Episode #067 | Jan Cruickshank

Ex-CITB Employee Jan Cruickshank speaks publicly about her experience of alleged sexual assault in a workplace environment, and the battle for justice that followed.

From the moment everything changed… to the aftermath, isolation, and the ongoing fight for accountability, this story raises urgent questions for the entire construction industry: Are workers truly protected? Are victims being heard? Who is being held accountable?

Viewer discretion is advised.

🔴 Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/irWtmgHQQlk

🟢 Listen On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/11KwXUPn7IzesplMmhMfYl?si=mj69_Bi6SFqF8UrwhK5E1A

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-citb-employee-assaulted-at-work-then-silenced-jan/id1778487912?i=1000749247193

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Intro: The Fight for Justice

00:15:15 Chapter 1: Evidence

00:36:28 Chapter 2: 31.03.2015

00:46:00 Chapter 3: Aftermath

01:03:33 Chapter 4: The Case

01:33:07 Chapter 5: Will to Live

01:42:31 Chapter 6: Two Sides

01:54:07 Outro: Closing Comments

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DISCLAIMER:

This conversation contains graphic language, strong descriptions of sexual violence, and other potentially distressing topics.

All statements are the personal views and recollections of the guest, shared from matters already in the public domain, are not independently verified, and no liability is accepted for any claims or opinions expressed.

Viewer discretion is advised.

If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed within this episode, please understand that help is available via the following links:

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/

https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/

CITATIONS:

https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions/ms-j-cruickshank-v-construction-industry-training-board-s-4104567-2016

https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions/mrs-j-cruickshank-v-construction-industry-training-board-4107907-slash-2024

https://bylinetimes.com/2024/08/21/survivor-of-alleged-rape-to-sue-police-2/

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-woman-demands-rapist-brought-34379485.amp

https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2024-11-21d.434.1

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/sex-assault-victims-anger-at-employers-refusal-to-say-sorry-kl932phrv?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqcSvFUFq-q4Do67Hr05o9gD9Wse71eqZmWz_s7jsWJx1Sl8cT3HSeBF&gaa_ts=698a0725&gaa_sig=dIzoJXCBv7pjemti_1d_T-IOKf7xNwEZ5OxvNqsE_TXFviepUDww4TC4-OIwoik-HhwzCTJJoKcGyejEMJ3ooQ%3D%3D

https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/legal/mp-accuses-citb-of-targeted-campaign-against-worker-after-alleged-sex-assault-25-11-2024/

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sunday-mail-uk/20220313/281831467208226

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #066 | Dulcie Lewis & Dan Purkis

In this episode, we’re joined by Dulcie Lewis and Dan Purkis from VINCI Facilities Building Solutions to explore how modern construction can lead by example:

🔹 Apprenticeships and early careers in construction

🔹 How VINCI supports wellbeing, ESG and inclusion

🔹 Major UK infrastructure and facilities projects

🔹 Working with prisons and rehabilitation programmes

🔹 Mental health, wellness days and team events

🔹 Fundraising challenges, cycle rides and even skydives & bungee jumps!

From site teams to senior leadership, this episode shows how construction is evolving - and why there’s a place for everyone in the industry.

🔵 Connect with Dulcie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-purkis-98b15779/

🔵 Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dulcie-lewis-b6086a246/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/riE2-RqQKGs

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6pUUbcdGNXyK0Qj7mzqsJ4?si=xlWCHpGGSSeALc0jsmPxtQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vinci-apprenticeships-major-projects-esg-collaborations/id1778487912?i=1000748046819

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Construction Sport x VINCI Events!

01:46 How the pair fell into their roles + Vinci doing Apprenticeships right.

04:49 How the trio met & the ConSpo x Vinci relationship began + Just how big is Vinci?

08:40 What our 40-Mile Military Trek was really like! + Peloton, Rugby, Football

11:08 ESG goals at Vinci - What does the company do? Getting people into Construction

19:55 Why you MUST visit a Super Trowel Event!

24:38 Big projects Vinci are currently working on + Working with Prisoners

30:56 Wreath Workshop & Wellness days + Our next upcoming cycle event!

36:02 Vinci 2026 Plans! Raising money for charities + Bungee jumping off a crane?

42:37 Reform Pilates: What is it? & Learning Jiu Jitsu

46:31 Final Comments: Xmas Eve vs New Years Eve?

50:32 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #065 | Anthony Hegarty

Welcome to one of our most in-depth, intriguing & thought-provoking conversations yet.

We sat down with former New Scotland Yard Detective Anthony Hegarty, who now works across the globe as a senior investigator in construction risk management.

