Balfour Beatty has updated its UK Diversity and Inclusion Strategy with a new scheme known as “Value Everyone”
This refreshed strategy builds upon the company’s initial Diversity and Inclusion Strategy launch in 2018.
Since then, the company has introduced several initiatives, such as custom learning and development opportunities and reverse mentoring for the Executive Committee.
Balancing demographics at Balfour Beatty
The new strategy aims to further improve inclusivity and diversity at Balfour Beatty, with guidance from its employee-led Affinity Networks.
The goal of the strategy is to align the workforce with the UK’s demographics, according to the 2021 census for England and Wales. The updated strategy explicitly outlines three targets to be achieved by 2030:
- A 50% increase in the number of female employees by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline.
- A 60% increase in the number of minority ethnic employees by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline.
- A 60% increase in the number of black employees by 2030 compared to the 2021 baseline.
The key goals of the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
The strategy outlines seven key objectives. These include leading the way, creating opportunities, fostering an inclusive culture, and promoting diversity within the supply chain.
Balfour Beatty will review and refresh these objectives each year. Additionally, the company will focus on raising awareness, providing education, and celebrating differences.
Balfour Beatty has also introduced a new employee-led Affinity Network known as Neurodiversity & Allies.
This network aims to increase awareness and understanding of neurodiverse conditions among employees while supporting the organisation in creating a better working environment for neurodivergent individuals.
“Becoming a truly diverse and inclusive company is one of our greatest focus areas. Whilst we have made significant progress since we first introduced our strategy in 2018, we recognise that there is still more work to do,” said Paul Raby, HR director at Balfour Beatty.
“Since then, the passion of our people has been instrumental in driving tangible change through focused action, spearheaded by our employee-led Affinity Networks. With our 2030 targets and a refreshed strategy, we will continue to work towards becoming a more inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone is supported to reach their full potential,” he concluded.
