Following a rigorous judging process, conducted by leaders from inside and outside the industry, VolkerRail was presented with the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Initiative of the Year for its Building Relationships on Site (BROS) programme. A mental health initiative launched in 2022, to help frontline employees proactively engage with mental health conversations. The Excellence in Learning & Development Award was presented to VolkerRail for its commitment to nurturing people’s potential, and driving learning and development through hundreds of different courses, centred around academic, soft skills, and behavioural development. The night's biggest award - Best Place to Work Contractor Award - was presented to the company for its continued work to ensure it is an attractive place to work for people at all career stages and from all backgrounds.

The judges praised the commitment of VolkerRail, saying:

• Health, Safety & Wellbeing Initiative of the Year – The initiative was more than just having a system in place – it provides a measurement of how someone feels and creates to opportunity to address challenges early before they escalate.
• Excellence in Learning & Development – The submission was the ‘definition of excellence’ with ‘strong evidence of impact, clear links to business and HR strategies with an integrated and well-developed sustainability vision.
• Best Place to Work – We were impressed at the setup of VolkerRail’s internal academies and its provision of upskilling opportunities enabling staff to pursue their career aspirations. Its forward-thinking focus on building resilience to ensure it continues to be an attractive place to work deserves commendation.

Construction News editor, Colin Marrs said: “Our worthy winners are breaking new boundaries in areas such as mental health, improving diversity and inclusion, closing unfair pay gaps, and becoming more socially responsible. The winners demonstrate world-leading excellence, ensuring the construction industry remains a great place to work.”

VolkerRail’s managing director, Steve Cocliff, said: "Our people are what make our organisation. As an employer, it is our responsibility to nurture our employee’s potential, allowing them to grow and develop their careers, and encouraging their passion, as well as ensuring good health and wellbeing. We are honoured to receive awards that recognise our efforts in all of these areas."

To read more, you can visit: CN Workforce Awards 2023 (emap.com)