Anthony is also the author of The Crane Report, an extensive & investigative article on suicide, fatalities, culture, and systemic failure within the construction industry.

Together, the pair explore issues with under-reported/misclassified deaths, RIDDORs, drug misuse, media & neurodiversity, influencing legislation and whether counselling is always the right solution.

This conversation is essential viewing for anyone working in construction - from apprentices and tradespeople to directors, safety professionals & policymakers.

🔵 Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-hegarty/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/YQ78KDg9JLo

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O3GJIjZihCUplZMI0P0xB?si=eq1FW2C5SbG87Z6MQIRrXA

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ex-scotland-yard-detective-exposes-construction-deaths/id1778487912?i=1000747008822

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 About Anthony: His Interesting Career, & Investigating Construction Suicide.

16:22 Avoiding RIDDOR Reports at all costs?

23:58 Debating HSE Negligence & Anthony’s deep research into deaths

31:08 Painkillers & Drugs Issue - Network Rail Anecdote & Talking solutions.

42:42 The Crane Report: Section 1 - Suicidal Typologies in Construction

01:00:59 Self-employed vs Employed: Finances & Being Young + Ant’s Olympics Work

01:06:46 The Crane Report: Section 3 - Suicide Prevention Media

01:17:03 The Unparalleled Power of Sport: Community & Culture

01:24:03 The Papageno vs Werther Effects - What are they?

01:28:02 The Crane Report: Section 4 - Construction & Neurodiversity

01:32:49 Mental Health First Aid: Unqualified Providers (Steve’s Anecdote)

01:46:36 Incorporating Investigative Research into Legislation + Global Differences

01:54:05 The Crane Report: Section 5 - Construction Industry Recruitment (Prison Estate)

02:00:30 The Crane Report: Section 7 - Macho Culture (Women in Construction) + Covid-19

02:04:58 Is Counselling Counterproductive? Alternative Solutions + Machine Tickets

02:20:21 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #064 | Ash Howard

On today's episode, we welcome Ash Howard from Kiely Group, one of the UK’s leading road resurfacing contractors.

Ash discusses the harsh reality faced by road workers who put themselves in danger daily to keep Britain moving. The pair dive deep into working pressures, mental health, hierarchies & also find common ground in sports & rugby life.

🔵 Connect with Ash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-howard-338b16181/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/-vDaDK6KqhU

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Y0GBiDmNeGdQQBbTHHEyk?si=KDBX4Ge7S0uZ8fblsgUASg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pothole-pandemic-roadworks-sector-communication-mental/id1778487912?i=1000746039901

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! Reasons why Ash wanted to start a Podcast + Will AI take over Construction?

04:57 Kiely Group: What is it & what does Ash do? - ‘Pothole Pandemic’ & Road Abuse

14:53 Mental Health aspects + Doing work with Prisons & Inmates

23:48 Thoughts on construction companies incorporating Digital/Social Media

30:36 More on Kiely group: seasonal grafters, passion, & hierarchy - No titles?

39:04 Ash’s career path: Retail, HR + Communication issues (are emails useless?)

46:39 The boys talk rugby & American football! + Ash’s South African background

55:08 The pair talk going back to sport after major a injury/operation (Steve’s Stoma)

58:23 Steve praises Galleywood Cricket Club + The importance of Grassroots Sports!

01:06:03 Anthony Hegarty: The Crane Report (Coming to ConSpo Pod soon) + HSE fines…

01:13:28 Ashes results, 'Elite Level’ Mindsets & Rassie Erasmus

01:22:18 Who will win the Rugby World Cup?! + Cycling to Paris with Rugby all-stars…

01:28:17 Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #063 | Gavin Elson

Is the construction qualification system broken? And why are so many men in construction struggling with their health?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Gavin Elson, a highly experienced plant trainer & assessor, to break down the real state of construction training, tickets, and accreditation in the UK - before moving onto Gavin's personal story dealing with testosterone issues & the changes he's made to better his lifestyle.

🔵 Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-elson-650301185/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/xwrBdY5EwWs

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sNu9eFNJg5pCBToJv14iJ?si=ecd9693f60674cba

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/testosterone-therapy-plant-trainer-nvq-assessor-spills/id1778487912?i=1000745129205

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro: What Gavin does + thoughts on PlantWorx & other Exhibitions!

05:16 How Gavin ended up working in Construction… (Machine driver)

11:12 Accreditation & ticket processes: grandfather rights, assessor perspective

23:25 NPORS vs CPCS & CSCS Cards + Negativity on Social Media

41:43 Good vs Dodgy training companies + Being against a 5-day course…

50:19 Gavin opens up on his mental, and physical, health journey: Testosterone Therapy

01:12:46 Low testosterone cons + gut health, staying active, & what we put in our bodies…

01:22:26 Gav talks through his new & improved diet & exercise routine

01:27:00 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #062 | Lauren Rimmer

Happy New Year!

