OVERVIEW

!   What does BE FaIR mean? !   BE FaIR explained !   BE FaIR benefits:

- Commercial - Industry - Individual

!   The Framework content !   BE FaIR strands !   Summary

WHO WILL OWN THE ACCREDITED FRAMEWORK?

CITB-ConstructionSkills are developing the accredited framework with the support of the Construction Industry Leadership Group for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, an independent industry group. The development of the accredited framework will be informed through discussions with the sector to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Core Team

Constructing Equality

Industry Testing

Review Constructing

Equality

Ongoing updates

from industry

WHO WILL DEVELOP THE FRAMEWORK?

The framework is being developed by CITB-ConstructionSkills and Constructing Equality with support from other organisations (Core Team). Overseen by the Leadership Group for FIR, the Core Team will liaise with industry to ensure the framework is fit for purpose, including industry testing with employers.

SO WHAT DOES BE FaIR MEAN?

!   The Built Environment Framework for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (BE FaIR) 

!   Fairness in the way existing and

potential employees and partners are treated in terms of their recruitment, development, promotion, remuneration, work-life balance and subcontracting work.

…the Framework assesses three hugely important aspects of working life:

!   Inclusion in that every individual’s values are understood and appreciated, and all reasonable needs are met.

!   Respect of one another, in everything they do.

While these important aspects of everyday working life should all be at the heart of every workplace, it’s not always the case.

BE FaIR EXPLAINED…

!   Generally, people have a negative view on equality and diversity matters;

!   …some people share the opinion that it’s just another bureaucratic system…

!   …and some think that it is simply a tick box exercise that has no bearing to the organisation.

BE FaIR EXPLAINED…

What we are trying to convey to the industry is that with the BE FaIR Framework, the ultimate aim is to improve working conditions for ALL in the industry…

BE FaIR EXPLAINED…

…whether that be reducing gender pay gaps, eliminating suicide bidding or even just improving on-site facilities, our passion lies with improving the construction industry for everyone.

As well as recognising organisations that give people the support to thrive professionally and personally, the Framework also gives any that fall short a structured roadmap towards addressing equality and diversity, and the rewards they bring.

There are four ‘star’ levels of achievement, ranging from ‘meeting private sector legislation’ up to ‘excellence’.

LEVELS OF ACHIEVEMENT

Subcontractors Main Contractors Registered Provider / Housing Association

Meets private sector legislation

Meets public sector legislation

Learning organisation Excellence

Strands

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL… The Framework understands that there are various different types of organisation within the industry; all of which have varying methods of management and operational structure.

In order to improve the industry as a whole it is imperative that the Framework reflects this – that is why we have developed 17 strands…

WHAT STRANDS WILL BE DEVELOPED?

Year One

Subcontractors (Small)

Subcontractors (Medium)

Main Contractors (SME)

Main Contractors (Large)

Registered Providers/Housing Associations (rent only)

Registered Providers/Housing Associations (Developers)

Year Two

To be agreed with the Industry Leadership Group for FIR

e.g. Clients

Consultants Micro contractors and consultants

Year Three

To be agreed with the Industry Leadership Group for FIR

e.g. Professional Institutes /

Federations FE & HE providers

Housebuilders

THE STRANDS OF THE FRAMEWORK Each strand of the Framework has been designed and developed specifically for each type of organisation in the industry. Creating an action plan that fits you.

BENEFIT V COST

Framework Costs Saved

Internal costs (6k)

Consultancy fees (5k)

Supporting Docs (2K)

Accreditation

One fixed cost

PRICING STRUCTURE

Subbie Level 1

Subbie Level 2

Subbie Level 3

MC Level 1

MC Level 2

MC Level 3

LACK OF E&D KNOWLEDGE

• Sector needs educating around FIR/E&D • Currently short term focus which can increase challenge

Lack of E&D knowledge

• Framework is prescriptive for two levels, • This allows organisations to understand the extent of FIR

Learning framework

•  Very, very helpful directives. Gets you to think ahead. (Midland Heart)

•  Helped to inform the agenda for equality. Additional push subcontractors to improve. Helps focus supply chain (Grapham)

How the industry reacted

WIDE AND VARIED SECTOR

• Not that industry is special – rather how can one standard fit industry?

• Differences in size, client, resources, driver, staff etc make big impact on requirements.

Wide and varied sector

• 18 Strands including large main contractor, small sub contractor, higher education.

• Tailored to understand resources, challenges and strengths to reduce need for expensive.

Specific Strands

• Great idea, should pursue. Really useful fit for small business. GM Jones • Saved lots of time, easier to understand, more examples of what was needed

than other frameworks. Useful for me and saves company money on hiring in a diversity expert., which would not be needed here as the framework is self-explanatory. Vinci

How the industry reacted

INDUSTRY CULTURE

• Historically operatives and site staff have been reluctant to engage with E&D • Seen as something “About them not us” Industry Culture

• Written to create an inclusive environment, understanding where people on site feel treated unfairly

• Enables site managers/staff to see E&D as something that affects all • Uses processes and practices already familiar on site

Understanding site

• 20/21 site operatives supported the need for an industry framework (Vinci Site) • As well as FIR there is a huge cultural issue. The Tool box talks got the guys to think about things they might not ordinarily, or are too shy to, ask about. (Highwire)

• Surprisingly credible, (Graham Construction, Site)

How the industry reacted

BE FaIR COMMERCIAL BENEFITS... The framework recognises employers who celebrate diversity and empower individuals. Ultimately, it can lead to a number of commercial benefits:

1.  You will have a stronger tender offer.

2.  The process helps you to develop improved working practices.

3.  It can aid you to pinpoint and address skill shortages.

4.  Help you attract new recruits.

5.  Raise your profile within communities.

BE FaIR INDUSTRY BENEFITS... In addition to the many commercial benefits, the BE FaIR Framework aims to tackle and resolve the various industry issues that affect everyone involved on a daily basis, such as:

! Long working hours

! General pay issues

!   Suicide bidding

!   False self employment

CALL FOR ACTION

Fully funded pilot Currently have all main contractors required, these

include BAM, ISG, Vinci and Wates Need SME Subs, funding for 120 so far interest from 30

from Scotland alone.

TO SUMMARISE… !   (BE FaIR) = The Built Environment Framework for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect

!   The ultimate aim is to improve working conditions for ALL in the industry

!   The Framework holds many commercial, industry and individual benefits

TO SUMMARISE…

!   The Framework has 18 strands, all tailored specifically to each different type of organisation in the industry

!   For more information visit !   Email befairframework@constructionskills.org to apply for

the pilot.

www.constructingequality.co.uk