There is a skill shortage in the construction sector in the UK and yet only 15 per cent of the workforce is women and 6 per cent is from Black, Asian and ethnic minorities. The Chartered Institute of Building hopes to address the issue through its first EDI action plan, set to run until December 2022, including providing visible leadership nationally and internationally; recruiting a more diverse membership and ensuring educational materials and events are inclusive and accessible.
The Chartered Institute of Building’s Action Plan comes at the same time as the Institute’s special report, which highlights the industry is set to come under strain as demand for construction recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
“It is abundantly clear that improving equality is in everyone’s interest, and recognising that our own journey is just starting, we as an organisation will… promote equality and play our part in enacting positive change,” says Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive The Chartered Institute of Building.
She encourages organisations to take action to sign up to the Institute’s charter and commit to five actions to make a difference as the Institute is doing:
- Show Leadership
We will demonstrate visible senior leadership by highlighting the benefits of diversity and inclusion in both internal and external messaging and action.
- Make a plan
We will create a plan including targets where appropriate, and any other action needed to: address under-representation; reduce identified pay gaps; and/or ensure equitable development and progression for all.
- Shape the culture
We will prominently display messages promoting an inclusive culture and making it clear that innapropriate or discriminatory language or behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Be transparent
We will publish an annual report detailing the progress made against our targets and setting out our plans for the next 12 months.
- Be accountable
We will show board-level accountability by assigning responsibility for these charter commitments to the CEO or a named Director.
For more information about the Charter, click here.