For the first episode of 2026, we have sat down with Lauren Rimmer, founder of Construct Change and a leading growth consultant in the construction sector.

Lauren shares her honest experiences working with SMEs, in M&E, ESG strategy, & corporate responsibility, all while tackling the important truths construction is facing today:

The pair discuss mental health and suicide, staff retention, unrealistic client expectations & why tick-box social value systems like the TOMs are failing real people.

🔵 Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-rimmer-47160375/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/jQL8xVBVHWA

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0gWOSwn4vsSab611Yxlycy?si=iPvkdRs9Rfi-dX0DMAw5UQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growth-consultant-on-silly-expectations-social-value/id1778487912?i=1000744119352

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro! What is Construct Change? World of Growth Consultancy

06:57 Working in M&E + ‘Ridiculous’ Client Expectations?

10:41 Focusing on ESG & Corporate Responsibility + Discussing EAPs

15:53 Working with Stuart Wallis from MACE + What’s coming this year!

18:26 Being ‘vocal’ on LinkedIn… Women vs Men on Social Media

28:30 Investigating suicides in Construction (RIDDORS..?)

37:41 Why the pair hate the Social Value Calculator (TOM System)

45:14 Let’s take care of the people already in construction before getting more in??

48:20 ‘Women Into Construction’ disappearing + Why we need Women in the Industry

59:19 What to look forward to in 2026! + A degree in… dance?

01:07:15 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #061 | Rocky Clark & Sam Sharp

It's the last episode of 2025 & we're going out with a bang!

We were fortunate enough to have been joined by absolute rugby legend Rocky Clark - England Women’s rugby icon, over 100 international caps, and 2014 Rugby World Cup winner!

Rocky sits down with host Steve and also returning guest Sam Sharp from WRS Contracts for a wide-ranging conversation of rugby careers, the growth of the women's game, in & outs of playing at the top level & also how NOT to train for a 3-day cross-border charity cycle...

🔵 Connect with Rocky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-clark-mbe-03a6b4164/

🔵 Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-sharp-066983b6/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/Gid5F4QDnCs

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/48uD5HDZzDgHHCMobaR486?si=2592222875cc4383

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/construction-sport-podcast/id1778487912?i=1000743308008

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Worst intro yet

00:49 Welcome Rocky Clark! Facts about Rocky Clark…

06:25 Bike ride: how the trio met + Who are the ‘The Golden Girls?’

13:54 Rocky was never going to play rugby at all?! - To paving the way for Women!

17:58 The true feeling of Winning a World Cup + Rocky’s favourite club she played for…

25:20 Who were the toughest scrum opponents? + The History of SWF Rugby Club…

33:35 Fijians in the Women’s game & Offloads + Construction-based Women’s team?

36:22 More on Cycling + Sam’s John Smit Saviour Story!

40:43 Rocky’s first ever trip to the Casino - Cycling to Paris with Rugby Centurions!

48:46 What is post-match at Twickenham like as an England player? + Women’s Rugby

53:02 Who should win BBC Sports Personality of the year? (Ellie Kildunne)

56:51 Why Henry Pollock is brilliant + Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Prediction...

59:38 Is Rocky Clark going to do a Hyrox? + Construction ‘Strongman’ Competition?

01:01:22 Quick recap on WRS Contracts + Rocky Drives Forklifts???

01:04:40 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #060 | Dave Vickers & Katie Kelleher

It's here!!!

At Construction Sport, we believe that it's difficult to fight depression with depressing stats & chats. It can be important - but we focus on bringing people together through sports, exercise, and most importantly, having a right old laugh!!!

Sit down & join us alongside legends of the game DiggingWithDave & KatieCranes as we celebrate the spirit & deserved downtime of the Christmas period with drinks, snacks, games, sh*t banter, and jokes that may or may not cross the line...

MERRY CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSS!!!

⚪ Follow Dave on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/diggingwithdave2023/

⚪ Follow Katie on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/katie_cranes/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/KD-CFXZTQrc

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Rhy5dHkcTTBQmyrFM6pUz?si=9WuJ9FurQyy1uIssRFScag

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cranes-vs-diggers-the-hilarious-christmas-special/id1778487912?i=1000742587729

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Disclaimer.

00:22 Entrance: Grand Reveal & Guest Settle-In!

02:03 Intro! What’s to come in this Special Episode + Costume Review!

06:00 What’s the best chocolate? + UK North vs South Debates & Comedians!

