In August, our Collaborative Working Groups (CWG) across the country launched initiatives to challenge industry stereotypes and promote diversity within construction. By highlighting the wide range of careers available and the positive impact of the industry, the CWGs aimed to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.
From women’s football events to virtual lunch-and-learn sessions, our CWGs have employed a variety of strategies to directly engage with individuals and encourage them to explore careers in construction. By hosting events focused on specific topics like neurodiversity and women in construction, the CWGs have raised awareness, promoted understanding, and worked towards creating a more inclusive workplace.
Jack Neath, Social Value Advisor, had this to say about August’s, ‘Combatting stereotypes in construction” efforts, “Our Collaborative Working Groups made significant strides in challenging industry stereotypes and fostering inclusivity within the built environment sector. Through a range of initiatives, the CWGs are actively demonstrating to the next generation that the construction industry is a progressive and welcoming place for all.”
North West
In an effort to combat industry stereotypes in construction, our North West CWG consisting of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, AE Yates and Sir Robert McAlpine developed a digital resource showcasing interviews with women working in diverse roles within the built environment sector.
The digital asset will be utilised by the CWG during the 24/25 academic year to engage with educational providers and young people. The goal is to challenge industry stereotypes and inspire future generations.
AE Yates created the digital booklet with each member of our group contributing to content by interviewing colleagues within their respective businesses. By sharing this resource throughout the academic year, the aim is to significantly increase its social value and make a positive impact on the industry. The resource has been shared with us here at Procure Partnerships Framework and can be accessed here.
Social value measures achieved:
• 10 staff hours with further reach once the asset is being presented to schools and colleges.
Midlands
Galliford Try Construction Ltd
Our Midlands CWG which includes – Joanne Scialo – Galliford Try Construction Ltd, Deborah Nickless – John Sisk & Son, Danielle Molyneux – Re-Gen (UK) Construction Ltd, Tara Barnes – AR Demolition – took a slightly different approach to this month’s theme.
The group decided to share their personal experiences of success within the construction industry. By sharing their stories, they aimed to demonstrate that the construction industry is inclusive of diverse backgrounds and experiences and offers rewarding career opportunities.
To reach their audience, the group approached schools, colleges, universities, and community groups to inquire about their interest in hearing from them. Together, they developed a presentation and delivered it to individuals seeking new careers or starting their employment journeys. The CWG plan to share details of their day on their company social channels to continue raising awareness.
Throughout the process, the group worked together regularly to determine their approach, content and target audience. They jointly decided on the presentation content and created the slides.
“It was great thank you for inviting me, definitely broke down some of the stereotypes of the construction industry and the accessibility of careers and growth. It was an impactful session where it was clear that working in construction in whatever role is really about building a legacy as a team and giving back. Very inspired.”
Dee Ladva
Learning Skills Development Coach, University College Birmingham
“Thanks for the Invite. My colleagues and I would like to say “Thank You” for the opportunity. Looking forward to many more. I can say it was Informative, Refreshing and Inspiring. I will pick up with you tomorrow to discuss CV’s, Workshops and Jobs Fair 15th October 2024. Much appreciated.”
Marcia Lewis
Project Coordinator Local Economy Enterprise Employment and Skills
Social value measures achieved:
• 33.5 staff hours involved in meetings, presentation preparations, arrangements and the final delivery including social post awareness.
London
Virtual lunch and learn
London’s CWG consisting of Willmott Dixon, Kind & Co, Mclaughlin & Harvey and Graham Construction hosted a “lunch and learn” event to promote awareness of neurodiversity to combat industry stereotypes, ultimately aiming to improve working practices and raise funds for a chosen neurodiversity charity.
The session focused on Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, providing definitions and resources from the British Dyslexia Association (https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/).
The goal was to enhance the understanding of these conditions and explore potential workplace adjustments, within the construction industry, to benefit both colleagues and organisations. This included a podcast by Joyce Odeia offering a “different perspective” followed by a group discussion centred around key questions such as:
• What does neurodiversity mean to you?
• Why is neurodiversity awareness important in the workplace?
• How do Dyscalculia and Dyslexia impact individuals?
The event’s success was facilitated by dedicated team members: Kiki Hussein who managed group meetings, meeting agendas, and captured notes; Gemma Gallagher curated the visual content and established a fundraising page for the ADHD Foundation (https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/); Ibbie Omideyi sourced relevant resources like videos and discussion sheets (the session itself was recorded and shared on LinkedIn).
Following the event, all CWG members further promoted fundraising within their respective organisations.
“The event provided an informative insight and understanding of the challenges neurodiverse individuals face in the workplace and society. It has increased my awareness of the different neurotypes and that neurodiverse individuals have incredible strengths they can bring to the workplace.”
Dawn Kane
Responsible Business Manager
Social value measures achieved:
• 20 staff hours (including meetings, preparation, and activity)
North East and Yorkshire
Richmond School, Darlington Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 7BQ
Whilst most of our CWG’s delivered social value in August through virtual and digital events, publications or assets the North East and Yorkshire group decided a more hands on approach was needed.
Henry Boot Construction, Milestone Infrastructure, T.Clarke and Bethell collaborated with Richmond School to organise and host an event that combined a football tournament with construction careers guidance. By leveraging the growing popularity of women’s football, the event aimed to showcase positive changes in the industry and highlight the need for increased efforts to attract more women into the sector.
Over 120 girls from six North Yorkshire schools participated in the football tournament and subsequently attended a careers in construction session – where they learned about the diverse range of careers and opportunities available in the industry. The event was made possible through joint funding from participating businesses, who also provided volunteers and marketing resources.
Jason Thompson from Henry Boot Construction partnered with the Careers Advisor at Richmond School, to organise the event. Henry Boot Construction, T. Clarke, Milestone and Tilbury Douglas contributed staff for construction career insight, provided promotional materials, refreshments and donated trophies for the winners, runners-up, and team of the day.
Social value measures achieved:
• Jason Thompson of HBC gave 4 hours in preparing the event with Ruth Hamer of Richmond School plus a total of 52 combined staff hours were given on the day between 4 HBC staff, 2 T Clarke Staff, 3 Milestone Staff and 3 Tilbury Douglas staff.
• Henry Boot Construction are donating £160 towards Northallerton Schools minibus hire cost and T Clarke
• Milestone are donating £100 each towards Bedale Schools minibus hire cost.
