Inaugural equality, diversity & inclusion conference draws global audience

Around 100 people from across the built environment sector attended a virtual Equality, Diversity and Inclusion conference this week – 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