What Is VolkerWessels UK’s Clear Assured Bronze Status?

Global engineering and construction firm, VolkerWessels UK has won Clear Assured Bronze status.

The firm achieved the internationally recognised accreditation through its focus on fairness, inclusion and respect. 

Clear Assured is a framework for diversity, equity and inclusion used across industries.

It says Bronze status is awarded through a "rigorous, evidence-based assessment” of how a firm attracts, recruits, develops and retains talent. 

It also analyses the effectiveness of a firm’s people policies, governance and workplace culture.

Progressing towards Silver

The framework is designed to allow companies to show continued improvement in areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Progress and impact is measured to ensure that inclusion is part of day-to-day practice rather than only included in a company’s policies.

VolkerWessels UK is now working towards Silver accreditation which specifically requires the firm to show fairness, inclusion and respect is a strategic business objective.

This objective should be supported by active leadership, data-driven decision making and robust governance. 

Established in 1854, VolkerWessels takes a person-centred approach to its business saying on its website that “People are the heart of everything we do, and we are constantly looking for ways to invest in and develop our teams and their career paths.”

It also refers to having staff from a wide of backgrounds saying: “We're a diverse community of thousands of skilled individuals, each bringing their unique talents to the table. Together, we take immense pride in our work, collaborating seamlessly to bring to life projects that impact millions every day.”

The firm has dedicated a page on its website to its “Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Legacy”, where it says it is “embracing a refreshed approach … challenging us to lead by example and leave a legacy where everyone feels valued and respected”.

VolkerWessels Fairness, Inclusion and Respect strategy

The firm has also published its Fairness, Inclusion and Respect strategy online.

Its approach is based on factors such as education and awareness, training and development and inclusive communication.

“At VolkerWessels UK, we are proud of our inclusive culture. Our journey so far has laid strong foundations, and we recognise how far we have come,” says Richard Offord, VolkerWessels Chief Executive Officer. 

“The strategy is aligned with our People-Planet-Purpose sustainability framework, recognising that a workplace that is enriched with diversity is one that is innovative, creative, resilient and fit for the future.

“Inclusion is something everyone in our business can contribute to. Our RESPECT programme brings our Fairness, Inclusion and Respect strategy to life with practical tools, engaging activities, events and training. It is designed to support our people to behave inclusively and ensure we continue to attract and retain the very best talent. We are committed to making inclusion a part of how we work every day, something that defines our business and helps us all succeed together.”

VolkerWessels leaders state their commitment

Leaders across the company have commented on the new strategy including: 

Emma Ward, VolkerWessels UK’s Head of Sustainability and Inclusion

“Our people are at the heart of our business. Our ability to create an environment where these people – our workforce – feel empowered, valued, included and respected means we create a culture where they, and our business, will flourish – it’s a win-win situation.”

Kunle Kolaru, Operations Director, VolkerHighways

“People are the key ingredient that makes our business so successful. Having an environment that treats people fairly, includes everyone and respects each one of us for who we are is our bedrock and our uncompromising strategy. This supports our team and individual needs as they emerge, helping us to reflect the diversity of the societies where we operate.”

Cecilia Hansen-Saunders, Commercial Director, VolkerRail Specialist Business

“Fairness, inclusion and respect matters to me because it’s not just about fairness it’s about unlocking the full potential of every individual. By ensuring we treat others’ fairly and with respect and having a truly inclusive culture that invites and celebrates our differences, we create a stronger, more innovative, and more resilient organisation where everyone can thrive.“ 

Clear Assured supports firms in diversity, equity and inclusion

The Clear Assured framework is managed by Clear Company, a workplace culture and diversity, equity and inclusion consultancy of 20 specialists, based in the UK.

Established in 2003, it supports companies to create inclusive environments through “expert insight, evidence-based frameworks and a commitment to lasting change”.

Accreditation ranges from Foundation through to Bronze, Silver, Gold and lastly, Platinum.

AtkinsRéalis became the first UK engineering firm to reach the elite Platinum Standard.

Infrastructure consultancy Mott MacDonald also holds Platinum status.

Global building material suppliers such as Tarmac (Gold) and Heidelberg Materials UK (Bronze) utilize the standard.

Major public infrastructure projects like HS2 Ltd use the standard to auditably back their diversity mandates.

VolkerWessels key partners:

Bouygues Construction

Bouygues Construction is a partner with Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick in the ALIGN joint venture, which was awarded a £965m (US$1.29bn) main works civil contract on HS2 Phase 1.

Laing O'Rourke

Laing O'Rourke is one of four preferred delivery partners, with VolkerRail, AtkinsRéalis and Siemens Mobility, on Network Rail's £1.75bn (US$2.34bn) Midlands Rail Hub programme.

Boskalis

Boskalis is VolkerWessels' 50/50 offshore cable installation joint venture partner in Visser & Smit Marine Contracting, formed around 2013.