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The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has awarded the first-ever Inclusive Environment Recognition at Project level to an HSBC UK office location.
The accreditation is for HSBC UK’s new building in Bede Island Business Park, Leicester, which is a key part of the bank’s strategy to enhance accessibility and inclusiveness, with new design standards introduced in 2022 to exceed local building codes.
Over 370 HSBC UK colleagues will be relocating from De Montfort Street to the new office. The new space includes:
- Ergonomic workstations and improved technology-enabled collaboration spaces.
- Multi-functional spaces such as focus areas, a dining area, and decompression zones.
- Enhanced wellbeing features, including a decompression room, a parenting room, a multi-faith room, and unisex shower facilities.
- Biophilic design elements to promote a healthier and more inviting workspace.
HSBC UK and Europe Head of Corporate Services, Clemmie Cook, said: “We are pleased to receive this accreditation from the CIC for our new Leicester office. The space has been designed to provide a comfortable and efficient workplace for colleagues and enhance our service to customers by fostering a collaborative, dynamic and inclusive working environment.”
CIC’s Inclusive Environments Certification Recognition is awarded to organisations which demonstrate they follow the CIC Essentials Principles Guide for Clients, Developers and Contractors in creating an accessible and inclusive environment. The Guide sets out six guiding principles that can be applied from project inception and strategic definition, through preparation and brief, procurement, and tender processes to appraisal of final outcomes.
This accreditation follows previous recognitions for HSBC UK’s branches in Sheffield City and Loughborough, both celebrated for their outstanding commitment to inclusive design.
Speaking of the latest branch award for Loughborough, Sally Williams, HSBC UK’s Head of Branch Network said: “Putting customers at the heart of everything we do is an absolute priority for us and that starts with inclusivity and accessibility. I am extremely proud that our new Loughborough branch has received this prestigious accolade. Whether we are opening a new branch, like with Loughborough, or refurbishing a branch, we are working to the blueprint established by our game-changing Sheffield branch to provide the highest levels of accessibility for customers and colleagues.”
Graham Watts, CIC Chief Executive, commented: “Acclaim is again due to HSBC UK for its continued efforts in fostering inclusive environments for their users. The bank’s forward-thinking approach to inclusivity is setting a benchmark and demonstrating that accessibility is a fundamental value.”
