Assistant / Intermediate Quantity Surveyor

Plymouth | Civils, EV Infrastructure & Commercial Projects

A well-established South West contractor is looking to appoint an ambitious Assistant or Intermediate Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team based in Plymouth.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated QS looking to develop their career within a supportive and experienced commercial environment, working across a varied portfolio of civils and commercial projects.

The Opportunity

Joining a well-established commercial team, you will work closely with senior leadership, gaining hands-on exposure across both estimating and surveying duties.

This role would suit someone who is:

• Career-driven and ambitious
• Commercially minded
• Motivated to progress and increase earnings
• Confident and proactive, while remaining collaborative and grounded
• Looking for long-term career development within a stable business

The Role

Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with the commercial management of multiple projects
• Preparing estimates and pricing works
• Cost reporting and valuations
• Procurement of subcontractors and suppliers
• Supporting tender submissions
• Managing variations and final accounts
• Site visits and liaison with operational teams
• Supporting project profitability and commercial performance

Requirements

• Previous experience within a Quantity Surveying role or construction commercial environment
• Civils background preferred, although other construction backgrounds will be considered
• Degree or HNC in Quantity Surveying or Construction-related discipline preferred
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Eagerness to learn and progress within the industry
• Full UK driving licence

Benefits

• Additional training and development opportunities
• 25 days annual leave
• Pool car available for site visits
• 1 day per week working from home available
• Long-term career progression opportunities

Salary

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Starting salary expected from circa £35,000+
• Package open for the right individual

This is a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant or Intermediate QS looking to join a growing contractor where attitude, ambition, and long-term potential are genuinely valued.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.

Design Manager – Major Construction Project

Cardiff
Competitive Salary + Package + Bonus
️ Tier 1 Main Contractor | £50M Project | Permanent Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to join a leading main contractor delivering a landmark £50 million construction project in Cardiff.

This is a high-profile role for a talented construction professional with a strong background in managing design processes on large-scale commercial, residential, mixed-use, healthcare, education, or industrial projects.

You will play a key role in leading and coordinating all design functions from pre-construction through to project completion, ensuring technical excellence, programme compliance, and successful project delivery.

The Role

As Design Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Leading the design management process on a major £50m construction scheme
• Managing consultant teams, subcontractors, and stakeholder coordination
• Reviewing and coordinating architectural, structural, and MEP design information
• Ensuring designs are compliant with building regulations, planning conditions, and client requirements
• Driving design programme delivery in line with construction milestones
• Identifying and mitigating design risks and technical challenges
• Chairing design team meetings and reporting progress to senior leadership
• Supporting commercial and operational teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Maintaining quality, buildability, sustainability, and health & safety standards

Requirements

To be considered for this Design Manager position, you should have:

• Proven experience as a Design Manager within the construction industry
• Background working for a main contractor on large-scale construction projects
• Experience managing projects valued at £20m+ ideally
• Strong technical construction knowledge across building design and delivery
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple design packages and project deadlines
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction, Architecture, Engineering, or related discipline
• Strong understanding of UK building regulations and construction processes

What’s On Offer

• Opportunity to work on a flagship Cardiff construction project
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Long-term career progression with a leading contractor
• Collaborative and supportive project environment
• Exposure to high-value, technically complex developments

Keywords

Design Manager Jobs Cardiff, Construction Design Manager, Senior Design Manager, Main Contractor Jobs, Construction Jobs Wales, Design Management, Building Construction, Commercial Construction Jobs, Tier 1 Contractor, Construction Management Careers, Cardiff Jobs, Construction Design Coordination, Design Lead Construction

Apply now to discuss this excellent opportunity in confidence.

Senior Bid Writer

Bristol Office / Hybrid Working
️ Construction & Infrastructure
Full-Time | Permanent
£50,000 – £60,000 + Excellent Benefits

A leading construction and infrastructure organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Bid Writer to join its growing Work Winning team based in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented bid professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys creating high-quality, compelling submissions that secure major projects across the UK.

