HS2 becomes first UK company to secure and retain flagship equality accreditation

HS2 Ltd is the only organisation in the UK to achieve and retain an accreditation standard established to recognise exceptional commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workforce.

The Clear Assured Platinum Standard, which was first achieved by the government-owned company in 2021, marks its commitment to embedding inclusive best practice into all elements of its work, including the design and delivery of Britain's new railway.

Through evidence-based assessment, HS2 Ltd demonstrated that?its EDI policies and processes continue to be best practice and set new standards for the industry.

Alexandre Maria, director of clear assured and supplier diversity at the Clear Company, said: “HS2, despite already being EDI leaders in the industry, have continuously stretched the boundaries of inclusive best practice since originally achieving Clear Assured Platinum accreditation in 2021.”

“Whilst HS2 keeps raising their EDI standards and strives to create an even more inclusive working environment, the EDI team's own leadership, their effective use of data and commitment to accountability makes them an exemplar organisation.”

The announcement coincides with the publication of HS2 Ltd's EDI report for 2022/23, which shows that the HS2 project is leading the way and exceeding industry benchmarks for workforce diversity.

As Europe's largest infrastructure project, HS2 is setting new standards and driving change in both the rail engineering and construction sectors. It achieves this through a strategic commitment to EDI, inclusive procurement practices and by holding its Tier 1 suppliers to account for their EDI performance and they, in turn, do the same for their sub-contractors.

As a result, ethnic minority representation in HS2's Tier 1 supply chain increased by 2 per cent in 2022/23 and now stands at 20 per cent. The number of females in the Tier 1 supply chain workforce also increased from 28 per cent to 30 per cent.

Leading by example is at the heart of HS2 Ltd's approach to EDI good practice. Non-executive director and HS2 board diversity champion, Dame Judith Hackitt, is determined the organisation must go above and beyond to change the face of construction now and for future generations.

Dame Judith said: “A project of HS2's scale and longevity presents a unique opportunity for change and I'm determined we capitalise on that.

“Three years into our major civils programme, it's evident that HS2 is showing what can be done and demonstrating the benefits of addressing the lack of diversity which has been a feature of construction for so long.

“I genuinely believe that if we can set an example at HS2 and show the benefits of a diverse, inclusive culture, then we'll lead the way for the rest of the sector.”