20:59 Spooky circumstances with Dave…

24:53 Dave Comes Bearing Gifts!!!

31:13 DiggingWithDave on Tele! (ITV’s You Bet! on Tour) + Digger Simulators!

37:34 Katie talks Cranes: Licences, Experience, Career + What Does The CPA Do?

48:02 Katie & Dave tell us their FAVOURITE Brand of Crane & Digger

56:40 THICK AS A BRICK QUIZ IS BACK!!! Round 1: General Knowledge!

01:21:16 Thick As A Brick Quiz! Round 2: Closest Wins!

01:30:24 Thick As A Brick Quiz! Round 3: Finish The Lyric!

01:46:14 Intermission: Dave hosts a silly little game… (Don’t show us ya teeth Keith!)

01:55:06 Crane VS Digger VS Curveball QUIZ!!! (Round 4)

02:14:10 HILARIOUS Chat about Old School TV Shows!!!

02:35:36 Time to reveal the WINNER of this year’s special!

02:39:47 A Crackers Outro!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #059 | Yoshimi Douglas Street

On today's ep we sit down with Yoshimi Douglas-Street, Operations Director at MACE, to talk honestly about working on high-end London construction sites & navigating careers as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

The pair also discuss how sport can shape mindsets, skills shortages, educating trauma & how we can attract the next generation into construction.

This episode is for everyone: trades, managers, directors, apprentices & anyone who believes the industry can do better.

🔵 Connect with Yoshimi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoshimi-douglas-street-3b41b71a/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/-bNEt6LW3IU

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NILxTuohIAVcKxrHFRv4L?si=RFyw7CDfRI6hhuVHiM87jg

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/operations-director-on-high-end-sites-female-leadership/id1778487912?i=1000741674388

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro to Yoshimi: Co-Founder of ‘Ladies Can Golf’ - Golf Club Stigma

06:23 Communities in & learning from Sports + Yosh’s Basketball & Netball Career!

12:49 Construction Background & Roles! + Working on Battersea Power Station

20:34 Being in Construction in London + How the pair worked through Covid…

25:07 What it’s like actively Championing Women in Construction + Work/Life Balance

33:18 Personal story & how exercise and therapy made a difference + Educating Trauma

42:37 Integrating sport into Construction like the police, army do + Titles mean nothing

47:39 What it’s like working on high-end London sites & being a woman in a senior role

01:00:40 Pros vs Cons of Electric Vehicles + Company Sustainability's & Going Green

01:06:42 Are we running out of good Tradies? + Why Super Trowel is an amazing event

01:12:55 Promoting the industry to youngsters + mentoring programmes?

01:16:32 Yosh’s Japanese background & heritage (And Steve’s ffs)

01:19:13 Steve recounts his experience driving vintage tractors across the UK…

01:24:27 Yosh’s Women & Allies + Creating Change in Construction Event

01:30:02 Final Comments: Recapping the GCT Gherkin Summit Event

01:33:02 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode #058 | Logan Price

Today we welcome an inspiring young man Logan Price who climbed an astonishing 15,000 feet up the treacherous Matterhorn in Switzerland for mental health in construction - and raised over £20,000 in doing so for  @TheB1M  Get Construction Talking campaign!

Logan has always been involved in construction, from working on HS2, Quantity Surveying, & Engineering. The pair discuss site life, a 'construction tax,' rugby, and his own reasons for why he took on one of the toughest climbs in Europe...

🔵 Connect with Logan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-price-813716203/

🔴 Watch on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/9Sr5niO0euk

🟢 Listen On Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RAuN4fzFGzLo0cVPkbpdu?si=xmhPbTQpRl-k-WSVRfN4AQ

🟣 Listen on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-man-who-climbed-15-000-feet-for-mental-health-in/id1778487912?i=1000740654557

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⏲TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Pre-intro waffle: Always be prepared (not)

01:54 Intro! Logan’s roles in construction & working on HS2

05:18 Transitioning from Engineering to QSing + back home from working away

08:57 CITB reigning back grants: Levy System & Training Courses

13:31 Playing rugby for Holt RFC (it’s not going great…) + Our Military Trek

19:32 Veterans coming into Construction + Travelling for rugby & post-match stories!

25:25 Logan’s story on ending up meeting Fred Mills, B1M (Mental Health Awareness)

39:33 What Climbing Mont Blanc & The Matterhorn is really like… (vs Ski Season)

52:29 Another mental challenge: Ben Banaghan Running Iceland Recap

55:24 What’s next then? + Can ANYONE just go and run a marathon???

01:04:28 Final Comments: Honest thoughts on the GCT Gherkin Summit

01:11:24 Outro!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.