The Opportunity

As Senior Bid Writer, you will play a key role in developing persuasive bid and tender responses across a range of construction and infrastructure projects. Working closely with operational, technical, and commercial teams, you will help shape winning strategies and ensure all submissions are engaging, compliant, and delivered to the highest standard.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Private healthcare and dental cover
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Generous annual leave plus wellbeing days
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Clear career progression pathways
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Key Responsibilities

• Produce and manage high-quality bid and tender submissions
• Collaborate with technical teams and key stakeholders to develop winning content
• Support bid strategy development, win themes, and key differentiators
• Review and edit submissions to ensure clarity, compliance, and quality
• Manage multiple deadlines and live opportunities simultaneously
• Maintain bid libraries, templates, and knowledge management resources
• Support and mentor junior team members within the bid function

About You

• Proven experience in bid writing within construction, engineering, or infrastructure
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading abilities
• Strong understanding of tender processes and bid compliance requirements
• Ability to translate technical information into clear, engaging content
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills
• Able to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines

For further information or a confidential discussion, get in touch today.

HSE Advisor / Health & Safety Advisor – Construction

Permanent Position

Location: Yeovil, Somerset
Salary: Circa £45,000 + Package (DOE)

A well-established construction, refurbishment, and maintenance contractor is seeking an experienced HSE Advisor / Health & Safety Advisor to join their growing team based in Yeovil.

This permanent opportunity is ideal for a proactive Health & Safety professional with experience across construction, refurbishment, planned maintenance, reactive maintenance, drainage, and commercial projects. The role will support multiple live contracts across Somerset and occasionally Devon, including healthcare framework projects and specialist refurbishment works.

The company delivers a wide range of works across the commercial, industrial, healthcare, maintenance, and refurbishment sectors, with projects focused predominantly on planned works, reactive works, fit-out, flooring, drainage, and building refurbishment rather than new build construction.

This is a varied position offering a strong balance of office-based compliance management and site-based auditing responsibilities.

Construction HSE Advisor – Key Responsibilities

As the HSE Advisor, you will work closely with operational and management teams to ensure compliance, safety standards, and best practice are maintained across all live construction and maintenance projects.

Duties will include:

• Producing, reviewing, and managing RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements)
• Preparing and maintaining Construction Phase Plans (CPPs)
• Supporting Temporary Works procedures and compliance
• Carrying out regular site audits, inspections, and safety reviews
• Ensuring compliance with HSE legislation, CDM regulations, and company procedures
• Supporting refurbishment, maintenance, and reactive works teams across multiple sites
• Assisting with accident prevention, reporting, and corrective actions
• Driving continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental standards
• Liaising with site managers, subcontractors, and senior leadership teams

Health & Safety Advisor Requirements

To be considered for this HSE Advisor role, you should have:

• Previous experience as an HSE Advisor, Health & Safety Advisor, SHEQ Advisor, or Construction Safety Advisor
• Strong understanding of construction health & safety, refurbishment, and maintenance environments
• Experience producing RAMS, CPPs, and site safety documentation
• Knowledge of Temporary Works processes and compliance
• NEBOSH qualification essential
• Understanding of CDM Regulations and construction compliance
• Experience carrying out site inspections and audits
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Full UK driving licence

What’s on Offer

• Permanent role with a stable and growing construction contractor
• Diverse portfolio of refurbishment, maintenance, and framework projects
• Mix of office-based and site-based responsibilities
• Competitive salary package circa £45,000 DOE
• Opportunity to help shape and develop the company’s internal HSE function
• Long-term career progression within a growing regional contractor

Apply for this HSE Advisor Job in Yeovil

To apply for this HSE Advisor / Health & Safety Advisor construction job in Yeovil, please apply as instructed or contact the office directly on 01752 421888 and ask for Abbie or Jo.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.

MEP Estimating Manager – Data Centres / Construction (Anonymous Employer)

Salary: £95,000 – £105,000 + Car Allowance + Excellent Benefits
Location: UK (multi-site / flexible working available)

About the Role

An established main contractor operating across the data centre, defence, and energy sectors is seeking an experienced MEP Estimating Manager to lead the preparation and delivery of high-value, competitive tenders.

This is a senior pre-construction role focused on developing accurate mechanical and electrical (M&E) cost estimates, leading bid strategies, and ensuring tenders are commercially robust, risk-aware, and aligned with business objectives.

You will play a key role in securing complex new build and refurbishment projects, particularly within mission-critical environments such as data centres.

