A sixth CIC Inclusive Environment Recognition for HMRC in Leeds

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has awarded HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ‘Inclusive Environments Recognition’ for their application of the CIC'S Essential Principles for creating accessible and inclusive environments at their Leeds Regional Centre, 7 & 8 Wellington Place. This is the sixth recognition at project level for HMRC since 2020. Their other recognised projects include their Stratford Regional Hub – London, Ty William Morgan - Cardiff, Queen Elizabeth House - Edinburgh, Erskine House – Belfast and the new Government Hub at 3 Glass Wharf – Bristol.

CIC’s ‘Inclusive Environments Recognition’ has a two-stage approach. The first of these recognises those organisations that are following the Essentials Principles Guide and honours them with a certificate valid for a five-year period, which HMRC was awarded in 2018. The second stage acknowledges individual buildings or projects undertaken by organisations that have already received recognition at an organisational level from CIC.

The Essential Principles Guide for Clients, Developers and Contractors was launched in 2018. In order to for projects to be considered for recognition from CIC, organisations must submit the following evidence to show that they support the six essential principles:

1. Appointment of an Inclusive Environmental Champion at Project Level
2. Evidence that your Inclusive Design Strategy has been incorporated within the project brief and project budget
3. An example of how the project procurement process has addressed inclusive design
4. Evidence of the use of Access and Inclusive Design expertise and of consultation with diverse users
5. Evidence of monitoring and appraisal of completed projects to assess outcomes and successes in creating accessible and inclusive environments
6. List of any constraints that have prevented implementation of your Inclusive Design Strategy for example physical constraints of an existing building

Jenni Cooper, HMRC’s Deputy Director Estates Workplace Operations, said: “The Leeds Government Hub demonstrates HMRC’s commitment to provide welcoming and inclusive working environments for all, enabling everyone who works there to maximise their potential. I am delighted that CIC have recognised what HMRC’s Locations Programme has achieved in the Leeds hub, it is a wonderful building that we are extremely proud of.”

CIC Inclusive Environments Champion Tony Burton said of HMRC’s latest recognition; “Congratulations to HMRC on their sixth Inclusive Environment Recognition at project Level. We have been fortunate enough to recently visit their Stratford Regional Hub and see their commitment to inclusivity in person. This latest project in Leeds upholds their strong commitment to creating exceptionally inclusive places for all user groups”.

If you would like further information about the CIC Inclusive Environments Recognition Scheme please contact Liz Drummond at Ldrummond@cic.org.uk