JN Bentley has launched new guidance, providing paid carer’s leave for all employees. It is estimated that the number of unpaid carers in the UK has risen to 10.6 million, meaning that 1 in 5 adults are currently providing care. With 1 in 7 carers juggling work with caring responsibilities, we wanted to take action to help ease some of the emotional and physical strain that being a carer can bring. So that our carers can look after their loved ones while continuing to thrive at work, we have introduced paid carers leave for our colleagues. This means our people can take up to two days leave each year at full pay to cover caring responsibilities for dependants. Joan Tatters is one of our Liaison Coordinators and has previously been a carer. We asked for her thoughts on the introduction of paid leave for carers: “After reading the new carers leave guide, I just wanted to say how great I think it is that JN Bentley are offering this facility. Whilst we can't take a one size fits all approach, the availability of 2 days of paid leave a year is such a positive move for those of us who are carers. “I previously took advantage of the availability of flexible working which was a true relief to me. I had to be mindful of holiday entitlement to fit in appointments, so offering these extra days will certainly help to ease the worries of those currently balancing caring with work commitments.” We hope the introduction of paid carer’s leave will help provide extra support to those balancing their career with caring responsibilities. - Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up-to-date with the latest news from across the business.

Alan King, JN Bentley Plant Lead, received the community award for outstanding service from Barnoldswick Town Council, after donating almost £1000 to the West Craven Food Bank. Nominated by an anonymous member of the public, Alan was presented with his certificate at the Pride of Barnoldswick Awards alongside other community champions. Since joining the company in 2015 as a Plant Co-ordinator, Alan has progressed to Plant Lead, and now looks after Capex within the procurement team. He’s well known by his colleagues for his keen hobby of running, and last year he decided to set up and lead a Couch to 5k group at him local gym, KL Health Club, to get others moving and help them achieve their running goals. The gym owner wanted to pay Alan for his volunteering, but Alan instead chose to donate the money to the West Craven Food Bank, who support local communities by providing food to those who are struggling to afford it. So far, Alan estimates about £900 has been donated, and following the success of his first group of runners, he plans to continue his 8-week coaching programme to help more people. 12 of those from Alan’s first group are planning to run the Manchester 10k, with another running the Manchester ½ marathon and the Yorkshire marathon. Several members of the group have praised Alan, thanking him for giving them the “confidence, strength and support” to reach 5k and feel better both physically and mentally. Alan told us, “I wasn’t expecting to be nominated for this award – it’s been a lovely surprise. I enjoy getting people active and I feel a sense of satisfaction at seeing others succeed at something they thought they couldn’t achieve. Coaching others is something I take pride and joy in – I don’t do it for money. So it was a no-brainer choosing to donate my earnings to a local charity instead to support my community. I’m very grateful for this award and look forward to continuing my coaching.” Dean Holmes, JN Bentley Director, commented, “This really is a special award and one that Alan should be very proud of. I know he doesn’t do it for the plaudits but they really are well deserved. The work he is doing which is not only supporting his local community but is also having such a positive impact on so many different individuals truly is inspiring – well done Alan.” Councillor Jodie Marie Greaves, chair of the Town Council, who presented the awards, said, “The nominations recognise the outstanding contribution made to the life of the town by people and organisations who go above and beyond. They are well deserved.” Congratulations, Alan! Alan has worked for JN Bentley for 7 years now in the Plant department, based in Skipton. He’s applied for the company’s fundraising matching scheme 5 out of those 7 years, and plants to complete another entry shortly. The scheme recognises employees who volunteer their time to raise money for charity by boosting the funds raised by up to £100. Above: Alan with his certificate. Above: All the winners of the Pride of Barnoldswick Awards 2023 – Alan can be seen top row, third from right. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with news from across the business

Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has secured a place on National Gas Transmission’s Asset Health Framework to provide multidisciplinary design and construction services across the UK’s gas transmission network. The framework builds on JN Bentley’s success in securing a place on National Gas Transmission’s Minor Civils Framework in 2022. The new framework provides MMB with the opportunity to expand its operations in the energy market, supporting National Gas with the delivery of its regulatory programme for the next four years. The scope of work will include detailed design, construction and commissioning of a wide variety of works, including buried pipeline integrity and protection systems; above ground pipework cladding and cathodic protection systems; above ground installation (AGI) equipment such as flow control, scrubbers, filters, preheaters and compressors; pipe supports, pits and ducting systems; security, fencing, access and buildings; and decommissioning and removal of redundant assets. Director for MMB, Nick Lister, commented, “We are delighted to have been appointed to National Gas Transmission’s Asset Health Framework. “As owners and operators of Britain’s gas network, National Gas Transmission deliver energy to where it is needed right across the county; we are proud that MMB will be playing its part in helping them achieve this over the next four years. “It gives us opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in what is a growing sector for our organisation and provides important diversification for our portfolio.” MMB has already secured its first contract within the framework, a £3.5m package as part of the National AGI Asset Health Campaign (NARC). Starting later this year, works will be delivered at four sites across the South East of England. National Gas Transmission is the new name for National Grid Gas Transmission, which changed on 31st January 2023.

JN Bentley has published its latest annual review. The review takes a look back on the last 12 months in JN Bentley and its subsidiary design-and-build organisations, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) and JBA Bentley. 2022 was a year of consolidation and growth for the business. Working on exciting schemes with valued clients across the UK, it was the safest year on record and saw the organisation return to a strong commercial footing. This has led to what is already proving to be a busy 2023 – a year that could see the company surpass £400m revenue for the first time in its history. The review covers core areas of the business – including a focus on people, safety and money. It is packed full of case studies and examples of JN Bentley, MMB and JBA Bentley at their very best, delivering great outcomes for clients and providing a great place to work. We hope you enjoy the read. Read the annual review here We have a small number of printed copies of the annual review available. To request a copy, please email communications@jnbentley.co.uk.

JN Bentley foreman, Jody Belcher, has scooped United Utilities’ Award for Outstanding Contribution to Health, Safety and Wellbeing. Presented by United Utilities Capital Delivery, Commercial and Engineering Director, Jane Simpson, at their Health and Safety Step Up Day, the award recognises Jody’s commitment to health, safety and wellbeing, the standard of his morning safe start briefings and the positive culture he’s helped build on site. Jody told us, “I was delighted to win the award – even if it came as a bit of a surprise! “For me, I was picking it up on behalf of the team, not just myself. “On this project we’ve created an environment where everyone looks out for one another and cares about their mates. There’s mutual respect between everyone, which means people take ownership for all aspects of their work, including safety. “The briefings we have every morning are key to this. Everyone – including subcontractors and the client – contribute to the discussions, ideas are taken on board, and it sets us all up for a good, safe day on site. “I’m passionate about health, safety and wellbeing and genuinely care about my team. I’m pleased this comes across and is helping us to deliver a really strong project.” Director, Nick Lister, commented, “Having been a part of Jody’s morning safe start briefings, it is not surprising he won this award because they are fantastic. “2022 saw JN Bentley’s biggest improvement in health and safety performance. We ended the year with an All-Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) of 0.93, the lowest we have ever recorded. “This was only possible because of the engagement and dedication of colleagues like Jody and his team on site – so thank you and well done for leading by example.” Jody has worked for JN Bentley for 20 years. He began as a general construction operative before qualifying as a joiner. He’s now a foreman and has enjoyed spells delivering projects across the UK, including reservoirs in Yorkshire, pipelines in the East Midlands and now a major water treatment works upgrade in the Ribble Valley. Well done, Jody and his team. You can learn more about the project Jody is delivering on WaterProjectsOnline. - Just like Jody, could JN Bentley and Mott MacDonald Bentley be just the place to develop your career? Check out all current vacancies online. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with news from across the business.

his International Women’s Day, the theme was #EmbraceEquity. Equity is all about levelling the playing field and ensuring people get access to the same opportunities. It recognises that people need different things to succeed by taking into account the barriers some people face and the specific resources they need to overcome them. The construction industry needs to work harder to increase female representation, so it’s important that everyone does their bit to help create positive change. This year, colleagues from across the business came together to speak about how they are embracing equity, why it’s important and how others can be a good ally in making Mott MacDonald Bentley an even more equitable place to work. Watch the video below: https://youtu.be/1FT7HA3jbJY Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with news from across the business.

