Timber Construction – Business Bytes

21 October 0930h – 1130h

This session will raise the profile of on-going work to increase the use of timber in construction and stimulate dialogue with respect to barriers to uptake as well as providing a forum to gather feedback on the Timber Technology Engineering and Design competency framework in terms of unlocking the barriers to upskilling built environment professionals in timber engineering.

Speakers include:

• Prof. Robert Hairstans – Director, Centre for Advanced Timber Technology (NMITE)
• Mila Duncheva, Centre for Offsite Construction + Innovative Structure, Edinburgh Napier University
• Nicola Jackson – Robertson Timber Engineering
• Sam Hart, Construction Scotland Innovation Centre
• Clare Vokes, Harlow Consulting

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Designing and Building Resilience into Infrastructure Projects

28 October 1000h-1130h 

Business Bytes A 90-minute Business Bytes session to discuss nature-based solutions in infrastructure projects, and their implications for prime contractors and supply chains.

Speakers include:

• Elana Bader, Nature Scot
• Peter Robinson, Scottish Canals + TBC Morgan Sindall (if possible)
• James Murray, MGSDP – Glasgow Council

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Low Carbon Regeneration – Business Bytes

5 November 0930h – 1100h

A 90-minute Business Bytes session to discuss low carbon solutions used in major urban regeneration projects – particularly in Glasgow.

This course will be delivered virtually online. See the ‘what is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Speakers include

• Martin McKay – Executive Director of Regeneration, Clyde Gateway (tbc)
• Hugh Moore – Energy Network Manager, Clyde Gateway
• Donald MacBrayne, Scottish Water Horizons
• Anne-Mari Gillespie, CSIC

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If you don’t measure, you can’t manage

Complete our free self assessment to get your bespoke action plan today. The benefit of assessing is that it provides a tailored action plan. This list of 10 resources tells you where you should focus your learning with direct links to top-quality materials…

Learn more >>

Top stories

The Apprenticeship Opportunity

Linda Hausmanis, IWFM CEO says levy-funded apprenticeships allow employers to invest in their workforce by combining education, work-based learning and ongoing development

Learn More >>

No Jab, No Job?

More than 30 per cent of large UK firms have signalled that staff may be asked for proof of vaccination before they can physically return to work. Karen Holden, CEO of A City Law Firm looks at the legal issues that could arise.

Find Out More >>

Skilled to Succeed

It’s never been more important to develop our people.  In the latest in FM Journal’s series which celebrates the careers of front-line FM workers, hear from Kerrie Carrott, Trainee Fire and Security Engineer, EMCOR UK

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October’s Featured Topic: Modern Slavery

There are 40.3 million victims in forced labour estimated by the Global Slavery Index, and estimated 136,000 victims in the UK alone. Labour exploitation is a lucrative business for organised crime and the built environment sector is no exception.

We have a wealth of resources to help you understand the principles of modern slavery and how you can use due diligence within your organisational processes to combat the risk of labour exploitation – take a look:

Modern Slavery: An Introduction 

An introductory learning pathway to help you begin to develop your understanding on modern slavery risks within your organisation and supply chain.

Start learning >>

Modern Slavery Due Diligence Prevention Checklist

A best practice checklist, outlining what organisations should have in place to combat modern slavery, designed to help procurement specialists understand how to evaluate supply chain responses to requests for their own due diligence processes. 

Find out more >>

Concrete – Tackling Modern Slavery in the Construction Sector

This video illustrates the forms of modern slavery and how it can manifest in the construction industry.

Watch now >>

Financial Wellbeing in the Workplace Lunch ‘n’ Learn

The aim of this lunch n learn is to understand the importance of financial wellbeing in the workplace. Now more than ever, money worries are the biggest cause of stress for UK employees, and are damaging to business too.  People take their money worries to work, affecting their performance and levels of absenteeism.

By attending this session you will:

• Learn what financial wellbeing is and why it’s important
• How you can incorporate free resources to support you and your employees
• Access MaPS UK Partnerships Team to provide support and assistance with your financial wellbeing strategies

EVENT DETAILS:

• DATE: 21st  October 2021
• TIME: 10:30am -11:30am
• LOCATION: Online

Register for FREE now >>

Top stories

Government Predicts Massive Infrastructure Spend, Do we have Capacity to Deliver?

In its National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline, the government has set out how £650bn of private and public investment will be spent over the next 10 years with Whitehall saying it expects up to £31bn to be spent on economic and social infrastructure projects in the 2021/22 financial year.

Find out more >>

CLC Seeks Industry Support for Next Zero Carbon

The Construction Leadership Council is calling on businesses from across the industry to play their part in securing net zero carbon construction 2050. In this year of the UK hosting COP 26, the CLC says it is imperative that the construction sector steps up to the challenge and supports the Race to Zero.

Learn More >>

The Built Environment Joins Forces To Address Air Quality

The Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) is leading the way for the UK’s built environment to drastically reduce onsite emissions to air that are harmful to human health and the planet, such that they will reach net zero by 2040 and contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11 and 13.

Read More >>

October’s Featured Topic: Modern Slavery

There are 40.3 million victims in forced labour estimated by the Global Slavery Index, and estimated 136,000 victims in the UK alone. Labour exploitation is a lucrative business for organised crime and the built environment sector is no exception.

We have a wealth of resources to help you understand the principles of modern slavery and how you can use due diligence within your organisational processes to combat the risk of labour exploitation – take a look:

Modern Slavery: An Introduction 

An introductory learning pathway to help you begin to develop your understanding on modern slavery risks within your organisation and supply chain.