Key Responsibilities

Tender Leadership & Estimating

• Lead the preparation of detailed MEP tenders and cost plans
• Work closely with Pre-Construction, Planning, and Delivery teams to develop bid strategies
• Analyse tender documentation to identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering options
• Produce accurate net cost estimates for adjudication and senior review
• Support bid submissions through to client interview stage

Mechanical & Electrical Cost Management

• Apply strong technical knowledge of both electrical and mechanical systems
• Ensure estimates reflect current market conditions and pricing trends
• Maintain competitiveness while protecting commercial margins

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Engage with subcontractors and suppliers during tender stage
• Assess and contribute to selection of supply chain partners
• Manage tender enquiries and pricing returns effectively

Risk, Value & Commercial Input

• Identify and mitigate commercial and technical risks early in the bid process
• Develop alternative design and value engineering solutions
• Support negotiation with clients and stakeholders

Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend client meetings and tender interviews
• Build strong internal relationships across pre-construction and operational teams
• Ensure alignment with client requirements and project objectives

About You

You will be an experienced estimator or pre-construction professional with a strong background in MEP and complex building services projects.

Essential Experience

• Proven track record in a senior estimating or MEP estimating role
• Strong understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems
• Experience working on large-scale construction projects
• Ability to interpret contract documentation and assess risk effectively

Desirable Experience

• Data centre sector experience (new build and refurbishment)
• Background within main contracting or tier 1 environments

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum HNC (or equivalent) in a construction-related discipline
• Proficient in estimating software (e.g. Conquest or similar – training provided if needed)
• Strong IT and analytical skills
• Commercially focused with excellent attention to detail

Benefits Package

• Salary: £95,000 – £105,000 per annum
• Car allowance (where applicable)
• Competitive pension scheme
• Private healthcare (BUPA) + cash plan
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eyecare vouchers
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off

Equal Opportunities

This organisation is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Selection is based on merit, skills, and experience only.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced MEP Estimating Manager or senior building services estimator looking to take the next step in a high-growth, technically challenging environment, apply today to learn more about this opportunity.

Site Manager / Senior Site Manager – Housing

South East Cornwall
Up to £70,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Site Manager or Senior Site Manager to join a well-established housing developer on a major residential scheme in Cornwall.

This is a long-term opportunity offering stability, progression, and the chance to play a key role in delivering a flagship development of new homes. The project has approximately 4–5 years of work ahead, and the company is happy to consider candidates who are looking to progress within the business over time.

The company is seeking an ambitious and driven individual who can lead from the front, maintain high standards on site, and work closely with the wider construction team to deliver quality homes safely and efficiently.

The Role

• Managing day-to-day site operations
• Overseeing subcontractors and ensuring programme targets are met
• Maintaining high standards of health & safety and build quality
• Coordinating trades and site teams effectively
• Reporting progress to senior management
• Driving the project through key phases from build to completion

Requirements

• Proven experience working on residential housing developments
• Experience as a Site Manager or Senior Site Manager
• Strong leadership and organisational skills
• SMSTS, CSCS, and First Aid qualifications
• Ability to manage programmes and maintain quality standards

What’s on Offer

• Salary up to £70,000 DOE
• Car allowance
• Bonus scheme
• Long-term local work with a secure pipeline
• Genuine progression opportunities for candidates looking to advance their career

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing business with a strong reputation and an exciting future workload in Cornwall.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.

Site Manager – Construction (Defence & Data Centre Projects)

Bristol
£45,000 – £55,000 + Car Allowance + Excellent Benefits

We are seeking an experienced Site Manager to join a specialist construction and engineering contractor delivering complex, high-value projects across the Defence and Data Centre sectors. This is an opportunity to lead on technically challenging schemes ranging from fast-paced fitouts and refurbishments through to new build projects valued up to £10m.

This role sits within a well-established General Works Division, where no two projects are the same and specialist solutions are the norm.