The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) has certified JN Bentley’s development scheme for quantity surveyors as an ‘Approved Development Scheme’. This means that those who complete the scheme can obtain a nationally recognised professional qualification and achieve chartered status with the institution. Investing in employee training and development is a long-standing tradition at JN Bentley. We recognise the importance of building and maintaining a happy and skilled workforce for the future and are committed to investing in our people, so they reach their potential. Our quantity surveyor development scheme aims to support the career development of our quantity surveyors, helping them to gain the experience, knowledge and opportunities they need to become a competent ‘Professional Quantity Surveyor’. The development scheme aligns with the CICES competencies, whilst being tailored to the specific attributes and skills required of a quantity surveyor at JN Bentley. This enables individuals to complete the in-house programme whilst working towards professional chartership alongside. Paul Ellis, Regional Risk Manager and mentor on the development scheme said: “It’s fantastic to gain certification that our scheme is a CICES Approved Development Scheme for commercial management. This external recognition demonstrates that the JN Bentley development scheme provides our quantity surveyors with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to become a qualified civil engineering quantity surveyor. “I have been a mentor on the JN Bentley development scheme for 10 years and it has been really rewarding to see the development of our quantity surveyors, as they have progressed through the scheme and their careers, many moving into senior commercial roles and achieving professional chartership with the CICES.” - Interested in joining our team as a quantity surveyor? Learn more and apply here. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up-to-date with the latest news from around the business.

JN Bentley is supporting this year’s National Apprenticeship Week campaign, running from 6th-12th February 2023. The annual campaign is a nationwide initiative that brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that apprenticeships bring. This year’s theme is #SkillsForLife, promoting the long-term benefits that apprenticeships bring to individuals by allowing them to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and to businesses as they develop a workforce with future ready skills. Our apprenticeships Apprenticeships have long been a part of JN Bentley‘s history and our culture of promoting from within. Our apprenticeships provide a gateway into the construction and civil engineering industry. Hands-on from day one, earn while you learn, with dedicated mentors to support your development throughout the course, you'll have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and insight into the real world of work that will help you to build a successful career in the industry. We offer apprenticeships in civil, mechanical, electrical and process (MEP) engineering, quantity surveying and a range of business support roles including Finance, IT and construction health and safety. Get involved During the week we’ll be sharing lots of great content on our LinkedIn and Twitter accounts, including stories and advice from our current apprentices and guidance on apprenticeships from some of the learning providers we work with. Find out more Applications for our apprentice roles are open until Tuesday 28th February. Find all our current opportunities and apply here. You can read more about National Apprenticeship Week – including search for opportunities – on the Government website. Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with news from across the business.

JN Bentley has successfully achieved SafeContractor reaccreditation following an annual audit. SafeContractor accreditation demonstrates that JN Bentley continues to meet the highest standards of health and safety management. External verification gives clients, suppliers and colleagues evidence that its systems and procedures are first-class and doing what they are there to achieve - keeping everyone safe in the workplace. Jamie Fitton, QES Director, said, “We are pleased to achieve SafeContractor accreditation for another 12 months. It helps demonstrate that the care and hard work we put into health and safety at JN Bentley is working. “2022 was the best year yet for health and safety at JN Bentley. We recorded our lowest ever all-injury frequency rate – but we recognise that our work is far from done. “We are committed to achieving ZERO injuries are fundamentally believe this is an achievable ambition. “In 2023 we will continue to engage colleagues in health and safety through initiatives and a commitment to ensuring safety is a team game where everyone looks out for each other.” SafeContractor accreditation complements existing accreditations in JN Bentley’s portfolio, including ISO 45001, Achilles UVDB Verify and CHAS – the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme. As well as JN Bentley, accreditation also covers Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) and JBA Bentley. - Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with news from across the business.

Mott MacDonald Bentley are proud to have partnered with Able Futures, who deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. Able Futures are there to provide practical help and support to individuals who are facing emotional challenges which are affecting them at work. They can provide access to 9 months tailored, one-to-one advice, support and guidance from a mental health professional who can help individuals to build self-care and wellbeing routines, tackle issues, feel better and learn effective ways to manage their emotional health through the ups and downs of life. Individuals self-refer to the programmes which enables them to work confidentially with a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant (VRC) to create a plan which is tailored to their needs, and, through regular one-to-one sessions over a nine-month period, are supported to put that plan into action to reach their goals and improve their wellbeing. The Able Futures service is designed to support individuals with a range of issues, including stress management, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bereavement, anger management, coping with change and improving communication, organisation, and time management skills. Rachael Bester, Wellbeing and Benefits Manager, commented: “The support available through Able Futures is an important part of our Wellbeing programme and is available not only to our employees and apprentices, but also our agency and contract workers. I have already received a number of testimonials from individuals who have benefitted from this support and described it as invaluable.” For more information, visit www.able-futures.co.uk Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date with news from across the business.