A property maintenance company has become the first in the UK to receive a special accreditation recognising how it treats people fairly.

PPM Limited, which has five offices across the north, including in Workington, Carlisle, Penrith and Millom, is the first to be successfully assessed and accredited against the most recent version of the Construction Industry Training Board's Be FaIR Framework.

The framework is an industry specific standard designed to help employers practise fairness, inclusion and respect within their organisations.

It is hoped the framework will help reduce perceptions of discrimination and widen recruitment opportunities by improving the image of the industry.

PPM said it has helped the company to understand and address the challenges that face the sector.

It worked with consultant SEE Things, based in Tyne and Wear, to achieve the accreditation.

Gordon McGregor, managing director of PPM, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have received such an accolade that recognises and rewards our good FaIR practices.

"We received an outstanding report from our Be FaIR assessor and we’d like to thank CITB for their support and SEE Things for their guidance.

“Ensuring that fairness and inclusion is understood and embraced throughout the company is very important in helping us to encourage a positive environment for our staff to develop and grow.

“I hope this accreditation sends a strong message that we are serious about investing in our workforce and helping them to take advantage of the opportunities available to them to forge a successful career in construction.

"This is a long term initiative for PPM but we are committed to continuing our journey and contributing towards the change agenda."

Ian Thompson, lead contract manager of Home Group one of PPM's key clients, said: “I’d like to congratulate PPM on their achievement.

"Their attitude to fairness, inclusion and respect serves as an example of what the construction industry in the UK can and should deliver."