The bathroom manufacturing sector plays a central role in shaping the built environment, and with that comes a responsibility to build a workforce and leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Across the wider building materials supply chain, organisations are increasingly recognising that inclusive leadership is essential not only for attracting and retaining talent, but also for strengthening organisational culture and long-term resilience.
The Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC), chaired by Jen Cassidy, CEO of Bristan, has been at the forefront of this shift. Over the past three years, the CIC has developed practical programmes that support women’s progression, equip leaders with inclusive behaviours, and create cross-company spaces for connection and development. These initiatives are already delivering measurable change — and their impact is highly relevant to bathroom manufacturers committed to building a more inclusive and future-ready industry.
Mentoring that drives progress
Last May, the CIC launched the pilot of its cross-company mentoring programme, matching fifteen women from across the building supply chain with experienced mentors from different organisations. The results have been striking.
One participant described joining the programme at a moment of uncertainty in her career, seeing it as an opportunity to gain perspective and re-align with long-term goals. She highlighted the impact of honest conversations about imposter syndrome, noting that hearing her mentor share similar experiences was “incredibly reassuring” and helped her view self-doubt as a sign of growth rather than failure.
Another mentee reflected on the programme as “an invaluable way to shape your thinking, gain new perspectives, and develop yourself as a leader.” A third participant credited the experience with helping her “pause, reflect, and talk openly about her feelings,” which she believes has made her a more confident and effective manager.
With former mentees already stepping into leadership roles, the CIC is now focused on expanding the programme to reach more women across the sector — including those within bathroom manufacturing and its wider supply chain.
Inclusive leadership in practice
The CIC’s Men as Allies: Driving Inclusive Leadership workshops have also been instrumental in shifting mindsets at senior levels. One senior leader described a meaningful change in his approach after attending a session, noting that he had underestimated “the profound impact that small, everyday actions can have in fostering
a more inclusive environment.” Since the workshop, he has been more intentional about seeking diverse views and ensuring all voices are heard.
Another leader left with similar determination, going on to present on EDI at his organisation’s annual business conference and joining its inclusion working group as an operational sponsor. He described the workshops as something he “would wholeheartedly recommend to other peers and leaders.”
These examples demonstrate how inclusive leadership behaviours — particularly when modelled at senior levels — can cascade through organisational culture.
Elevating ambition across the sector
Completing the CIC’s suite of initiatives is the Elevate Network, a dedicated space for women across the building materials sector to connect, develop, and grow. Offering workshops on career progression, work/life balance, and imposter syndrome, Elevate has grown rapidly from zero to 250 members in just two years.
At the most recent face-to-face Elevate workshop — hosted by Triton Showers — Daphne Doody-Green, CEO of the Bathroom Association, shared her career story with the network. Her reflections on leadership, progression, and navigating the industry offered valuable insight and inspiration, reinforcing the importance of visible role models across the sector.
The network’s momentum reflects a powerful appetite for cross-company collaboration and shared learning. What is emerging is something the industry has not had before: a collective commitment to making construction — and the bathroom manufacturing sector within it — a place where everyone can thrive.
A call to the bathroom industry
The CIC’s work is built on partnership. Organisations across the bathroom sector are invited to join the mission, support inclusive leadership, and help shape a more diverse future for the industry.
More information is available at builtonbetter.uk.