Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year

This category is open to all types of companies working in the construction industry who can demonstrate success in equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives between January 2023 and June 2024.

Equality, diversity and inclusion brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the construction industry. This award aims to recognise industry-leading performance and showcase organisations who are going the extra mile to recruit from a diverse background and improve diversity in their leadership teams.

Berkley Group
EMbrace Network

EMbrace’s role within St James St William and the wider Berkeley Group is an example of how ERGs can drive positive change. Since its inception, EMbrace has been dedicated to creating a safe supportive space for ethnic minorities and allies, addressing the underrepresentation of ethnic minority backgrounds, and fostering a sense of belonging and value among all colleagues. The committee’s structure, ensures that a diverse range of voices and perspectives are heard and considered. The monthly meetings are crucial for discussing issues and advancing the network’s agenda, which is vital for continuous progress and maintaining focus on the group’s goals.

Cahill Design Consultants
CDC's ED&I initiative

Our focus on a safe, transparent, and inclusive environment wholeheartedly embraces and supports a diverse workforce and has enabled us to create a company we are incredibly proud of.

Colas
Period dignity: Ending the stigma

At Colas, we decided it was time to drop the shame and start talking openly about periods. Through education and awareness, we're normalising conversations about gender-based health disparities, empowering women to discuss their periods openly, fostering inclusivity.

Colas in partnership with ADEPT
Campaigning for a diverse and inclusive workforce across place

Recruiting and retaining skilled staff in our sector is a significant challenge. Inclusive recruitment practices are essential to attract a diverse workforce and engage demographics that don't currently see the sector as a viable career path. Our collaborative initiative has united key stakeholders from across the sector to demonstrate that highways and place services are open to everyone. Our campaigns spotlight positive experiences, showcasing our sector as an inclusive and welcoming environment. We’ve developed and disseminated best practice guidelines to address common challenges in EDI and staff retention, helping to pave the way for a more diverse and dynamic workforce.

Genuit Group
D&I strategy

We have worked hard to create a workplace culture that runs from top to bottom within our business, which encourages innovation, collaboration and diversity. Our initiatives have created a strong leadership team that brings together voices from across the Group, working together to set the direction of travel and make sure all of our people are brought with us. Throughout the business we have introduced training and development opportunities to create the next generation of leaders, and encourage a mindset of continuous improvement and growth across Genuit.

Houses of Parliament 
CLEAR Pathways

In year 1: 77% of participants (10 out of 13) from the development sessions secured new roles after going through CLEAR Pathways. Of those who secured new roles, 80% (8 out of 10) were promotions. For the alternative offer participants, 3 out of 6 secured new roles, with 2 being promotions.

In year 2: results are being collated but to date out of 20 participants 5 have secured new roles

Commissioned for year 3 delivery and addition of franchise offer to deliver pan parliament impact.

Building Equality and Mott MacDonald
Driving LGBTQ+ inclusion across the industry

Building Equality is a volunteer-led LGBTQ+ alliance of 60+ construction, engineering, and built-environment organisations. We focus on collaboration to promote inclusion through educational materials and joint initiatives. Our resources include the LGBTQ+ Allies Toolbox Talk, Tackling Microaggressions Poster Campaign, and a guide for setting up LGBTQ+ networks. In November 2023, we launched the Trans+ Allyship Toolbox Talk for Trans Awareness Week. Our resources, available on their website, have reached over 3000 downloads. We aim to educate, empower, and open discussions on LGBTQ+ inclusion, participating in Pride events, delivering Toolbox Talks to a wide range of organisations, and supporting LGBTQ+ charities.