Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and seven other leading professional bodies from across the built environment sector have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) by signing a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

The new agreement continues the work of B.E. Inclusive group and builds on the success of the original three-year MoU signed in April 2022 by Chartered Institute of Building, the Institution of Civil Engineers, The Landscape Institute, Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the Royal Town Planning Institute. 

Caroline Gumble, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of the Building, revealed the MoU has now welcomed two additional signatories, The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). 

She added: “I am delighted to sign this new five-year Memorandum of Understanding on EDI, renewing our collective commitment to promoting an inclusive, representative and welcoming built environment sector. It is particularly pleasing to see the new institutes representing different professional roles joining this excellent partnership, working for the benefit of all.” 

Since launching their first joint EDI action plan, the collaboration has focused on improving standards across the Built Environment professions, aligning EDI practices and delivering significant progress in the sector. The MoU has: 

· Developed a unified approach to data collection across the UK and internationally, formulating a clear picture of the diversity of memberships in the built environment and identifying gaps to inform and target actions, supporting better benchmarking and transparency. 

· Conducted research with students and employers, offering new insights into the barriers that hinder entry and progression, particularly in graduate recruitment and retention. 

· Hosted six sector-wide events and produced practical guidance to help employers create more inclusive environments, especially for disabled professionals and women. 

· Influenced broader industry change, contributing to the Construction Leadership Council’s EDI vision and supporting initiatives led by the Construction Industry Council (CIC). 

This extended partnership reflects a shared ambition to accelerate progress and embed meaningful, long-term change across the built environment professions. 

Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “Three years ago, we signed the MoU as a powerful expression of our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive built environment sector, one that reflects and serves the full diversity of our membership. 

“Re-signing the MoU sends a clear message: our dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion remains unwavering. We’ve achieved a great deal over the past three years, but by continuing to collaborate, we can build on that momentum and go further, faster.” 

Robert Hughes, Chief Executive of the Landscape Institute, said: "Re-signing this MoU reaffirms our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. At the Landscape Institute, we know an inclusive profession is vital to designing places that serve everyone. Over the past three years, our collective efforts have informed targeted actions and supported under represented groups in accessing and thriving within landscape practice. Renewing this partnership enables us to share resources, amplify diverse voices and embed inclusive design principles as we set new EDI benchmarks over the coming years.” 

Valerie Vaughan-Dick, Chief Executive of the Royal Institute of British Architects said: “Re-signing this Memorandum of Understanding for a further five years is something hugely significant that I’m so delighted has come to pass. To publicly state and reaffirm that we all share a commitment to making the built environment sector more equitable, inclusive and diverse is a triumph for kindness, acceptance and tolerance. And, now that we’re able to carry on the good work, I’m genuinely optimistic that we will collectively achieve our aim to represent more people and communities across our sector, for the benefit of all.” 

Simon Hamlyn, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors , said: “It is perfect timing that CICES becomes a member of the BE Inclusive campaign as we have recently reaffirmed our EDI commitment to remain steadfast in our mission to create an inclusive industry and wider society where every individual feels valued and respected through greater awareness and positive action. 

“Our commitment to EDI goes far beyond policies and articles, it is embedded in one of our 3 Golden Threads that will drive the evolution of civil engineering surveying, foster diverse and effective collaboration, and will hopefully enhance the quality of life for our members and wider society.” 

Tara Page, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists said: “We are absolutely delighted to be a part of B.E. Inclusive and excited for what we can achieve as a collaborative. We look forward to working with our sister Institutes on equity, diversity, inclusivity, and making sure the built environment is a safe and welcoming community for all professions.” 

Justin Young, Chief Executive of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: “B.E. Inclusive is a strong partnership that expands beyond diversity, equity and inclusion and enables us to tackle major industry challenges and priorities collectively. We have accomplished a lot together in our first three years and with more institutions joining this collective I am confident we will achieve even greater impact for our sector in the years to come.” 

Dr Janet Young, Director General, Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “At the Institution of Civil Engineers, our mission is to ensure the world has the infrastructure it needs for people and planet to thrive. An important part of this work is supporting professionals of all backgrounds, orientations and identities. An inclusive built environment sector attracts and retains diverse talent, and we need thoughtful professionals to tackle the societal challenges we face. The ICE is pleased to continue working with fellow organisations to create change across the sector.”