HTM Retains Prestigious Equality Accreditation Following Independent Review

Highway Traffic Management (HTM) has successfully renewed its National Equality Standard (NES) accreditation, reinforcing the company's commitment to creating an inclusive workplace culture and maintaining high standards in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

The reaccreditation follows a detailed independent assessment carried out in partnership with professional services firm EY and marks the second time HTM has achieved the recognised benchmark.

Widely regarded as one of the UK's leading EDI standards, the National Equality Standard assesses how organisations embed equality, diversity and inclusion throughout their operations, policies and workplace culture.

For HTM, the latest result demonstrates that its focus on EDI has continued to develop since first achieving the accreditation, with the company highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure employees feel supported, valued and able to thrive throughout their careers.

Lucinda Sturman, Head of HR at HTM, said the reaccreditation reflected the sustained efforts of teams across the business to build a positive working environment.

She said: "Securing our NES reaccreditation is a massive validation of the hard work our teams put in every single day. We didn't want to just pass the test once and tick a box; our ultimate goal has always been to make HTM the very best place to work."

Sturman added that retaining the accreditation demonstrates the company's long-term commitment to its workforce.

"By retaining this standard, we are showing our people that our commitment to them is permanent. We are continuously investing in their wellbeing, listening to their feedback, and ensuring that our workplace evolves to support each and every individual."

She also noted that the assessment process had provided valuable insights into areas where further improvements can be made.

"Whilst we're extremely pleased to recertify, it's been another opportunity for us to learn more from our employees and understand where we need to improve to continue on our journey as an inclusive employer and as a business people aspire to work for."

During the assessment, EY identified several areas where HTM demonstrated particularly strong performance.

Among the key strengths highlighted was the company's approach to community engagement and social value. Assessors noted HTM's work with charities, educational organisations and early-career initiatives, alongside its commitment to supporting local suppliers and small businesses.

The review also praised HTM's efforts to attract talent from a broad range of backgrounds. The company has developed partnerships with colleges, veterans' organisations, prisons and specialist support providers to help create opportunities for underrepresented groups while reducing bias throughout the recruitment process.

Employee wellbeing was identified as another standout area. Assessors recognised HTM's focus on physical, mental and financial health, as well as the integration of wellbeing initiatives with wider health and safety programmes.

In addition, the business was commended for maintaining a comprehensive suite of people policies designed with equality, diversity and inclusion principles at their core. These policies are reviewed regularly and benchmarked against best practice to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

HTM said the successful reaccreditation also reflects continued investment in leadership development, employee engagement and mental health support programmes.

Managing Director Greg Baldwin said the achievement demonstrates the importance the company places on its workforce.

"This reaccreditation is a powerful statement about who we are. Our people are the driving force behind HTM, and ensuring they feel supported, safe, and valued is our number one priority."

He added that retaining the National Equality Standard sends a clear message to employees, customers and industry partners about the company's values.

"Retaining the National Equality Standard status tells our clients, our partners, and the wider public that equality, diversity, and inclusion aren't just buzzwords for us – they are fundamental pillars of how we do business both today and in the future."

The renewed accreditation places HTM among a growing number of organisations seeking to demonstrate measurable progress in creating inclusive workplaces, while underlining the company's ambition to remain an employer of choice within the traffic management sector.