The Role

As Site Manager, you will take responsibility for leading site operations or acting as a senior member of the site delivery team, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

You will play a key role in coordinating subcontractors, driving programme performance, and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support project delivery teams to achieve client and business objectives
• Manage site activities across multiple trades and subcontractors
• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards
• Conduct site inductions, toolbox talks, and ongoing safety briefings
• Produce and manage short-term programmes aligned with contract schedules
• Monitor quality through inspections, checklists, and ITPs
• Raise and close out non-conformance reports where required
• Maintain accurate site records including diaries, as-builts, and delay logs
• Ensure materials are procured, delivered, and managed efficiently
• Chair weekly subcontractor progress meetings
• Support junior team members and drive high performance standards
• Ensure full compliance with company IMS and information security procedures

Requirements

• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequencing
• Proven experience managing health, safety, and environmental standards on site
• Ability to interpret contract documentation and protect commercial interests
• Competent in construction planning techniques and software
• Strong IT literacy
• Demonstrable career progression in construction, engineering, or trade background

Qualifications & Certifications

• Minimum ONC (or equivalent) in a construction-related discipline
• Membership of a professional body (e.g. CIOB or RICS) desirable
• CSCS Gold Card (essential)
• SMSTS (essential)
• First Aid at Work (4-day)
• RAMS competency (essential)

Benefits

• Salary £45,000 – £55,000 per annum
• Car allowance (eligible roles)
• Competitive pension scheme
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Private healthcare (BUPA) & cash plan
• Eyecare vouchers
• Cycle to Work scheme
• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + Birthday off

Why Apply?

This is a chance to join a forward-thinking contractor delivering mission-critical infrastructure across high-security environments. You’ll be trusted with autonomy, supported by experienced leadership, and given the opportunity to progress within a growing, specialist business.

If you’re an experienced Site Manager in Bristol looking for your next challenge in complex, high-spec construction projects, we want to hear from you.

Senior Site Manager / Project Manager

Exeter & South West | Industrial & Commercial Projects | Refurbishment & New Build

An established and growing construction contractor is looking to appoint either an experienced Senior Site Manager or Project Manager to join their expanding operational team based around Exeter and the wider South West region.

With a strong pipeline of secured work across Exeter, Tiverton, Bridgwater, Taunton, Barnstaple and surrounding areas, this is an excellent opportunity to join a business delivering a diverse range of industrial and commercial construction projects valued up to £10m.

The business already has a strong presence in Plymouth and is particularly keen to speak with candidates based around Exeter or Mid/North Devon who can comfortably cover projects across the region.

The Role

Depending on your experience level, responsibilities may include:

• Managing projects from pre-construction through to completion
• Overseeing site teams and subcontractors
• Ensuring projects are delivered safely, on programme and within budget
• Client liaison and progress reporting
• Quality assurance and programme management
• Coordinating multiple stakeholders across live construction environments

Requirements

• Proven experience within main contracting construction
• Background delivering industrial or commercial projects
• Experience managing refurbishment and/or new build schemes
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage projects up to £10m in value
• Strong background in design and build contracts
• Valid SMSTS, CSCS, and First Aid at Work certifications

Package

The company is open to considering both exceptional Senior Site Managers and experienced Project Managers, with salary and package tailored accordingly.

Additional benefits can include:

• Car package (car allowance or company car with salary sacrifice)
• Pension contribution
• Medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Generous annual leave and other company benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established contractor with a healthy pipeline of varied projects and genuine long-term opportunities for progression.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.

Senior Electrical Design Manager – Building Services (Design & Build)

Location: Corsham, UK
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 + benefits

Overview

A leading UK design and construction contractor operating across the data centre, defence, energy, and high-technology sectors is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Design Manager. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the full lifecycle of electrical building services design from pre-construction through to project handover.

You will oversee complex, technically demanding projects where innovation, compliance, and precision engineering are critical. The role requires strong technical leadership, design coordination, and the ability to manage internal and external design teams in a Design & Build environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design Management

• Lead electrical design delivery from concept through to handover across major construction projects
• Manage and coordinate internal and external design teams, consultants, and specialist subcontractors
• Ensure compliance with UK Building Regulations, CDM Regulations, and all statutory requirements
• Act as Technical Lead supporting senior technical leadership across all project phases
• Oversee design risk management, including Principal Designer duties under CDM

