Page 6 - Sisk News August 2017

Understanding The Protected Characteristics of Diversity
De ned by the respective legislation in Ireland, as the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 - and the UK Equality Act 2010 - the protected characteristics of Equality and Discrimination (sections of society that must not be discriminated against for their differences) are:
Ireland
1. Age
2. Disability
3. Sexual Orientation
4. Civil Status
5. Race
6. Gender
7. Religion or belief
8. Membership of the travelling community
United Kingdom
1. Age
2. Disability
3. Sexual Orientation
4. Civil Status
5. Race
6. Gender
7. Religion or Belief
8. Pregnancy and maternity
9. Gender Reassignment
Diversity: What’s it all about?
Diversity includes any dimension that can
be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability,
sexual orientation, education, religion and membership of the travelling community. But it’s more than this. We all bring with us diverse perspectives, work experiences, lifestyles, preferences and our cultures.
Inclusion is a state of being valued, respected and supported. It’s about focusing on the needs of every individual and ensuring the right environment is in place for each person to achieve his or her full potential.
In simple terms, diversity is the mix; inclusion is getting the mix to work well together.
Unlocking the Potential for Multi Million Pound Contracts
In recent submissions for public sector clients across Ireland and the UK, questions that focus on equality and diversity have accounted for at least 10% of the overall mark in the scoring criteria.
Becoming more diverse
In order to create a culture of inclusion, the forum will review our current procedures and work with the business to introduce
a number of best practice initiatives. These will include tool box talks and review of of ce and site welfare provisions.
We have also launched an online Diversity Awareness training course to help everyone recognise the issues which fall
within the inclusion and diversity agenda and offer guidance and explanation to all.
An annual action plan for
2017 has been developed to introduce a women’s range of PPE. The new range removes the health and safety risks of ill- tting attire and therefore offers greater protection to women entering the site.
Anna Hogan Pooja Godhania
Forum members include: Ange Francis; Anna Hogan; Aoife Gormally; Faisal Chikte; Fiona Brayshaw ; Leanne Broderick; Linda Norris; Pooja Godhania; Rebecca Hartshorn; Ruth Riordan; Sean Fitzpatrick; Val Fox;
Sisk Diversity Forum -
To create an inclusive environment that re ects the communities in which we operate, that allows each person to reach their full potential and values everyone for their unique contribution.
One Size Does Not Always Fit All
One such initiative has seen the forum work with the Procurement team, and engage with our supply chain partners, to introduce a women’s range of PPE. Mitigating the health and safety implications brought from wearing ill- tting attire, the new range offers greater protection to women entering the site.
Being the best we can be through inclusion not exclusion
Microsoft, Coca Cola, Nestle, Highways England, public sector bodies across the UK and Ireland...Our clients of the past, present and the future all have one thing in common... A focus on realising the bene ts of having an equal and diverse workforce.
Sisk hold this same view. Building on the ethos upon which we formed back in 1859, the rejuvenation of the Diversity Forum shows our effort to meet the needs of all our current and future employees and stakeholders.
Introducing the Diversity Forum
Chaired by Wayne Metcalfe, Transportation Director, forum members have been selected from all areas of the business.
Wayne said “Inherently at Sisk we’ve always been diverse, however growing expectations from clients and the direct correlations between the diversity of a business and its success compelled us to reinvigorate the forum and its associated focus. Addressing the key characteristics of Diversity and Inclusion, the forum offers a place for fellow colleagues, some of whom are from minority groups within the construction industry, to share their experiences of what it is like working at Sisk and offer suggestions and opinion as to how the working environment can be improved, not only for themselves but for all employees and the wider stakeholder network. An inclusive workplace will help attract top talent and help us to improve employee satisfaction. This could be as simple as having adequate welfare facilities or answering a survey openly and honestly without fear.”
6 Sisk News | August 2017