Taking a FIR approach

Fairness, Inclusion and Respect, otherwise known as FIR, is a free industry-led programme that supports the built environment and FM sector. Driven by a collaboration of industry partners committed to developing clients and supply chains across the industry, access to the programme is free for everyone; all you need to do is to create an account with the Supply Chain Sustainability School.

FIR is committed to helping create workplaces where everyone can thrive. We do this by empowering organisations to attract, retain, and engage a diverse workforce, tackle workplace cultural challenges, enhance innovation and productivity, and improve their industry reputation.

But what do we mean by Fairness, Inclusion and Respect?

Fairness means making sure people’s needs are recognised and that they are treated as individuals. It’s about consciously removing bias and ensuring everyone has the support they need to be their best.

Inclusion is about making sure that everyone knows they are part of the team and are treated the way they want to be treated. It’s about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, can succeed.

Respect is about valuing people for who they are and showing regard for their feelings, wishes and rights. This includes listening carefully to everyone’s contributions, giving everyone a chance to speak, recognising efforts and sharing tasks fairly.

WHY FIR MATTERS

Over the past year FIR has supported the industry in multiple ways:

• Supporting Smaller Businesses: We launched our SME Community Hub, an Inclusive Recruitment eLearning module and flyers which can be ordered or downloaded for free to help ensure that smaller businesses can access practical tools to help them embed FIR.
• Celebrating Change Makers: Recently we launched a case study on inclusive recruitment, featuring CAVA Security. The case study explored their journey as an SME trying to embed FIR and how it has changed their business for the better. We’re also looking for more volunteers to get involved in these case studies, commissioned by CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board. If you’re interested, contact the FIR Programme and we’ll share the next steps.
• Inspiring Change Conference and Awards: This year’s conference and awards were a huge success. We celebrated individuals and organisations who are creating real, impactful, positive change in the built environment sector.
• Expanding our Resources: We regularly expand our programme resources. Recent additions include The ABCs of LGBTQ+, our Sexual Harassment Toolkit and guidance on Creating an Inclusive Workplace During Ramadan. This year we’ve also published more case studies focusing on themes like hidden disabilities and employee retention.

The FIR Programme offers a range of support, all aimed at helping businesses create better, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces.

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR FIR

FIR is not just nice to have, it’s essential for doing business and intrinsic to meeting the challenges of the future. Embracing FIR gives businesses a competitive edge and can help them meet their goals. The data that follows is a sneak peek at the results of our 2025 FIR Survey which shows how FIR is making a difference in the industry.

Winning Work: FIR has become critically important for clients. It’s an expected part of bids, tenders, and contracts, so businesses that cannot show that they have a real commitment to FIR are at real risk of losing out on opportunities.

People: The built environment sector is facing a well-documented skills gap. Attracting, recruiting, and retaining talent is important now more than ever. Embracing FIR can help widen talent pools as people want to work for organisations that are serious about FIR and stay longer in positions that are able to meet their needs.

Profitability and Growth: Embedding FIR into everyday business practices also heightens innovation and profitability. When employees feel valued and included, they’re more inclined to contribute fresh ideas and solutions, ultimately propelling business growth.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR BUSINESSES

So, how can you as a business embed FIR? We have lots of support available to help you get started, and reap the advantages of a fair, inclusive, and respectful workplace:

• Increase your knowledge by using our extensive resource library, training and tools.
• Dive into our FIR Toolkit. This is a free resource with practical guides, workshops, and webinars to help promote FIR at work.
• Learn about what businesses in the sector are doing in our FIR Case Studies.
• Attend an event or workshop. Our upcoming webinars include AI and Inclusion: Promise or Problem? (17 Sept 2025, 12–1pm) and Black History Month: Power & Pride (29 Oct 2025, 12–1pm).
• Become a FIR Ambassador. This free training programme equips attendees to promote FIR, challenge poor behaviour, and help create a positive workplace culture.
• Set learning pathways for your team. Use these to create tailored list of our resources that will help guide you and build your team’s knowledge.

To find out more contact us at fir@supplychainschool.co.uk.