Start learning >>

Modern Slavery Due Diligence Prevention Checklist

A best practice checklist, outlining what organisations should have in place to combat modern slavery, designed to help procurement specialists understand how to evaluate supply chain responses to requests for their own due diligence processes. 

Find out more >>

Concrete – Tackling Modern Slavery in the Construction Sector

This video illustrates the forms of modern slavery and how it can manifest in the construction industry.

Watch now >>

What is Modern Slavery & the current trends Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Join Slave-Free Alliance and School Partner Electricity North West for an overview on modern slavery and current trends. The blend of knowledge and sector insight will give you overview into what it is, how it can take place and how to spot the signs across utility operations and the supply chain.

At the end of this Lunch ‘n’ Learn you will:

• Have an improved understanding of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Find out how to identify the signs on slavery within the supply chain
• Gain some insight into the strategic framework that can be used to ensure transparency in supply chains

EVENT DETAILS:

• DATE: 20th October 2021
• TIME: 12:00pm -13:00pm
• LOCATION: Online

Register for FREE now >>

Top stories

Net Zero Strategies Debated

Partners Transport for Wales, Wales & West Utilities and Welsh Water discussed ideas including a greater role for hydrogen, planting seagrass, energy efficient heating and lighting, and switching to renewable energy at the Game Changers: Sustainable and Net Zero roundtable.

Find out more >>

£5.87 Low Carbon Growth Programme Approved

The UK and Welsh Government have approved the £58.7 million Swansea Bay City Deal’s Supporting Innovation and Low Carbon Growth programme.

Read more >>

The Push Towards Offsite Construction is Nothing New

Take a look at Sears Homes from 1908 -1914, demonstrating that the push towards Offsite Construction is nothing new!

Take a look >>

October’s Featured Topic: Modern Slavery

There are 40.3 million victims in forced labour estimated by the Global Slavery Index, and estimated 136,000 victims in the UK alone. Labour exploitation is a lucrative business for organised crime and the built environment sector is no exception.

We have a wealth of resources to help you understand the principles of modern slavery and how you can use due diligence within your organisational processes to combat the risk of labour exploitation – take a look:

Modern Slavery: An Introduction 

An introductory learning pathway to help you begin to develop your understanding on modern slavery risks within your organisation and supply chain.

Start learning >>

Modern Slavery Due Diligence Prevention Checklist

A best practice checklist, outlining what organisations should have in place to combat modern slavery, designed to help procurement specialists understand how to evaluate supply chain responses to requests for their own due diligence processes. 

Find out more >>

Concrete – Tackling Modern Slavery in the Construction Sector

This video illustrates the forms of modern slavery and how it can manifest in the construction industry.

Watch now >>

Anxiety Lunch ‘n’ Learn

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear and unease about what’s to come. In 2013 there was 8.2 million cases of anxiety in the UK.

This Lunch ‘n’ Learn explains the anxiety cycle and the complexities and triggers associated with the different types of anxiety that can affect us.

By attending this session you will:

• Gain an understanding of the anxiety cycle.
• Understand the different types of anxiety and anxiety disorders.
• Learn different strategies which can help in coping with the symptoms of anxiety that can arise in our daily lives.

EVENT DETAILS:

• DATE: 19th October 2021
• TIME: 12:00pm -13:00pm
• LOCATION: Online

Register for FREE now >>

Top stories

Housebuilder Awards 2021 finalists announced

The finalists of the Housebuilder Awards 2021 have been revealed with Vistry Group, Barratt and Taylor Wimpey performing strongly. 

Find out more >>

School Partner Vistry announces its commitment to carbon reduction 

Vistry Group has announced its commitment to some ambitious carbon reduction targets for the business, with the housebuilder planning to incorporate sustainability criteria into its executive remuneration from next year.

Read more >>

UK’s retrofit industry must grow by ten times to play role in reaching net-zero

The UK’s retrofitting industry needs to grow by ten times its current size if the UK is to decarbonise its housing stock at a pace suitable for the wider net-zero emissions target, new research has revealed.

Take a look >>

October’s Featured Topic: Modern Slavery

There are 40.3 million victims in forced labour estimated by the Global Slavery Index, and estimated 136,000 victims in the UK alone. Labour exploitation is a lucrative business for organised crime and the built environment sector is no exception.

We have a wealth of resources to help you understand the principles of modern slavery and how you can use due diligence within your organisational processes to combat the risk of labour exploitation – take a look:

Modern Slavery: An Introduction 

An introductory learning pathway to help you begin to develop your understanding on modern slavery risks within your organisation and supply chain.

Start learning >>

Modern Slavery Due Diligence Prevention Checklist

A best practice checklist, outlining what organisations should have in place to combat modern slavery, designed to help procurement specialists understand how to evaluate supply chain responses to requests for their own due diligence processes. 

Find out more >>

Concrete – Tackling Modern Slavery in the Construction Sector

This video illustrates the forms of modern slavery and how it can manifest in the construction industry.

Watch now >>

Future Homes Task Force – Business Bytes

Join this session with Barratt Developments, Telford Homes, Thakeham Group, Places for People and Broadway Initiative to hear about the key elements of the Future Homes Delivery Plan and Hub, and understand how this will impact your organisation.

You will hear insights on the challenges and opportunities for the supply chain around embodied carbon and construction methods that are net zero; low carbon placemaking; infrastructure smart systems and energy; and ensuring businesses operations are in line with the Race to Zero.

Register for FREE now >>