Category: Responsibility

At Advance TRS, our dedication to social value and ethical practices is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve and upholding high standards of integrity and responsibility. Here’s how we lead by example and why this commitment makes us an employer of choice.

Driving Positive Change in Our Community

We are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate – engaging in various community initiatives. For example, our team has raised over £100,000 for charities such as Railway Children and Oakleaf Enterprise, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to social impact and local support and actively contributing to meaningful projects close to our hearts.

Commitment to Ethical Practices


Our recruitment processes are founded on principles of transparency and integrity. We ensure that our practices are fair and unbiased with our environmental commitments including joining the SME Climate Hub, signing the Climate Pledge, setting Science-Based Targets by December 2024, working to achieve ISO14001 Certification by December 2025 and Carbon Neutral Status by December 2027.

This commitment to ethical recruitment helps build trust and strengthens our relationships with all parties, whilst finding the best match for both candidates and clients.

Fostering an Inclusive and Supportive Workplace

We are proud to champion diversity and inclusion within our workplace. At Advance TRS, we value a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds, which enriches our team and enhances our service delivery, as well as striving to promote a culture of inclusivity where every employee feels respected and empowered to contribute their best.

We support initiatives like Women in Rail and ensure our job advertisements are carefully worded to avoid any bias using smart tools such as the Gender Bias Decoder. Additionally, our comprehensive training programmes and partnerships with local educational centres, such as offering work placements and apprenticeships, help develop the next generation of professionals.

Supporting the wellbeing of our employees is a priority for us. We provide a range of benefits and support mechanisms to ensure a healthy work-life balance, professional development, and career growth. By investing in our people, we create a positive and motivating work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

Why Advance TRS

Our commitment to social value and ethical practices makes us a preferred employer for those who share our values. We attract individuals who are passionate about making a difference and who want to work for a company that leads by example.

Our focus on ethical practices and community engagement enhances our reputation and builds trust with clients, candidates, and the wider community. This trust is integral to our continued success and our ability to attract high-quality talent who are aligned with our values.

Join Us

If you’re looking to join a company that prioritises social responsibility and makes a meaningful impact, explore the opportunities available on our website and become part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference!

At Advance TRS, our company charter embodies the core values and principles that guide us in everything we do. These values are not just statements but principles we live by, shaping our interactions and operations. Here’s a closer look at how each value contributes to our success:

Focus on Delivering a Quality Service

We prioritise delivering the best quality service to our clients and candidates, setting us apart from the competition and fostering repeat business and referrals.

Choose Positivity

We believe in the power of positivity, encouraging a positive mindset and outlook in our interactions and approach to work.

Respect One Another

Mutual respect is fundamental to our culture. We value respect in all interactions, fostering appreciation for each other’s talents, opinions, and time.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Collaboration is key to our success. We work together, leveraging our individual expertise to achieve common goals and deliver exceptional service to our customers.

Dress Smart, Work Smart

We believe in presenting ourselves professionally, recognising that how we dress influences our mindset and performance.

Work Hard, Play Hard

We promote a balanced approach to work and life, fostering a fun and enjoyable workplace environment while ensuring dedication and hard work.

Do What We Say We Do

Consistency and integrity are paramount. We prioritise honesty and reliability, delivering on our promises and commitments.

Kindness Costs Nothing

Kindness is at the heart of our interactions. We prioritise kindness and empathy, recognising the power of small gestures to make a difference.

Honesty is the Best Policy

We value honesty and transparency, owning up to mistakes and learning from them to foster growth and trust.

Communication is Key

Effective communication is essential. We prioritise clear, appropriate, and accurate communication, recognising its power to drive success and collaboration.

Join Us

Interested in joining a team that lives by these values? Find out more about working with us and see how you can be part of a company that values quality, respect, and integrity.

The Advance TRS Core Values run at the heart of our approach, governing our actions and services. They were not idly chosen; we believe in them, and we recognise each of them in the way we act, both with each other and with those we support. We believe in upholding these values not only in our interactions with clients but also in the way we operate internally. Here are the key values we hold dear and the competencies we look for in our staff.

QUALITY

  • High-Quality Deliverables: Consistently delivers work that meets or exceeds established quality standards.
  • Innovation: Actively seeks out innovative solutions and approaches to enhance service quality.
  • Sustainability: Demonstrates commitment to sustainable practices and solutions in all aspects of work.
  • Professionalism: Upholds a high standard of professionalism in all interactions and work output.
  • Niche Expertise: Possesses specialised knowledge and skills in a specific area, contributing to the company’s niche status.
  • Ethical Practices: Adheres to ethical standards, ensuring the highest level of integrity in all tasks.

INTEGRITY

  • Trustworthy Relationships: Builds and maintains trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
  • Transparent Communication: Communicates openly and honestly, fostering an environment of trust and transparency.
  • Ethical Decision-Making: Demonstrates a commitment to making ethical decisions in all professional interactions.
  • Respected Authority: Earns respect through consistent adherence to principles and values.
  • Compliance: Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, upholding the highest standards of integrity.

