Pride Month – Shining a light on the Organisations that are promoting inclusivity in the Construction Industry
At Construction Helpline, we believe it is paramount to praise organisations that endorse the improvement of diversity and inclusivity in construction. Therefore, for this year’s Pride Month, we would like to draw attention to some of the amazing organisations highlighting the lack of inclusivity in construction and are working towards the much-needed change within the industry:
Building Equality UK
Building Equality UK is an organisation formed in 2015 whose mission is to support LGBTQI+ inclusion in the construction industry. They have worked with over 50+ organisations and through joint initiatives, they have had a positive impact in the construction industry by supporting LGBTQI+ ally role models in construction, highlighting the importance of having LGBTQI+ workplaces and aiding in job recruitment, and retention in the industry. Their objectives range from making discussions of inclusion an important part of boardroom meetings, to encouraging the continuous support of LGBTQI+ employee networks. In addition, Building Equality has taken part in many initiatives including regional industry events, where the construction industry is brought together to discuss key issues on equality, diversity, and inclusion and have even set up reverse mentorship schemes that teach senior staff about the barriers LGBTQI+ employees face inside and outside the workplace.
Constructing Rainbows
Constructing Rainbows Ltd is a business that offers a range of training and professional advice to companies, highlighting the benefits their business will have if they are more diverse and inclusive. Its founder, Sharon Slinger, is a diversity and inclusion specialist with over 20 years of experience who firmly believes a business that is inclusive will have a proven competitive advantage. As a finalist in 2017 for ‘Positive Role Model LGBT’ at the National Diversity Awards, Slinger has been recognised on multiple occasions for her work in promoting inclusivity within the industry. Constructing Rainbows have an array of high-profile clients, including Space Solutions and the Scottish Government, helping all implement equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies that will help attract new talent and generate innovation for years to come.
InterEngineering
InterEngineering is a volunteer-led and donation-supported group operating to connect, inform and empower LGBTQI+ engineers and their straight allies. Membership is open to all who work within engineering and firmly believes that diversity and inclusion within the profession are important. InterEngineering provides a network for LGBTQI+ engineers to meet and discuss experiences, resources, and improvements that should be made in order to help promote diversity. In recent years, they have collaborated with EDF Energy to hold an LGBTQI+ conference and workshop, inviting members from across the engineering community to discuss inclusion within the sector and how they could reach out to the next generation of LGBTQI+ engineers.
GoConstruct
GoConstruct is an organisation that offers resources for anyone who wants to start a career in construction, providing them with online resources and showcasing the rewarding benefits of joining such a booming industry. Like the other organisations mentioned, GoConstruct is a strong supporter of inclusivity and diversity in the workforce and wishes to encourage an environment where LGBTQI+ employees feel valued and supported. Furthermore, GoConstruct presents key resources on how we can endorse diversity in the industry by providing links to organisations that share the same message, suggesting training to tackle unconscious bias, and reiterating the importance of employees knowing their human rights.
We firmly support these organisations and many others in their fight for a more inclusive and diverse future within the construction industry. To get started in your career in construction, visit Construction Helpline where we offer a wide range of products and services, including CSCS cards and NVQ courses, that help provide aspiring workers the necessary knowledge and resources needed to prosper in construction.
And of course, Happy Pride Month!