Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA (BBVS), the HS2 construction partner building the Old Oak Common Station in West London, has received the prestigious Clear Assured Platinum Accreditation for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This top-tier accolade from the Clear Company recognises organisations demonstrating best practice in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through a rigorous audit. BBVS joins an exclusive group of just four organisations, including HS2 Ltd itself, to achieve the Platinum standard out of 450 organisations within the Clear Assured community.
The project was commended for fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive culture through partner collaboration. Specific praise was given to initiatives promoting inclusive leadership, social value, community outreach, and workforce health and wellbeing, particularly mental health support.
HS2 Ltd previously set a benchmark in 2021 by becoming the first UK company to achieve Clear Assured Platinum status. Another HS2 contractor, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), also holds a Gold accreditation.
Peter Gow, Project Client for Old Oak Common Station at HS2 Ltd, said: “We have a firm commitment to embedding EDI principles across the programme. With our contractors and supply chain partners we are seeking to change the industry by challenging ourselves on ‘what good looks like’ to achieve better workplace environments which embrace best practice.
“I would like to congratulate the team at BBVS and everyone in team Old Oak for achieving Clear Assured Platinum – what a fantastic achievement and well deserved.”
Steve O’Sullivan, Project Director for BBVS, said: “At Old Oak Common, we have worked hard to establish our EDI programme. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all our people feel safe, respected and valued. We have partnered with our project team colleagues and our supply chain to grow and deliver an inclusive project which touches the lives of some of the most disadvantaged communities in London.
“Achieving this accreditation is testament to the commitment and dedication of our team to delivering sustainable outcomes. Senior leadership support is delivered by being proactive, authentic, visible and accountable. Our team has followed their lead to embed an inclusive culture, which shapes and influences the EDI narrative both across the project and in the industry. This is the legacy that HS2 will leave.”
Kate Headley, CEO of the Clear Company, said: “What is remarkable about this achievement as a relatively newly formed joint venture, is how a small team have managed to power through so much activity to achieve impact so quickly. They have shown tremendous commitment in getting the whole organisation behind the journey to become a Platinum accredited employer.
“This is a model example of how an organisation can best utilise Clear Assured’s resources, consultants and online project management platform to support real change in employment best practice.”