Electrical Building Services Design

• Produce and review detailed electrical designs for:
• LV and MV power distribution systems
• Small power systems
• Lighting design (including Dialux/Relux modelling)
• Fire alarm systems
• Security and CCTV systems
• Earthing and lightning protection systems
• Ensure technical accuracy, buildability, and cost-effectiveness of all designs
• Review technical submittals, RFIs, and contractor design portions (CDP)

Project Lifecycle Involvement

• Lead technical input during tendering and pre-construction stages
• Conduct design reviews, gap analysis, value engineering (VE), and risk assessments
• Support preparation of contractor proposals and technical bid documentation
• Participate in design coordination, HAZID/HAZOP studies, and technical workshops
• Oversee construction-phase technical compliance and site-based design verification
• Support project handover, O&M documentation, and compliance validation

Collaboration & Compliance

• Liaise closely with clients, project managers, engineers, and site teams
• Ensure adherence to safety in design principles and HSEQ requirements
• Maintain design intent and configuration control throughout project lifecycle
• Promote digital engineering and BIM-led coordination across projects
• Drive continuous improvement in design processes and technical standards

Required Experience

• Proven experience in a senior electrical design or technical management role within construction or building services
• Strong background in Design & Build projects
• Experience in high-technology, defence, data centres, or industrial environments (desirable)
• In-depth knowledge of UK Building Regulations, CDM Regulations, and statutory compliance
• Experience managing full design lifecycle from pre-construction through delivery
• Strong understanding of electrical building services systems and coordination
• Experience supervising contractors, consultants, and multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong technical documentation and specification writing capability

Technical Skills

Advanced proficiency in:

• Revit (BIM) and Navisworks
• AutoCAD (2D & 3D)
• Dialux and/or Relux
• Amtech and/or ElectricalOM
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Autodesk Construction Cloud (desirable)

Additional knowledge:

• Lightning protection risk assessment calculations
• Electrical design analysis and system modelling tools
• BIM coordination and clash detection workflows

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified (BEng or BSc in Electrical Engineering or related discipline)
• Background in Building Services, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, or Technical Design
• Working towards Chartered status (preferred)
• Membership of a relevant professional body (engineering or architectural institute)
• MCIAT or ARB registration (desirable but not essential)

Benefits

• Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 per annum
• Car allowance (eligible roles)
• Competitive pension scheme
• Private healthcare (BUPA) + cash plan
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Eyecare vouchers
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday off

Equal Opportunities

This organisation is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Recruitment decisions are based solely on skills, experience, and merit, with no discrimination on any protected characteristic.

Small Works Estimator / Quantity Surveyor

Exeter | Property Solutions Division | Projects up to £1m

An award-winning South West construction company is looking to appoint a Small Works Estimator / Quantity Surveyor to join their growing Property Solutions team based in Exeter.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established contractor with a strong reputation for quality delivery across the South West region.

About the Company

The business delivers a wide range of construction projects across commercial and refurbishment sectors and has built an excellent reputation for client relationships, quality workmanship, and repeat business.

Their dedicated Property Solutions Division focuses on smaller-scale construction projects up to £1 million, delivering the same high standards and attention to detail as their larger contracts.

Projects Can Range From

• Minor refurbishment works
• Planned maintenance schemes
• Commercial fit-outs
• Small new build developments
• General construction and improvement works

The Role

Working within the Property Solutions team, you will be responsible for supporting the commercial and pre-construction delivery of projects across the South West.

Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing estimates and cost plans for small works projects
• Producing accurate quotations and tender submissions
• Managing project costs and variations
• Liaising with subcontractors and suppliers
• Supporting project delivery teams commercially
• Assisting with valuations and final accounts
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships

Requirements

• Previous experience as an Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, or similar commercial role within construction
• Experience working on small works projects
• Good understanding of construction contracts and pricing
• Strong commercial awareness and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

Location

The role is office-based in Exeter, with projects located across the South West region.

Salary & Package

• Salary dependent on experience
• Opportunity to join a respected and award-winning contractor
• Stable pipeline of varied projects
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Long-term career development opportunities

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional looking to join a busy and growing division within a highly regarded regional contractor.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

As a recruitment agency, we are committed to promoting inclusive opportunities on behalf of our clients. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll work with you and the client to ensure a fair and supportive experience.

We aim to represent employers who foster respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplaces — regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or background.