8th Oct 2021

Championing inclusion with Key4Life

Sir Robert McAlpine recently received the YOUNITED Flag award recognising our work to employ ex-offenders.

Sir Robert McAlpine is amongst the first UK companies to be awarded the YOUNITED Flag award for our work to employ ex-offenders.

Launched in September 2019 by music legend Nile Rodgers and crime prevention charity, Key4Life, the award encourages companies to employ ex-offenders and give them another chance.

Senior HR Business Partner, John French, and Director of People & Infrastructure, Karen Brookes, accepted the award on behalf of the company at a recent ceremony at Mansion House in London.

Key4Life works to reduce re-offending through an innovative rehabilitation programme for young men in prison and those at risk of going to prison, saving lives by helping to break the cycle of crime.

We supported a Key4Life rehabilitation programme on one of our projects, providing two young ex-offenders with work experience and exposure to the potential career opportunities available within the construction industry.

​​As a result, one of these was offered employment with us working alongside the Works Manager as a general operative. The intention is to provide this individual with further employment experience with one of our supply chain partners on the project. We​​ have also taken part in a local workshop, helping deliver mock interviews and providing feedback.

Eva Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Key4Life says: “Research shows that 50% of corporate Britain would not hire ex-offenders, and yet having a job is the crucial success factor for men with convictions. With re-offending costing the UK government £18.1 Billion a year, the YOUNITED Flag award highlights how employing ex-offenders can drive change by dispelling stereotypes and removing unfair prejudice.”

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 news

  1. Apply for new Strong Foundations Grants

    01 Oct 2025

    Applications for grants are open to charities and grassroots initiatives in the communities we work in

    Read more about
  2. SRM celebrates completion of Bamburgh Clinic

    30 Sept 2025

    The redeveloped 54-bed facility will improve mental health facilities for service users in the North East

    Read more about
  3. Celebrating our a real lifesaver, Aditya

    26 Sept 2025

    Last year, Aditya Mandapati intervened to administer CPR after witnessing a cardiac arrest while waiting for a bus and saved a man's life.

    Read more about
View all news