Graham Construction has won the prestigious ‘Inspiring Change in the Workplace’ award from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) for promoting Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR).

CECA recognised the firm for best practice within the construction industry with a suite of prestigious awards at a recent parliamentary reception.

The awards recognise and celebrate the efforts made to make construction a fairer and better industry for all. Winners were selected, by an independent panel of industry experts, from a field of entrants that were varied and demonstrated an evolving understanding of FIR and how that plays out in the workplace.

Nicky Ernst from Highways England, presented Graham with the award and highlighted the citation of the judges: “The work Graham Construction have undertaken to build a culture of fairness, inclusion and respect within the business is industry-leading, with leadership from managing director level down through the business and out into the supply chain.

“FIR Champions at all levels in the business have driven rapid changes in the company’s approach, leading to business benefits including a significant uplift in recruitment from under-represented groups, a massive reduction in staff absenteeism and more than £100 million in business from new customers.”

Alan Bill, managing director, Graham Construction, said: “Graham Construction is delighted to have received this industry accolade, our aim is to be an employer of choice where everyone is recognised and valued as an individual. A diverse workforce encourages a variety of new ideas that aligns with our key value of innovation. Also we recognise that when an individual feels valued both their contribution and engagement increases. There is a direct correlation between increased engagement and business performance all of which aligns to our corporate values of openness, respect and performance.”