Inaugural equality, diversity & inclusion conference
Around 100 people from across the built environment sector and the globe attended a virtual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion conference on November 15, the first event of its kind staged by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
The day-long event comprised presentations and discussion panels on topics including promoting race equality in construction, changing workplace culture, getting women into construction, and the future of the industry.
Speakers included CIOB’s CEO, Caroline Gumble, Senior Vice-President, Sandi Rhys Jones and Head of EDI Transformation, Mark Harrison. Attendees also heard from a range of external guests from across the world including Rebecca Lovelace, winner of CIOB’s EDI Award 2022, and Alison Mirams, CEO of Australian construction company, Robert Co, who spoke about the radical changes she has made to improve diversity in the sector.
Annie Summun, Director of Public Affairs at Kisiel Group, said: “We need to be able to show any group of young people that no matter what their background, their interests and their potential skills, there is a job somewhere for them in construction. It is our challenge to inspire them and by reaching out to all young people we are helping to create an equal, diverse and inclusive industry of the future. It was great to hear all the initiatives and thoughts - we are on a journey! Thank you CIOB for an interesting session. Inclusion is key.”
In October, CIOB announced it had received more than 100 signatures on its Diversity and Inclusion Charter, which asks businesses to sign up to five key commitments to foster a more diverse and inclusive workspace. The charter, along with events like the EDI Conference are part of the organisation’s commitment to supporting the construction industry to become more inclusive, welcoming, and representative.
Mark Harrison, Head of EDI Transformation at CIOB, said: “It was encouraging to have so many people attend our first EDI Conference and I think it shows how far the industry has come in taking the diversity and inclusion agenda seriously. There is still a long way to go to make the construction sector representative of the communities it builds for however, and we hope the conference and the brilliant speakers we heard from, will help inspire more positive changes.”
The conference is available to watch on demand until January on the CIOB website
This article first appeared on the CIOB news and blog site as "Inaugural equality, diversity & inclusion conference draws global audience" dated November 24, 2022.
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
Quality Planning for Micro and Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
A CIOB Academy Technical Information sheet.
A briefing on fall protection systems for designers
A legal requirement and an ethical must.
CIOB Ireland launches manifesto for 2024 General Election
A vision for a sustainable, high-quality built environment that benefits all members of society.
Local leaders gain new powers to support local high streets
High Street Rental Auctions to be introduced from December.
Infrastructure sector posts second gain for October
With a boost for housebuilder and commercial developer contract awards.
Sustainable construction design teams survey
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Design: Your Voice Matters.
COP29; impacts of construction and updates
Amid criticism, open letters and calls for reform.
The properties of conservation rooflights
Things to consider when choosing the right product.
Adapting to meet changing needs.
London Build: A festival of construction
Co-located with the London Build Fire & Security Expo.
Tasked with locating groups of 10,000 homes with opportunity.
Delivering radical reform in the UK energy market
What are the benefits, barriers and underlying principles.
Information Management Initiative IMI
Building sector-transforming capabilities in emerging technologies.
Recent study of UK households reveals chilling home truths
Poor insulation, EPC knowledge and lack of understanding as to what retrofit might offer.
Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment
Overview, regulations, detail calculations and much more.
Why the construction sector must embrace workplace mental health support
Let’s talk; more importantly now, than ever.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of AI systems
A key growth area, including impacts for construction.