Muse backs launch of National Site Standard for construction sector

Regeneration specialist, Muse, has backed the launch of the new National Site Standard, an independently audited framework to improve wellbeing, safety and inclusion on construction and infrastructure sites.

Created by Renee Preston, CEO of Gallaway Construction and founder of Construction for Women, the scheme has been developed to support the construction sector to create safer, more inclusive and professional respectful working environments

Muse, which is involved bringing forward a number of schemes in Stockport as part of the town centre’s ongoing transformation, joined other industry leaders in Manchester for a regional launch of the National Site Standard. The event brought together employers, the public sector, project partners and other voices in the industry to discuss how construction sites can best support their current and future workforce.

Phil Mayall, Managing Director at Muse, is a member of the National Site Standard’s governing board and attended the launch as part of the business’ backing of the initiative. He explained:

“If we’re serious about the future of our industry, we have to be serious about inclusion.

“The National Site Standard is about making our sites places where everyone can contribute and succeed. If we get inclusion right, we grow the workforce, strengthen delivery, and improve the long-term success of the places we build.”

The National Site Standard introduces measurable standards covering welfare facilities, correctly fitted PPE, mental health and wellbeing support, psychological safety, professional behaviour, anonymous reporting, leadership accountability and inclusive site culture.

As part of the framework, anonymous QR-code reporting points will allow workers to confidentially raise concerns relating to behaviour, safeguarding, inclusion or welfare standards directly through the National Site Standard. It was officially launched in Parliament earlier this year.

Renee Preston, founder of the National Site Standard, said:

The launch demonstrates the appetite across the industry for practical, measurable change.

“The construction sector needs to move beyond commitments and create environments where people feel safe, valued and able to build successful careers.

“The National Site Standard provides a clear framework for accountability, helping organisations improve workforce culture while strengthening project performance.”