19th Jul 2022

Align JV wins at HS2 Inspiration Awards

Our Align JV won the ‘STEM Contribution Award’ for their Special Education Needs programme to promote inclusion and diversity in the sector.

Congratulations to our Align Joint Venture for winning the ‘STEM Contribution Award’ at this year’s HS2 Inspiration Awards.

The ceremony, hosted by former HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson in Parliament, recognised the achievements of individuals and businesses who are going the extra mile to ensure HS2 raises the bar for equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our Align JV team worked in collaboration with the Meadow School in Hillingdon to challenge the stereotype that the construction and engineering sectors cannot be inclusive of people with disabilities. Together, they developed a tailored SEN (Special Education Needs) work experience programme for the students.

The carefully devised six-week placement schedule allowed Year 12 and Year 13 students to experience a range of roles in the construction industry, focusing on one-to-one support and working hours suited to their needs. Now on their third cohort, the 23 male and female students who have so far taken part in the programme have shared enthusiastic feedback about their experience and the prospect of working for HS2 in the future.

The SEN programme had an equally positive impact on the workforce, creating an increased sense of belonging, collaboration and respect amongst teams and colleagues. The Align JV team also coordinated a “Disability Awareness Workshop” delivered by Meadow School to provide a deeper understanding of the various types of disabilities and how to better engage SEN students.

The judges praised the team behind the project for pushing boundaries and striving to encourage more people with a disability into the sector.

This initiative has been successful for the students, the school and for the Align JV, really bringing our inclusive values to life.

  • Building an Infrastructure Legacy

    From the pioneering railways and viaducts of the Victorian era constructed by our founder, we continue to build on our legacy of infrastructure projects with the delivery of today’s essential highway and rail networks.

    Find out more

Celebrating diversity and inclusion

  1. IWD with Kelly White

    10 Mar 2025

    After joining the industry by accident, Kelly White, Head of Bidding, shares how she has developed a passion for construction and become a fervent advocate for equity through our Affinity Networks.

    Read more about
  2. National Inclusion Week 2024

    26 Sept 2024

    As we celebrate National Inclusion Week 2024, we share stories from women in construction, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.

    Read more about
  3. International Women in Engineering Day 2024

    21 Jun 2024

    In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day this week, we proudly recognise the exceptional contributions of our female engineers who help drive our projects forward.

    Read more about

Latest awards

  1. British Forces in Business honour for Rachael Smith

    27 Jun 2025

    Congratulations to Rachael Smith, our Head of HR – Strategy & Transformation, who was named Role Model of the Year at the British Forces in Business Awards 2025.

    Read more about
  2. Double success at CENE Awards 2025

    19 Jun 2025

    Hexham Hospital and Farringdon Row MSCP winners at Constructing Excellence North East Awards 2025

    Read more about
  3. National BCO Awards 2025

    28 May 2025

    ONE Station Hill reaches the national final after scooping South West and Wales regional prize for Commercial Workplace

    Read more about

Latest news

  1. London Museum Sustainable approach to roof delivers multiple benefits

    04 Jul 2025

    Our use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) in the conversion of the two former market buildings in Smithfield into the new London Museum provides an excellent example of sustainable engineering excellence.

    Read more about
  2. British Forces in Business honour for Rachael Smith

    27 Jun 2025

    Congratulations to Rachael Smith, our Head of HR – Strategy & Transformation, who was named Role Model of the Year at the British Forces in Business Awards 2025.

    Read more about
  3. Supporting the Armed Forces community

    26 Jun 2025

    During Armed Forces Week, we speak to Katy Maloney to understand how our commitment to the Forces community provides essential support for military families.

    Read more about
View all news