FIR Growth Assessment includes CITB Be FaIR Framework

The CITB framework Be FaIR was a tool developed by CITB tailored towards construction companies to develop and embed the core values of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect in their companies (FaIR). As of 2024, The be FaIR framework has been moved to the Supply Chain Sustainability School and comes under the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Growth Assesssment.

Be FaIR & FIR

Be FaIR was introduced in 2019 to develop fairness, inclusion and respect in companies in the construction sector. These values, nicknamed FIR, help to promote diversity, support local labour initiatives, monitor the workforce and increase productivity.

The FIR framework at that time was made up of 5 modules to cover all the protected characteristics listed in the Equality Act 2010 as well as construction and role focused content.

1. Commitment

2. Policies and procedures

3. Employment

4. Site environment

5. Supply chain

Companies who work to embed FIR in their company can look closely at their procedures to ensure they are compliant with the legal requirements surrounding equality, diversity and human rights in the workplace.

The free FIR Growth Assessment is the current option for employers to embed Fairness, Inclusion and Respect in their company and workplaces. The Growth Assessment allows employers to benchmark their current FIR commitments and how to further develop on these. Benefits of implementing FIR include:

• Increased productivity
• Increased staff retention
• Reduced costs to train new staff
• Increased likelihood of winning new contracts based on good values and good employees

FIR Accreditation is entirely optional and is offered by a third party who base the Accreditation on FIRGA metrics

Related resources

• More info on Be FaIR modules: https://www.citb.co.uk/standards-and-delivering-training/fairness-inclusion-and-respect/
• FIR Growth Assessment: https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/topics/fir/fir-assessment/
• Equality and Human Rights Commission - https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en