Simon Acres Group champions diversity

February 27, 2024

Specialist recruitment agency and online training provider, Simon Acres Group Limited, encourages an inclusive workforce within the KBB and construction industries. To support this, Simon Acres Group has released a Movers & Shakers video that focuses on the benefits of diversity within the workplace.

In the video, Simon Acres interviews I. Stephanie Boyce, former president of the Law Society of England and Wales, and Janie Frampton OBE, a former professional football referee. Stephanie made history in March 2021 when she became the sixth female and the first person of colour to become president of the Law Society of England and Wales. Janie, recently awarded an OBE for her services to equality for women in sport, was one of the first women to operate as a referee in men’s professional football and was a FIFA referee instructor for 10 years.

Both trailblazers share their experiences on how a diverse workforce drives innovation, which can include different ideas, views, values and cultures. The video includes advice on offering equal opportunities, avoiding discrimination and bias, as well as improving the overall hiring process. While the guidance provided can be adapted to almost any industry, there is a particular focus on the construction industry in the video to highlight the steps that should be taken to encourage more women to pursue a career in this sector.

To highlight the significance of diversity amongst its own workforce, Simon Acres Group hosted a discussion with its employees, Stephanie and Janie. What’s more, James Gibson, Director of People at Simon Acres Group is constantly improving practises and has recently qualified in a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. As a recruitment agency, Simon Acres Group also works with companies to ensure the roles that they are recruiting for encourage a diverse range of applicants.

Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group Limited, says: “It was an honour to have I. Stephanie Boyce and Janie Frampton OBE share their knowledge and experience in relation to the important topic of diversity within business. Companies should strive to foster an inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“There is room for a lot of improvement when it comes to diversifying within the construction industry. The interview uncovered some useful gems such as ensuring marketing and advertising strategies are diverse and appeal to all genders. Job adverts should be open, transparent and apply equal opportunities. Don’t be afraid to seek external help, diversity shouldn’t be viewed as a tick box exercise, we want employers to really buy into a diverse workforce and truly believe in it.”

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