GMI Construction Group PLC

GMI Construction Group has signed up to the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter, launched to reduce the number of young care leavers not in education, employment, or training.

One of the largest independent construction groups in the North of England and the Midlands, it will deliver a range of support, including providing work experience placements as well as employment and skills workshops.

The charter is part of the wider Carer Leaver Covenant, a promise made by the private, public, and voluntary sectors to provide support for young people aged 16 to 25 as they move from local authority care to living independently.

The initiative has been spearheaded by Claire Preston, who was recently appointed as GMI’s Head of Responsible Business. With more than 30 years’ experience within the construction sector, she joins the company from utilities firm ENGIE, where she was Head of Social Value Strategy and Partnerships.

Previously recognised by the government for helping to set up the Care Leaver Covenant with a Sector Based Champion for Construction award, her new role is to shape and co-ordinate corporate social responsibility activities within GMI Construction Group, which includes promoting opportunities that create economic and social mobility.

The Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter sets out nine behaviours for employers to follow to enable care leavers to thrive in the workplace. These include working with the Covenant team to promote appropriate opportunities, offering a guaranteed interview and feedback to applicants who are care experienced and who meet the criteria, and assigning a workplace buddy to offer support and guidance to care leaver employees.

Claire Preston, Head of Responsible Business at GMI Construction Group, said: “The Care Leaver Covenant is an organisation I am incredible passionate about, having been involved from day one when signing up to it back in 2018.”

“Young care leavers may have little to no resources when they are leaving the care sector, and it is important that organisations such as GMI encourage and support them to gain the necessary skills on their journey to achieving social and economic independence.”

Gareth Evans, Head of Delivery at Care Leaver Covenant, said: “We are delighted to have GMI sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant. As a large employer, with high quality work opportunities and a great network across the North of England and the Midlands, we look forward to building a close working partnership.

“Claire has already contributed significantly to the impact of the Care Leaver Covenant, and we couldn’t be more pleased that she’s now heading up our relationship with GMI.”

ENDS

News release: issued on behalf of GMI Construction Group PLC by Recognition PR.For further information contact Andrew Douglas on 01325 363436

Notes to Editor

GMI Construction Group PLC is an established and successful UK contractor and construction services company providing specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors.

Celebrating 35 years in 2022, the company has a proven track record for the delivery of high quality, energy efficient, often complicated projects from inception to completion with a strong focus on innovation and technology.

It operates across multiple sectors and markets including commercial offices, mixed-use buildings, residential, retail, education, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, hotels, and leisure.

Driven by strong core values, its focus is on exceeding customers to leave a positive legacy in the communities we serve, protecting the environment for the future generation and promoting a safe and inclusive workplace for our colleagues.

https://gmiconstructiongroup.co.uk/