HTM Achieves NES Accreditation with EY

Highway Traffic Management (HTM) has reached a significant milestone by successfully passing the National Equality Standard (NES) Assessment, highlighting its commitment to cultivating a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Recognised as one of the UK’s highest benchmarks for EDI, the NES evaluates organisations on their policies, practices, and overall impact on fostering an inclusive environment. By meeting these rigorous standards, HTM has demonstrated its dedication to making positive, lasting change in the workplace and beyond.

Following an in-depth assessment conducted in partnership with EY, this significant milestone underscores HTM’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all aspects of its business, aligning with best practices in policy, recruitment, and employee wellbeing.

Lucinda Sturman, HTM HR Manager told us:

“We’re very proud to pass this assessment and rubber-stamp our commitment to DE & I.

“Our ultimate goal is to make HTM the very best place to work for our people across a number of metrics and by cementing accreditations such as this one, our people can see that we firstly, truly care.

“Secondly, our people see that we’re investing in making their place of work the best it can be for each and every individual. It shows everyone in our team that they matter.”

A Journey Towards Inclusion

HTM began the journey with EY in February 2023.

During the initial assessment phase, EY conducted 14 focus groups, bringing together employees from varied roles, seniority levels, genders, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. This process highlighted HTM’s practices in DEI and provided a foundation for continuous improvement.

With the NES accreditation secured, HTM will maintain these standards until May 2026.

Evidence and Best Practices

As part of the assessment, HTM provided extensive documentation showcasing its efforts in recruitment, talent attraction, communications, and employee engagement. Key areas of evidence included:

• Recruitment Practices
• Talent Attraction
• Employee Communications
• Employee Engagement and Wellbeing
• Community and Social Impact

Structured Learning and Development

HTM has prioritised EDI training; all leaders have achieved a CMI Level 5 qualification and people managers have also engaged in neurodiversity and modern slavery training.  HTM has also enhanced their development framework, embedding DEI within operatives’ leadership training programmes.

Its performance appraisal process has been refined with a 9-box model, and guidance on appraisal objectives helps maintain consistency and fairness in evaluations.

Transparency in Policies and Data

The company maintains a transparent approach to DEI data, regularly reviewing diversity metrics, exit interview feedback, and leadership insights.

This approach also extends to accessibility, where HTM provides capability checklists and reasonable adjustment guidance to support all employees.

HTM Strengths Recognised

EY’s assessment highlighted several strengths within HTM’s DEI strategy:

• Policies and Practices: With a comprehensive set of policies including Equal Opportunities and Whistleblowing, HTM has demonstrated a strong foundation for DEI. Regular policy reviews by external consultants further reinforce HTM’s commitment.
• Engagement and Communication: The launch of HTM’s first employee engagement survey and subsequent actions to address feedback underscore the company’s efforts in fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Mental Health and Well-being: HTM’s proactive approach to mental health includes access to mental health first aiders and EAP services, as well as visible support from leadership.
• Community Engagement and CSR: HTM’s partnerships with charities and sponsorship of local events reflect its dedication to social responsibility, advancing diversity and social mobility.
• Transparency and Continuous Improvement: Reporting on gender pay gaps and regular policy reviews, HTM continues to set benchmarks for organisational transparency and improvement.

Building a DEI-Driven Culture

Based on EY’s recommendations, HTM has further enhanced its DEI strategy intrinsically linked to its cultural and operational goals. With an emphasis on flexible working, external partnerships, and data transparency, HTM remains committed to building an inclusive environment where employees can thrive. This ongoing dedication has not gone unnoticed – EY commended HTM’s hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to DEI.

Greg Baldwin, HTM Managing Director commented:

“This is a huge statement of who we are and what we value at HTM. Our people drive us and it’s vital that everyone knows how much they’re valued.

“With NES certification, we not only strengthen our internal culture but also send a clear message to clients, partners, and the public: equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental pillars of our business.”