Highway Traffic Management (HTM) is proud to announce that it has officially secured its reaccreditation for the National Equality Standard (NES).

Recognised as one of the UK’s most rigorous benchmarks for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), passing the assessment for a second time reinforces HTM’s ongoing, deep-rooted commitment to fostering a workplace where everyone belongs. Following an in-depth review conducted once again in partnership with EY, the reaccreditation proves that EDI at HTM isn’t just a one-time achievement but an evolving, core pillar of how the business operates.

When HTM first achieved the standard, the goal was to identify the positive work the business has implemented for EDI to ensure every employee feels valued, but also the areas that it can focus on to continue improving. This successful reaccreditation highlights that the business has not stood still, but has instead embedded these values deeper into its corporate DNA, from the roadside to head office.

Lucinda Sturman, HTM’s Head of HR, shared her pride in the achievement:

“Securing our NES reaccreditation is a massive validation of the hard work our teams put in every single day. We didn’t want to just pass the test once and tick a box; our ultimate goal has always been to make HTM the very best place to work.

“By retaining this standard, we are showing our people that our commitment to them is permanent. We are continuously investing in their wellbeing, listening to their feedback, and ensuring that our workplace evolves to support each and every individual.

“Whilst we’re extremely pleased to recertify, it’s been another opportunity for us to learn more from our employees and understand where we need to improve to continue on our journey as an inclusive employer and as a business people aspire to work for.”

As part of the rigorous reaccreditation process, the assessment team used the NES framework to evaluate HTM’s current practices. EY highlighted four standout areas of strength that set HTM apart as a progressive leader within the traffic management sector:

1) Purpose-led social impact and external relationships

HTM’s social and community activity is strategic, purposeful, and hardwired into the company’s values. By actively engaging with local charities, education sectors, and early-talent networks, HTM delivers tangible benefits to local communities. By collaborating with local suppliers and SMEs, HTM leverages its social value commitments to maximise regional economic and social impact.

2) Attracting and recruiting diverse talent

To reach underrepresented groups, HTM adopts a highly proactive and inclusive attraction model. This includes building strong partnerships with local colleges, prisons, veterans’ organisations, and specialist providers supporting individuals with different learning needs. Crucially, HTM’s recruitment and selection processes are structured specifically to minimise bias, while insight from surveys and exit interviews is continuously used to refine their approach.

3) Prioritisation of employee health & wellbeing

Health and wellbeing are embedded as a core organisational priority at HTM. Taking a holistic view, the business spans physical, mental, and financial wellbeing alongside work-life balance. Crucially, wellbeing is closely integrated with Health & Safety processes and shaped by proactive employee listening mechanisms, placing HTM at the leading edge of practice within the traffic management sector.

4) Supportive and comprehensive people policies

HTM boasts a strong suite of people policies that carry an embedded EDI lens, with many going well beyond statutory requirements. These well-governed policies are reviewed annually and stress-tested externally to align with best practices. Furthermore, HTM maintains the flexibility to implement these policies on a pragmatic, case-by-case basis, balancing operational realities with individual employee needs.

The reaccreditation demonstrates that HTM’s dedication to transparency, progressive leadership training, and robust mental health support continues to set a benchmark for the industry.

Greg Baldwin, HTM Managing Director, commented on what this milestone means for the future of the company:

“This reaccreditation is a powerful statement about who we are. Our people are the driving force behind HTM, and ensuring they feel supported, safe, and valued is our number one priority.

“Retaining the National Equality Standard status tells our clients, our partners, and the wider public that equality, diversity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords for us – they are fundamental pillars of how we do business both today and in the future.”