The brilliance of construction

Its been a mixed month, on the one hand we have had a couple of Anonymous blog posts and a couple of telephone calls in that have reminded us that the industry can be a harsh working environment.

On the other hand though, we have had the joy of being reminded just how wonderful and forward thinking the industry can also be.

Pour exemplar

This month has seen us busy testing the new BE FaIR (Built Environment Fairness Inclusion Respect) accredited framework, a project we are working on with Construction Skills. A number of companies are helping us ensure that the framework meets the requirements of industry. These include

• ·         Vinci
• ·         Graham
• ·         Rothwell Plumbing
• ·         GM Jones
• ·         Lloyd and Gravell
• ·         Midland Heart
• ·         One Vision Housing
• ·         Highwire

In every case not only were the companies keen to help and refreshingly honest regarding what they felt would work and what wouldn’t but they were also doing a huge amount; From simple things like a zero tolerance attitude to offensive language on site to structured recruitment processes designed to ensure the best person for the job.

Even the smaller companies such as Lloyd and Gravel a main contractor with 67 employees have a remarkable 8 apprentices, with those in the trades chosen from a tough process designed to give everyone a chance but ensure the best succeeded.

The reoccurring theme was it often took an hour into a meeting before a company would mention one of these initiatives stating –“ its just what we do, you forget other people don’t know”.

My concern as ever is that companies do know what’s best for them and their staff but client demands, market conditions and quota based fads often mean that they are not able to implement as much as they would like.

There needs to be a greater understanding around what the industry needs to do in order to move forward to be seen as an employer of choice. Obviously I feel that the BE FaIR framework is a major part of ensuring that change but even more so it’s the industry’s ability to recognise and be proud of the good practice it already carries.