CPA Bulletin

22 CPA Bulletin > May 2021 www.cpa.uk.net NEWS FROMCPA MEMBERS: 1 News from CPA Members To submit news for consideration for future issues of the CPA Bulletin, please email lisa @ lisacollinscommunications.co.uk HS2 Ltd, Highways England, Network Rail and Transport for London have joined forces in encouraging small and medium sized businesses to register for free training courses, designed to improve their prospects of meeting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) supply chain requirements and help them secure future contract opportunities. Working in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, the four transport bodies want to make it easier for companies to demonstrate their commitment to the EDI agenda. The Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Programme has been developed for the construction industry to provide an industry context to the EDI agenda. The Supply Chain Sustainability School is recognised as a leading training provider and has supported SMEs with accessing free training since 2012. Through the FIR programme they have supported over 2,000 businesses, helping them to improve their understanding of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, and its importance in the workplace. All four organisations outline good practice standards and requirements expected from suppliers to win work. Collectively, the four bodies are now supporting UK businesses to get ‘contract ready’ by providing access to a consistent source of training. This removes the requirement for businesses to complete numerous training and assessment programmes to satisfy multiple clients. CITB has funded the FIR Programme for five years, but with the economic impact of COVID they had to reduce funding for this financial year, which meant the FIR programme faced challenges in sustaining its full offer of training. HS2 Ltd, Highways England, Network Rail and Transport for London stepped in to support the FIR programme, to ensure SMEs can continue to access courses free of charge to support their long-term growth prospects and maintain consistency in the UK’s pipeline of infrastructure programmes. Businesses can access free online training at www.supplychainschool.co.uk/fir . Topics include Recruiting People, Fairly and Inclusively, Managing Challenging Conversations, The Business Case for Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, Monitoring and Reporting Workplace Diversity, FIR in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Understanding Unconscious Bias and Mental Wellbeing in Construction. Completion of online courses allows participants to gain CPD points and access bespoke action plans which promote the implementation of good practice workplace standards. Ian Heptonstall, Director of the Supply Chain Sustainability School said: “I’m delighted that we have four leading infrastructure clients providing a clear and consistent “ask” of their supply chain. The funding provided by these clients enables suppliers to access construction specific training that will help them develop their knowledge of equality and diversity good practice and in turn foster a culture of fairness, inclusion and respect within their teams - making our industry better for all.” Free Training toHelp Secure Rail and Road Contracts