We are dedicated to running our business responsibly, fostering a safe, inclusive workplace and working closely with our supply chain to drive positive outcomes for our stakeholders.
Safety, health and environment (SHE)
The safety, health and welfare of everyone who comes into contact with our operations is Crest Nicholson’s number one priority. We want our employees and others affected by the work that we do to remain healthy and go home safely to their families and friends every day. We have a culture built on individual responsibility, where everyone expects all work to be carried out safely and without harm to people or the environment.
The principles set out in our corporate health and safety policy are implemented throughout the business. The Board considers SHE performance critical to our effective operations. Executive oversight is delegated to the SHE Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer and attended by members of the Executive Committee.
SHE performance is the first item covered at all Board and divisional board meetings. Our safety, health and environmental management system and processes, externally accredited by Safety Schemes in Procurement, are designed to minimise risk, and cover all our construction operations.
We have standards and procedures to reduce environmental risk and improve waste management across our sites. Our SHE team conducts regular site visits to ensure conformity with our environmental standards.
Human rights and anti-slavery
We are committed to conducting our business with integrity, helping to ensure that human rights are respected and protected throughout our operations. This extends to our colleagues, supply chain, customers and the communities we serve. Our human rights policy supports the principles set out in internationally recognised standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We expect our supply chain partners to act responsibly, with respect for human rights. Our Supply Chain Code of Conduct clearly sets out expectations on environmental and social issues, and all partners are contractually required to comply with these standards.
To raise awareness of modern slavery, we require all new employees to complete anti-slavery training during induction, with existing employees undertaking an annual update. We provide updates through our intranet and display posters across our sites in multiple languages, to help those working on our sites identify signs of modern slavery. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour and child labour.
Our Speaking Up (whistleblowing) helpline and website allow our colleagues, subcontractors, suppliers and the local community to report concerns.
For more information about the steps we are taking to mitigate the risk of slavery, see our Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.
Real Living Wage
We are accredited as a Living Wage Employer. The Real Living Wage exceeds both the government’s minimum wage and the National Living Wage, being the only wage rate in the UK calculated based on the actual cost of living.
We ensure that all direct employees are paid at least the Real Living Wage, with annual reviews to ensure compliance. Our Supply Chain Code of Conduct requires that subcontractors working on our sites are also paid the Real Living Wage, and we actively communicate this across our sites. We also provide information on how to report any concerns of non-compliance through our Speaking Up channels.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We encourage diversity and promote equality and respect throughout the organisation. This supports our goal to be an inclusive employer, where employees are empowered regardless of their background, identity, age, gender, ethnicity or disability.
We continue to review and develop our policies that support diversity, inclusion and equality within the business to ensure there are no barriers to recruitment, performance and career development. We also continue to celebrate our calendar of initiatives to acknowledge notable dates and religious festivals to raise awareness and respect for all faiths and important causes.
We continue to be a Silver Award holder with the Employer Recognition Scheme, showing our ongoing support of the armed forces, especially being an employer that has a reservist policy in place.
We aim to create an atmosphere that provides equal opportunities for all. Selection for employment and promotion is based on merit, following an objective assessment of ability and experience. We are also committed to ensuring that our workplaces are free from discrimination and that everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and respect.
For further information, see our 2024 Annual Report and Accounts, and Gender Pay Gap Report.