LOYALTY

  • Devotion to Clients: Displays unwavering loyalty to clients, understanding and prioritising their needs.
  • Team Commitment: Demonstrates loyalty to the team by actively contributing to a collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Company Advocacy: Advocates for and supports the mission and values of Advance TRS.
  • Long-Term Vision: Takes a long-term perspective, fostering loyalty to the company’s goals and objectives.
  • Commitment to Growth: Invests in personal and professional development to contribute effectively to the company’s growth.

COMMITMENT

  • Project Commitment: Demonstrates dedication and perseverance in meeting project deadlines and goals.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Commits to exceeding customer expectations through reliable and consistent service.
  • Adaptability: Remains committed to adapting to changing circumstances and requirements.
  • Continuous Improvement: Strives for continuous improvement in processes and methodologies.
  • Goal Orientation: Sets and pursues challenging goals with a commitment to achieving successful outcomes.

HONESTY

  • Transparent Communication: Communicates openly and honestly, fostering an environment of trust.
  • Accountability: Takes responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, ensuring honesty in all dealings.
  • Feedback Receptivity: Welcomes and provides honest feedback for personal and professional development.
  • Integrity in Reporting: Maintains accuracy and truthfulness in all reporting and documentation.
  • Authenticity: Demonstrates genuine and authentic behaviour, aligning actions with stated values.

Join Us

These values guide us in delivering exceptional service to our clients and fostering a positive and supportive work environment for our team. Find out more about life at Advance TRS and what opportunities are open to you.

Unlocking New Horizons: Embracing Contract Work in Engineering

A noticeable trend has emerged in the male-dominated field of engineering and the built environment – fewer women are inclined to explore the world of contract work. In this blog, we aim to break down the barriers surrounding contract employment for women, shedding light on the untapped benefits and providing a platform for three inspiring female contractors to share their experiences.

There’s a unique opportunity for change and empowerment in a sector where women are underrepresented. Contract work in engineering offers flexibility, diverse project exposure, and the potential for career growth. We sat with three inspiring female contractors to hear their stories and insights.

In a recent survey of our network asking; What do you consider the most significant advantage of contract work in the engineering industry? 52% of respondents stated Flexible work arrangements, 35% Potential for higher earning, and 13% Exposure to diverse projects.

Why Consider Contract Work in Engineering?

Many women may not have fully explored the advantages of contract work in the engineering and built environment sectors. Contract roles offer a unique set of benefits, including flexibility, diverse project exposure, and the potential for higher earning potential. It’s time to challenge the status quo and encourage women to embrace the opportunities contract work can provide.

Interviewing Trailblazing Female Contractors

To provide authentic insights, we sat down with three female contractors who have successfully navigated the contract landscape in engineering. Their stories showcase the advantages of contract work, dispelling myths and empowering women to consider this alternative career path.

What motivated you to choose contract work over permanent employment in the engineering sector?

Predominately money but also flexibility to work on varied projects.

How has contract work enhanced your career flexibility and work-life balance?

It has been easier to negotiate terms on a contract compared to a permanent contract as it is easier for companies to alter short-term contracts rather than company policies. For example, I negotiated an absolute of no working after 4 pm on Mondays due to child activities.

What advice would you give to women hesitant about exploring contract roles in engineering?

I would suggest giving it a try but ensure that your pension arrangements are taken care of either through limited company or umbrella, I would be as up front as possible, we are sometimes afraid to ask we don’t want to be seen as “problem employees”, which has got better since I started in engineering a long time ago. Trust your abilities and be confident.

In what ways has contracting exposed you to diverse projects and expanded your skill set?

In my years of contracting, I have worked in various parts of the country from small jobs to large projects.

In the realm of engineering, the underrepresentation of women in contract work is a glaring reality. However, by unravelling the misconceptions and showcasing the benefits, we’ve aimed to spark a conversation to pave the way for change. Our discussions with pioneering female contractors underscore the potential for growth, flexibility, and empowerment inherent in contract roles within engineering.

Now is the time to embrace this shift and encourage women to explore contract opportunities in engineering. By doing so, we not only diversify the workforce but also tap into a wealth of talent and perspectives. Take the first step by viewing our latest available jobs in contract engineering roles.

How Advance TRS will Advocate for Change

As a recruitment company, we believe we have a part to play on International Women’s Day by challenging gender bias and inequality within the built environment. That is why we will continue to exercise and encourage clients to engage with more women within the engineering sector. On the other hand, our lovely female candidates will get our utmost support and help to confidently enter the space as we have a firm belief in their abundance of passion and future success.

Celebrating our Advance TRS Women

We are privileged to work with many brilliant women in the Advance TRS team, and would like to personally highlight the positivity we have received from their presence and dedication to the company:

Why is International Women’s Day Important to you?

