HS2 receives ‘Inclusive Environment Recognition’ from CIC
Posted: 6th November 2023
CIC is delighted to announce that HS2 has become the latest recipient of the CIC ‘Inclusive Environments Recognition’ certification at organisational level. HS2 is Britain’s new zero carbon, high-speed railway and the first infrastructure company to receive this recognition. HS2 are comprehensively embedding inclusivity and inclusive design into their ethos, championing this crucial agenda and being a catalyst for the inclusive delivery of transport systems and infrastructure. The accolade was formally presented by CIC Chair Wei Yang at CIC’s Council meeting on 1 November 2023.
Awarded to organisations which support and follow the CIC Essentials Principles Guide for Clients, Developers and Contractors, CIC’s ‘Inclusive Environments Recognition’ Certification scheme 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. The second stage recognises individual buildings or projects undertaken by these organisations with a plaque for permanent display inside that building.
The Essential Principles Guide for Clients, Developers and Contractors was launched in 2018. In order to be considered for recognition from CIC, organisations must submit evidence to show that they support the six essential principles:
- Appointment of an Inclusive Environmental Champion at Board / Trustee Level
- A copy of your Inclusive Design Strategy
- An example of Inclusive Design requirements included in a Project Brief and Project Budget
- An example of how your procurement process has addressed inclusive design
- Evidence of the use of Access and Inclusive Design expertise and of consultation with diverse users
- Evidence of monitoring and appraisal of completed projects to assess outcomes and successes in creating accessible and inclusive environments
Neil Smith, Inclusive Design Lead at HS2 Ltd said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. HS2 is the first new railway to be built north of London in over 100 years, so this is a unique opportunity to address the day-to-day challenges that so many passengers face. The CIC has recognised our commitment to ensuring that everyone has a great experience on HS2, whether visiting our stations, travelling on our trains, or working in our depots. Our spaces are designed with a ‘people first’ approach and we’re exceptionally proud of that.”
CIC’s Chief Executive Graham Watts, said of the recognition; “We are delighted to award HS2 with Inclusive Environments Recognition at Organisational Level. They have shown that their commitment to inclusion is ingrained within their organisation and project delivery. It is wonderful to see such a large infrastructure organisation pave the way for inclusivity for their passengers building a railway that can span future generations.”
For further information on the scheme please click here.
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