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All site and office based staff complete a monthly toolbox talk about equality, diversity and inclusion. Themes have included disability, LGBT+ and religion. To date, 1500 members of the team have participated. Videos, games, quizzes and presentations are just some of the formats used to date. Tool Box Talks have taken us from 4% to 80% Equality Diversity Inclusion training…

Transport for London (TfL) have adopted the Healthy Streets Approach to improve air quality, reduce congestion and help make London’s diverse communities greener, healthier and more attractive places to live, work and enjoy. The vision for equality and inclusion is that every person matters in keeping London moving, working and growing. TfL also recognises the role of transport in improving…

Belfast Pride Festival is one of the biggest festivals in the city and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The festival runs from Friday 26th July until Sunday 4th August (Pride Day) and the centrepiece Pride Parade on Saturday 3rd August with many local businesses and community groups taking part. The Belfast Pride Parade is the biggest cross community…

The construction industry lacks diversity. There are various diversity issues within the industry and there have been various attempts to tackle the issue. Gender disparity has been one of the diversity issues, as the construction industry is still predominantly male dominated. Changes take time, especially attitude changes. The unconscious biases exist in the industry and the changes in construction industry…

To ensure that cultural diversity is catered for on the BioCork 2 site, a ‘squat toilet’ was installed. The Carpenter on site made a carcass for the squat toilet to be encased. A waterproof anti-slip covering was then installed. The unit then was plumbed in and a hose was installed in case users may not use toilet paper. Earlier in…

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has produced an equality and diversity policy, for contractors to use on site or in the workplace in general. This is aimed at ensuring no-one is discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or disability, in line with the Equality Act 2010. Please be aware that this Scheme document has been…

Over the past few years, the construction industry has been trying to improve the diversity of the workforce by encouraging more women into the industry. However, as the industry is still fairly male orientated, there is still a risk that welfare facilities and toilets may not be suitable for female members of staff (for example there may not be clean/…

Discussions have been taking place between Transport for London (TfL) and Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) on ‘all inclusive’ approaches to diversity and inclusion at roadworks. TfL are presently trialling alternative methods at two major works sites, Old Street and Highbury Corner which involves working closer with local communities and disability groups to better understand their challenges. Subsequently, BHCC…

This site is the best performing joint venture (out of the seven working for HS2) in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion. Notable achievements include workforce representation with 42% of workers are women, 16% are ethnically diverse and 10% are disabled. The site has been given an AA rating in terms of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the entire…

At 48 Carey Street, Multiplex decided to demonstrate its commitment to respecting diversity by celebrating the national days of the home countries of everyone working on site. On that day, their country’s flag is flown in the canteen, and traditional food from that country is prepared. ‘Inclusion’ posters have been posted around the site, proudly displaying the site team that…

In considering cultural issues, the site has provided an adapted toilet cubicle and WC pan which may be used by certain cultures where squatting is the norm rather than sitting. This cubicle can also be used by people with a disability due to the size and extra handholds in place. This can be replicated on sites, which anticipate a mixed…

Costain Skanska JV  have established a Women’s Network and LGBT+ Support Group for all members of staff on the project, including supply chain. Both groups are chaired by Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions. The groups now have a combined membership of 45 people. The Women’s Network specifically supports women in the industry and those returning to work. The LGBT+ Network…

Mace have made a targeted effort to ensure that Mace has a culture of inclusion. Mace senior leadership have attended the 2017 London pride event dressed in full Mace PPE. Mace senior leaders have also donned rainbow laces in support of external LGBT groups. Mace also promoted LGBT at their first launch event, which took place at the global HQ….

Personal Protective Equipment is necessary on a construction site and all personnel should be able to wear it regardless of their gender or religious background. See the examples below for how one site developed inclusive PPE: Muslim women often commit to dress modestly in Hijab or Burka, which can come into conflict with PPE requirements. A Muslim female employee decided…

International Women in Engineering Day is an annual event organised by the Women’s Engineering Society to promote career opportunities and celebrate successful female engineers. To celebrate this day on your site you could consider: Attending and presenting at a Women in Engineering event. Conducting a visit to a local school to promote engineering careers to young women and men. Encourage…