Modern Building Services

10 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES FEBRUARY 2022 NEWS ANALYSIS 4. Focus on Diversity & Inclusion Diversity & Inclusion is an issue steadily rising up the supply chain agenda, with con-struction clients increasingly looking for evidence that contractors are proactive in this ar-ea. A progressive Diversity & Inclusion strategy will look to create a positive workplace environment where everyone feels valued and people are treated as individuals accord-ing to their needs. This may, for example, include making reasonable workplace adjust- ments to accommodate those with disabilities or those that have different work/life com-mitments. To help companies improve their approach to Diversity & Inclusion, The Supply Chain Sustainability School offers a free Fairness, Inclusion & Respect toolkit which can be ac-cessed here: www.supplychainschool.co.uk/ topics/fir/ 5. The standardisation of Social Value The concept of social value has been around for a while but it is set to become more de-fined in 2022. Within construction, social value usually covers how a build can add value in terms of its wider social, economic, and environmental benefits, but there is growing demand for more consistent measurement of social value. The Social Value Portal’s National Social Value Measurement Framework - also known as the National TOMS - provides a consistent method of reporting and measuring social value. Construction companies can find out more about how they can implement it in their business practices here: socialvalueportal. com/national-toms/ 6. The increase in digitalisation Digitalisation has been a slow burner for the construction industry, but according to McKinsey , Covid-19 was a turning point with 50% of companies surveyed saying they have increased investment in digital transformation to meet the demands of the next nor-mal. Central to the construction industry’s digital transformation is Building Information Model- ling (BIM), which offers digital modelling for all components of the construction process from tools, people and materials to mapping work areas, reducing defects and identifying health and safety hotspots. The ability to move the planning of build projects online al-lows a more collaborative way of working with stakeholders having access to data and documents from anywhere and at any time. Guidance on implementing BIM, designed to help construction businesses on their jour-ney to digital transformation, is available from the UK BIM Framework and is updated quarterly. 7. The skills shortage Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a record leap in job vacancies, estimated to be 1.2 million in September 2021 across all industries. The skills shortage has been a growing concern within construction due to workers reaching retirement age and not enough people entering the industry to replace them. Furthermore, the industry has seen a 42% decline in EU workers. The skills shortage makes it even more critical that efforts to diversify the industry and at-tract a wider range of people to construction roles pay off. It also reinforces the importance of looking after existing staff and contractors. CHAS has seen record use of the CHAS Jobs Board to Job boards report record traffic in recent months. Find out more here: www.chas.co.uk/blog/jobs- board-now-live/ 8. Materials shortages The Department for Business and Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Monthly Statistic of Building and Components consistently showed month-on-month price rises throughout 2021. The Construction Leadership Council reported improvements in product supply in some areas, and the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) are now receiving record-breaking timber imports; however, supplies are still likely to be under strain in 2022. A shortage of HGV drivers to deliver materials remains an issue, with take-up low for the government’s 10,500 visas for overseas lorry drivers. An FMB survey shows jobs are still being delayed as a result. 9. COVID-19 Covid-19 is still circulating with outbreaks and the impact of new variants difficult to pre-dict. Businesses will therefore need to remain COVID-secure and continue to manage the risks of the virus in 2022. Anyone who regularly employs contractors can access a database of companies who have completed a COVID-secure Statement of Best Practice for no charge via CHAS’s free Client Portal. 10. Mental health According to HSE, stress, depression, & anxiety remains the second highest cause of work-related ill health within the construction industry. This can be driven by working environments that are pressured or dangerous and embedded cultures that can struggle to promote openness. The potential for 2022 to foster a job-seekers market means it’s more important than ever to look after staff and their wellbeing, with careful consideration given to individual needs and requirements to look after a potentially more diverse workforce. Something like a positive, flexible working strategy can offer workers a better work/life balance, impacting positive mental wellbeing and making businesses more attractive to potential employees. Construction-specific mental health training is available from www.lighthouseclub.org To find out more about how CHAS can help contractors and clients manage supply chain risks and improve supply chain perfor- mance, visit www.chas.co.uk or call 0345 521 9111