Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS), the team behind the construction of the west London super-hub, has been awarded the prestigious Clear Assured Platinum Accreditation.
This top-tier accreditation is given to organisations that excel in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) best practices, as evaluated through a rigorous audit and evidence-based framework.
Out of the 450 organisations in the Clear Assured community, 280 have undergone formal assessment. BBVS and HS2 Ltd are among the four organisations that have achieved the Platinum Standard.
The project was particularly commended for fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive culture through strong collaboration with its partners. Key initiatives that stood out included efforts to promote inclusive leadership, enhance social value and community outreach, and prioritise the health and wellbeing of the workforce, with a special focus on mental health.
In 2021, HS2 Ltd set a benchmark by becoming the first UK company to achieve Clear Assured Platinum Status. Following this, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), another main works contractor for HS2 in the West Midlands, earned the 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.”
Image credit: HS2
