Introducing The Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust: A new name but still in your corner

The Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust is the new name for the B&CE Charitable Trust, which we think will only improve how we connect with those it is here to help. 

The Trust was set up in 1991 to give back to the construction industry by offering practical help where it matters for people working in construction, including financial assistance for individuals in need, grants for education and training, and support for occupational health and safety initiatives.

Over the past 35 years, the Trust has given out nearly £5 million in charitable donations and grants. Judging by the number of calls and applications we receive, the service we offer is as appreciated and needed now as it ever has been.

Why change the name?

Although this service is already used by several thousand people every year, we have chosen a new name which makes it crystal clear who the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust serves. We wanted to reinforce the Trust’s identity as a dedicated supporter of the construction workforce, which we think will further improve awareness. 

The new name makes perfect sense because we already provide the Construction Worker Helpline, which has become a vital support tool for the industry. This means that our new name now makes it easier for people to make the connection between the Trust and the Helpline.

What does the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust do? 

Since 1991, the Trust has supported thousands of people working in construction, along with their dependants, who need financial or emotional support, information and guidance or grants for training.  The Trust is a registered charity, and its services are provided by People’s Partnership, a not-for-profit employee benefits provider based in Crawley, West Sussex.  Decisions are ultimately taken by a board of independent Trustees.

It provides the following to individuals:  

• Hardship grants to cover essentials such as mortgage, rents and utility bills and can also include support towards mobility aids for occupational health needs.  
• Grants for education and training, including retraining.  
• Our Construction Worker Helpline offers free support and guidance in times of need. The freephone hotline is available between 8am and 8pm seven days a week and is accessible by calling 0808 801 0372. 

In addition to this, the Trust also provides corporate grants for education and training: 

• We offer corporate grants for projects that either promote careers in the construction industry or lead to accredited qualifications. 
• We also run the Construction Employability Award, which is an annual £25,000 grant given to organisations that can demonstrate they will make a significant difference towards training and employability within construction. 
• It offers grants and works in partnerships to improve health and safety in construction. 

The Trust works in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders – including trade unions and construction federations and has also supported organisations including Mesothelioma UK, Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum, Mates In Mind, University of Lincoln, Loughborough University, and The University of Manchester. 

Is the service changing?

Even though the name has changed, the Construction Workers’ Charitable Trust will continue to provide help and support to people working in the construction industry by providing grants towards education, financial support and retraining. It’s why we do what we do.

By Nicola Sinclair, Head of Responsible Business at People’s Partnership