A Governance-Led Framework Designed for National Adoption
The construction industry cannot resolve its workforce, retention and skills challenges without addressing the lived realities faced by women working on site.
The National Site Standard Framework is a first-of-its-kind, governance-led framework developed through the Construction for Women (CFW) programme. It sets out clear, consistent expectations for how construction sites must operate to ensure women can work safely, with dignity, and with equal access to opportunity.
The framework moves beyond guidance and aspiration. It establishes a structured, enforceable standard designed for consistent adoption across projects, organisations and regions within the built environment.
Developed Through Construction for Women
Authored by Renée Preston, Founder and Programme Director of Construction for Women, the National Site Standard is grounded in:
-
Direct lived experience of women working on site
-
Delivery of national training, early-talent and workforce programmes
-
Long-term engagement with contractors, clients, educators and policymakers
The framework responds directly to operational and cultural gaps that have become embedded in site practices over time, creating barriers to safety, inclusion and long-term progression for women.
Shaped With Industry
The National Site Standard Framework is being shaped through active engagement with industry, skills bodies and public-sector stakeholders.
This includes collaboration and dialogue with organisations such as:
-
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS)
-
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
-
National Federation of Builders
-
Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors
-
Local authorities and public-sector clients
-
Industry bodies and social value leaders
This collaborative approach ensures the framework reflects real site conditions, aligns with emerging regulatory and client expectations, and is practical to implement at scale.
Why This Framework Is Needed
Women remain significantly underrepresented across the construction workforce. Those who do enter site-based roles often encounter barriers that affect:
-
Personal safety and wellbeing
-
Dignity and inclusion
-
Confidence and psychological safety
-
Access to progression and long-term careers
These challenges are rarely the result of individual intent. More often, they stem from:
-
Outdated site norms
-
Inconsistent welfare provision
-
Unsuitable or unavailable PPE
-
Unclear behavioural expectations
-
A lack of structured accountability
The outcome is avoidable attrition, lost talent and increased risk for individuals, employers and clients.
The National Site Standard Framework exists to address these systemic issues through governance, consistency and accountability.
What the National Site Standard Sets Out to Do
Eliminate unsafe, exclusionary and discriminatory practices
Guarantee equal access to welfare, PPE and safe systems of work
Set clear behavioural and professional standards on site
Support contractors and clients to meet EDI, social value and safety obligations
Align site practices with national direction on workforce reform
Mitigate legal, reputational and operational risk
Strengthen retention, culture and long-term skills pipelines
What the Standard Covers
The National Site Standard Framework establishes consistent, governance-led expectations across construction environments, addressing the conditions, behaviours and systems that directly impact safety, inclusion and retention for women on site.
The framework covers:
-
Site safety and working conditions
-
Welfare facilities and site infrastructure
-
Female-specific PPE and equipment provision
-
Behavioural standards and site culture
-
Psychological safety and reporting routes
-
Safeguarding and support for young women (16–18)
-
Fair access to training, progression and development pathways
Access the National Site Standard
The Construction For Women National Site Standard for Female Operatives sets out a governance-led framework establishing clear expectations for site welfare, PPE, behaviour, reporting and leadership accountability.
The Standard is intended for use by clients, contractors, site teams, frameworks, training providers and public-sector bodies seeking consistent, accountable approaches to workforce safety and inclusion.
Construction For Women is the author and steward of the National Site Standard and provides guidance on its application, adoption and accreditation. Organisations may contact us to learn more about the Standard, its requirements, and how to achieve accreditation.