Helen Redfern appointed chief people officer

A new executive role has been created at Kier combining HR with leadership on environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies.

The firm, which is looking to recruit an extra 1,200 staff, has appointed Helen Redfern to the newly-formed chief people officer post, which will also see her spearhead Kier鈥檚 approach to health, safety and wellbeing. Redfern has been Kier鈥檚 group HR director since 2019.

Redfern will lead the implementation of the company鈥檚 鈥樅诙瓷缜 for a Sustainable World鈥 framework as well several new sustainable infrastructure initiatives.

helen redfern

Helen Redfern has been at Kier since 2012

She has also been a champion for those looking to gain entry to the industry and the expansion of the 鈥楳aking Ground鈥 programme, which supports ex-offenders find employment.

Kier chief executive Andrew Davies said Redfern鈥檚 new role was 鈥渃ritically important to ensuring we deliver on our purpose鈥.

Redfern added: 鈥淚 am proud of what we have achieved, breaking down barriers and providing people opportunities to develop, further their learning, progress, and importantly thrive.鈥

Kier said Redfern 鈥 who joined Kier in 2012 鈥 has 鈥渞edefined the HR function鈥 during her time as director, launching a career development programme for all 11,000 employees, introducing family-friendly policies and creating the Kier Inclusion Network.