The Madison Workforce Development Hub

A secure iPad in the canteen has been installed for the workforce to access while on their breaks. The iPad stand is adjustable and has two positions, so the user can stand up or sit down.

The stool provided at the station is made out of re-used waste materials from site. The iPad is preloaded with information on the following topics:

• Balfour Beatty
• The Madison
• Women in construction
• LGBT and construction
• Workpath and young workpath

The focus is currently on education and mental health applications e.g. Duolingo and Learn English, which are free apps to help teach English in short sessions. English operatives can learn other languages as well. This is important for health and safety purposes, operatives’ self-confidence, and general communication on and off site.

We know it’s harder in the construction industry to ‘speak up’ about mental health difficulties and although we have both trained male and female Mental Health First Aiders on site, we wanted to provide an additional confidential option. As a result, we installed the Mates in Mind and the NHS Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust app.

The NHS app provides the following assessment options:

• Help with stress, anxiety, depression and wellbeing.

By providing tools and resources for workers to check in with themselves and manage their own wellbeing, they are improving their skills, inclusion and confidence. The Madison is also dedicated to increasing awareness and initiating discussion on contemporary topics such as LGBT inclusion, equality and diversity, and mental health. In addition to organised group discussions, the iPad has fostered a greater awareness within the workplace, helping people to be more comfortable to ‘Speak Up’ about any issues they may have.