Kier Transportation has made history in the construction and infrastructure sector by attaining Gold accreditation from the Social Value Quality Mark CIC, marking a significant milestone for the industry.

It is also only the second organisation in the UK to achieve the standard. It recognises the scale of the organisation's impact on tackling the skills gap, increasing diversity and embedding the highest values-led standards.

To achieve Gold, the Transportation division underwent a thorough external audit, conducted by Social Value Quality Mark CIC. A key part of the process involved looking across Kier Transportation to evaluate its commitment to local spend, sustainable procurement, skills development and ethical decision-making.

-- Advertisement --

Based on the 12 months of evidence provided, the awarding panel were particularly impressed by Kier Transportation’s industry-leading approach to equality and diversity, which has been embraced throughout all levels of the organisation. By encouraging greater diversity, the Transportation business aims to reach an untapped pool of talent at a time when the construction industry is experiencing a skills shortage. According to CITB, a further 225,000 workers will be required to meet demand by 2027.

Describing the approach as 'exemplary', the auditor noted the commitment of the senior leadership team in each undertaking an intensive training programme on Diversity and Inclusion. Kier Transportation now also has 63 employee champions tasked with identifying and removing barriers to equality based on age, race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.

The panel also commended the company’s excellent and innovative approach to supply chain engagement and collaboration, in addition to colleagues’ passionate support of community volunteering and initiatives.