The Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Steering Group recently recruited five new members from across the industry
Ella Anderson – Project Management Apprentice, Mace Group
“Ella is undertaking a degree apprenticeship with Mace in Project Management; alongside her work she is completing a construction management degree. Since joining the company, Ella quickly became involved with various Diversity and Inclusion events to enhance her existing knowledge and understanding, while helping guide and teach others. Upon witnessing the benefits of working in a diverse and inclusive workplace, Ella hopes to contribute to the important work of the FIR steering group by encouraging openness and breaking existing stigmas within the industry. Ella also wants to encourage a younger generation into joining the industry by aiding the creation of more inclusive workspaces.”
Charlotte Baker – Head of HR, Colas
“Charlotte Baker is Head of HR, having been promoted from HR Business Partner in 2021 and has worked for Colas Ltd since the 1st August 2018. In her current role, Charlotte is responsible for designing and managing the implementation of HR, Learning & Development, and Resourcing strategies that support the delivery of the overall business strategy. Charlotte is responsible for translating people plans into companywide actions that are fully aligned with the business’ People Strategy and leads on the business EDI strategy – continuing the Company’s journey to becoming a truly diverse business. Charlotte has over 20 years’ experience in complex, multi-site, construction and manufacturing businesses and specialises in employee relations, employment law, equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies, change management and employee engagement. Charlotte is a passionate advocate and champion for change in the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda, with success in implementing strategies to increase active participation companywide.”
Peter Ball – Group Commercial & Compliance Director, Fortel Group.
“A legal, regulatory, compliance and commercial expert. Peter has a wealth of experience operating at a senior level within the Recruitment, Telecommunications and Construction Industries. Currently the Group Commercial & Compliance Director for the Fortel Group, Peter has first-hand experience from a Tier 1 Contractor perspective as well as being able to provide a view from a Labour Provider/Tier 2 Contractor on many aspects, including FIR and Labour Provider Governance/ best practice.”
Shelley Caton – Director Diversity & Inclusion, BAM UK&I
“I have been a proud employee of BAM for over 16 years, and have seen such a transition in terms of our understanding of inclusion through society, our business, our customers and our people. I have had a varied career in an number of people focused roles and have always been fascinated in the links between engagement and performance. BAM are going through a very exciting process of change, with inclusion at the heart so we are currently delivering a huge education programme and I am really keen that we maximise on the benefits that FIR programme has to offer our industry. I hope to bring to the team some creative insights and critical challenge so that we can continue to deliver exactly what our industry needs in order to ensure a sustainable future and be an attractive career proposition to a diverse population of talent.”
Christina Scant – Group Head of HR, Core Highways Group.
“We have taken lots of positive actions and are starting to collect data to measure our progress on EDI. We are a Disability Confident Leader accredited business and have an EDI action plan to ensure our activities are planned and have a positive impact. What I bring to the group is the voice of smaller organisations within the Tier 1 supply chain that are starting their EDI journey and might find tackling this issue overwhelming at times. My company and I have a commitment and genuine belief in EDI as the principles of FIR align to both my personal values and my organisations professional values.”
Other Steering Group members:
Aaron Reid (Morgan Sindall)
Belinda Blake (National Highways)
Briony Wickenden (CECA South)
Charlotte Baker (Colas)
Christina Scant (Core Highways)
Emer Murnaghan (Graham Construction)
Emma Shakespeare (Laing O’Rourke)
Osita Madu (HS2)
Paul Aldridge (WJ Group)
Ripesh Patel (Network Rail)
Shelley Caton (BAM)
Stephen Cole (CITB)
Stuart Coates (TfL)