“It is an opportunity to celebrate and support Women and girls around the world, as we remember the brave and empowering women who fought for equality.” – Lauren Hawkins | Health & Safety Manager

Remembering the History

The 8th of March is a day to celebrate the achievements from events throughout history where Women have echoed for change. In 1911, one million people across European countries protested at rallies to fight for women’s rights. This significant world-changing protest started on International Women’s Day, now celebrated on a global scale annually.

Contact Us

If you are a women who is passionate about working within infrastruture, contact us today at 01483 361 061 or head to our contact us page to talk to one of our friendly & helpful consultants, who offers a free confidential conversation about your place in the recruitment market and what opportunities are out there within the built environment. 

Looking back at the past year, it seems a good time to remind ourselves to not only look after our physical but also our mental wellbeing. That being said, those two very often go hand in hand, so going for a walk or hike in nature, for example, can help you boost both aspects of your life. 

While some had more time than ever before to pursue their hobbies and live a much slower life during the past 12 months, it has been a struggle for others. Some may have had to face uncertainty, felt lonely or experienced a decline in mental wellbeing. 

It is important to remember it is okay to not be okay, and there are lots of people, friends and organisations out there who want to help. So if you are finding things a little tough at the moment or if you are feeling good and want to keep it that way, why not try some of our top tips for self-care! 

Reach out

If you feel that you are struggling, please reach out to either friends or family, or one of the brilliant mental health charities like Mind, but also the Samaritans. Get whatever you’re dealing with off your chest rather than bottling it up. 

Take time for yourself

Do something you enjoy, whether that’s an activity or simply relaxing and reading a book or watching a film.

Start journaling

Having a gratitude journal can make a big difference to your thoughts and help you focus on the positives, rather than the negatives. Before you go to bed, sit down and write down 3 things that made you feel good that day. It might be as simple as your cup of coffee in the morning, that really helped you wake up. 

Do some yoga

You might be surprised how much a few simple yoga stretches can help calm your mind and keep stress at bay. A quick 10 minutes will already make a difference. 

Spend time outside

Now that it’s autumn, you can spot some amazing colours when you’re outside for a walk. Take some deep breaths to fill your lungs with the crisp autumn air.

We take Mental Health seriously

At Advance TRS, we prioritise the mental wellbeing of our staff. To provide a first point of contact when needed, we have appointed qualified Mental Health First Aiders. We also offer a Wellbeing Hub, where confidential support via an EAP helpline can be accessed at any time. These are only some of the steps we have taken and we continue to improve our mental health awareness.

We are currently recruiting, so if you want to work for a company that places Mental Health and Wellbeing as a priority send us your CV or take a look at our latest vacancies.

Due to freedom of movement within the EU, up to 31 December 2020, citizens from any EU country were able to move to the UK without having to apply for a visa, and start work right away. 

With Brexit, this changed from 1 January 2021. Free movement has ended and the UK has adopted a points based system, much like the one in Australia. For employers, this means that you have to register as a licensed sponsor to hire eligible people from outside the UK.

The new system transforms the way in which employers recruit from outside the UK and means that you now need to obtain a sponsor licence to hire from outside the UK, with the exception of Irish citizens.

Becoming a sponsor

There are some steps you need to take before applying to become a sponsor which include checking that the people you want to hire will meet the requirements for coming to the UK for work, as well as checking whether your business is eligible.

To apply, you will then need to choose the type of skilled worker licence you want to apply for and put appropriate systems in place to act as a sponsor. There is an application fee that will need to be paid. 

Once you have finished your application, you should have a decision within 8 weeks. If you are successful in becoming a licensed sponsor it will allow you to recruit skilled workers from anywhere in the world for 4 years. 

Workers’ requirements

Anyone coming to work in the UK will need to have a job offer from an approved sponsor, the job offer must be at the required skill and salary level and they must speak English at the required level.

When looking to hire someone from outside the UK (excluding Irish citizens), there are minimum skill and salary thresholds the role you are advertising must meet. Those are as follows:

  • Minimum skill level: Set at RQF3 which is equivalent to A level
  • Minimum salary threshold: The higher of £25,600 or the ‘going rate’ for the job; some employees may be paid less than £25,600, for example if their job is in a shortage occupation
  • Applicants from outside the UK must also meet English language requirements

If the worker meets the above requirements and you are a licensed sponsor, you will be able to sponsor their application to come to the UK to work.

EU citizens already working in the UK

The new system will not apply to EU citizens already living and working in the UK, and there are no further steps for you to take as an employer. EU citizens and their family members living in the UK by 31 December 2020 should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme which we have spoken about in a previous blog.

Those eligible to apply for settled status must do so by 30 June 2021.
If you would like to find out more about the new points-based immigration system, you can listen to the podcast episode the Home Office recorded in partnership with Intelligence Squared.