The chair of the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) has urged industry leaders to take decisive action on equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I).
In recognition of National Inclusion Week, the CIC has released its inaugural Impact Report, which highlights the progress made by organisations that have signed up to the CIC’s Built on Better Pledge.
Over 40 companies from the construction industry have been actively working to tackle challenges such as creating inclusive workplace cultures, attracting and retaining diverse talent, and providing avenues for employees to voice their concerns. As an Associate Member, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association is keen to support the call for EDI action.
The report showcases several key achievements, including:
- Several Coalition partners successfully ensure that recruitment panels and candidate shortlists are more diverse
- Coalition members launching a range of forums to discuss female-focused issues
- The introduction of new policies designed to address female-focused issues
- A range of stand-out initiatives to provide a better understanding of different minority groups and their perspectives.
Reflecting on these milestones, CIC chair Angela Rushforth emphasised that while progress has been made, much work remains to advance the sector.
Rushforth, who also serves as the managing director of Toolstation, remarked: “Twelve months ago, we invited all construction businesses, regardless of size, to join the Coalition and to commit to improving ED&I across the sector through our Built on Better pledge.
“Despite the strong start we have made, now is the time for more vocal support from across the industry, and for leaders to join some of the fantastic organisations that have already committed their time, effort and voice to the CIC.
“As an industry, we know we need to embrace a broader talent pool and to ensure construction is more accessible to everyone. This initiative isn’t just about gender or minority representation. It’s about building an inclusive industry that can meet the demands being placed upon it while securing the future of the industry.
“The view of the CIC is that CEOs and construction industry leaders need to be allies to this common cause of enhancing gender and ethnic diversity within the sector and that the need for greater diversity isn’t only a female or minority-led initiative, but a cause for all of us.
“As we mark National Inclusion Week with the publishing of our first Impact Report, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I’m excited about the path ahead.”
Please visit the CIC website to read and download the Impact Report.