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Construction - Respect for People

The construction industry needs to attract and retain a high-quality workforce. That is why the People Agenda figures prominently in Rethinking Construction/Accelerating Change. Construction Sector Unit works closely with various industry bodies to take forward the People Agenda.

Rethinking Construction identified 'Respect for People'(RfP) as one of the five drivers for change. Our work covering Respect for People seeks to demonstrate to industry and its clients that showing respect to their workforce, as well as winning respect from them and from the general public, is fundamental to business success. RfP is also an approach which transcends any limited-scale programme of activity. Construction Sector Unit, supports the work of Constructing Excellence which actively engages with industry to advance the involvement and well being of people working in all areas of construction.

Respect for People is in line with the broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda where businesses are encouraged to consider the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their activities. CSR is helping companies discover that business benefits derive from being socially and environmentally responsible. More information is available from the Government website on CSR.

Respect for People Toolkit and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Available from Constructing Excellence, the Toolkits and RfP KPIs comprise a set of checklists and scorecard tools designed to help firms benchmark their performance across a range of elements:

• Equality and diversity
• Health and Safety
• Training Plan
• Work in occupied premises
• Worker satisfaction
• Working environment

Respect for People KPIs are an integral part of the Respect for People Toolkit package. They enable organisations to compare performance against industry standards and identify areas for action.

The Toolkit is chargeable and enquirers are advised to consult Constructing Excellence at an early stage for advice on how to best use of the material. 

Respect for People Leaflet - Making Respect for People a core Business Value

We have produced, in association with Constructing Excellence, a leaflet outlining the principles of Respect for People and the case for making RfP a core business value. The leaflet is a double-sided laminated A4 sheet and is available free of charge. A pdf version is available via the link below. Limited stocks of a hard copy version of the standard leaflet are also available on request. Contact clive.young@berr.gsi.gov.uk

Respect for People - the business benefits

The strongest case for Respect for People is the direct link between respect paid to people and an improved business performance by the organisation. A suite of 9 case studies prepared by Constructing Excellence, with CSU support, presents the experiences of different organisations, and sets out why they believe Respect for People makes sound business sense. The report can be accessed via the link provided.

Investors in People

We are keen to see more construction companies, especially small firms, commit to the Investors in People (IiP) standard. The Respect for People Toolkit also complements IiP. The development of Business Planning, and associated Training Plans are key elements in the IiP accreditation process. Eligible companies wishing to develop their Training Plans can get advice and assistance from ConstructionSkills.

The Benchmarking Service

The Respect for People Performance Benchmarking Service is one of a number of services and clubs managed by Constructing Excellence. Their website provides access to all the main Benchmarking initiatives, including information about benchmarking and Key Performance Indicators services to the construction industry. Some are free and open to all while others are restricted or fee based. The Respect for People Performance Benchmarking Service enables member organisations to measure their progress and thereby enhance their ability to recruit and retain the best possible workforce. The club is owned and controlled by its members.

Demonstration Programme

A good deal of ground-breaking work relevant to the People Agenda is being undertaken by many construction companies. The Unit, along with Constructing Excellence, is keen to capture good practice examples to challenge and inspire others to come up to the standards and practice of the best. Companies willing to participate in the Demonstration Programme can obtain more information from Constructing Excellence.

For further information contact clive.young@berr.gsi.gov.uk