August Construction Equality and Diversity Newsletter
Why did the column feel it had to conform?
Pier pressure. And its not just columns, Women and BME are also having problems as CIC and The Equality and Human Rights commission reported this week. It's hard not to notice that something is a miss in the industry when it comes to diversity and a variety of papers have been saying the same thing for the last 20 plus years. We have issues with our culture, as an industry we are not inclusive and we have a lot of work to do in order to turn that around. Until now all bar a few stand alone organisations have hidden their heads in the sand, understandably, it’s a scary issue that will involve a lot of work to put right. But the important point is it can be put right as both the law and medical occupations have shown us, and now is a fine time to start as the recession forces us to reshape our organisations for the future, why not take action to make that shape a diverse and inclusive one?
CIC Report find Diversity going backwards in Construction
The CIC report on diversity in construction compares the industry to two formally male dominated proffessions law and medicine. Not surprisingly we dont shape up too well. Click on the link below to find out more
http://www.cic.org.uk/services/CIC_DiversityReport210709.pdfReport into Race in construction released
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has released the findings of their investigation in to Race and Discrimination in the construction industry.
To view the report follow the link www.equalityhumanrights.com/constructioninquiry
Women working in the Midlands
A subsidised coaching programme funded through Construction Skills and run in partnership with Bespoke Consultants, Whitefriars Housing, Coventry Council, Coventry University and ACUA will be available to women employed by construction firms living or working in the Midlands, to apply email chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com
Carillion advertises apprentiships for women
Carillion has this week been playing radio adverts for new apprentices, and they are keen for women to apply.
Go to http://www.carillionapprenticeships.com/ for more details
Need help attending a Construction event?
Bursaries are available from the UKRC to help those on low incomes to attend events, click on the following link for more details.
http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/html/women-and-girls/bursaries/wes-conferenceTV Seeks Women for Trades
TV company wants women in the UK to try six week training as thatchers (straw roofing). Contact Charlotte.Sinden@ricochet.co.uk to apply.
The Women and Work Commission’s final report
The Women and Work Commission’s final report was published on 29 July.
“Shaping a Fairer Future – a review of the recommendations of the Women and Work Commission three years on” recommends investment in challenging gender and socio-economic stereotyping issues in school careers services and investing more in promoting quality flexible and part time work.
http://www.equalities.gov.uk/pdf/297158_WWC_Report_acc.pdf
Internships for engineers
Summer internships at Engineers Without Borders UK
If you're still looking for something worthwhile to do this summer, check this out...
http://www.ewb-uk.org/get_involved/recruitment/internshipsOverview of the Government's Equality Bill
Published on 27 April 2009 is now available.
http://www.info4local.gov.uk/documents/publications/1286436Need funding for technology?
New £1billion Innovation Fund launched
A new innovation fund for technology based companies launched as part of a package of Government measures to help the UK through recession. The fund is outlined in ‘Building Britain’s Future’:http://www.hmg.gov.uk/media/29923/summary_document1.pdf
Over 50 and want to start a business?
New loan fund for entrepreneurs over 50, Charity PRIME (the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise) has launched a scheme for entrepreneurs over 50 who want to set up their own business. Loans are available with a value of up to £15,000.http://www.primebusinessclub.co.uk/loan-fund
Women's Engineering Society (WES) Conference - The Power of Change: Inspiring the Next 90 Years
11 September, Surrey University, Guildford
http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/html/news-and-events/events/?event_id=1394
Calls for papers regarding youth and perceptions of construction.
“The Gender Perspective of Young People’s Images of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).”
10-12 December 2009 – University of Wuppertal, Germany
http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/html/news-and-events/events/?event_id=1261Wanna put a little back abroad?
Habitat for Humanity offers a programme of between one and three weeks in Hungary, Poland and Portugal amougst others. Here you help build homes for others, again experiance, freindship and even a little bit of perspective.
Have a look at http://www.habitat.org/eca/gv/default.aspx for more details
Displaced Apprentices
Apprenticeship Matching Service
ConstructionSkills has set up the Apprenticeship Matching Service (AMS) to help apprentices who have been ‘displaced’ to complete their training and in industry.
The AMS helpline service, aimed at employers, apprentices and parents provides practical advice and support service backed up by a dedicated team together with ConstructionSkills’ regional network of trained advisers. Whenever possible, the AMS will look to see if they can help employers retain their apprentices, where this is not feasible, ConstructionSkills looks to support apprentices by finding them a new employer.
To date (figures July 2009), ConstructionSkills’ practical advice and support has helped get 31% (688) of the 2,194 construction apprentices ‘displaced’ over the last 10 months back into training.
Employers, apprentices and their parents looking for help should phone the ConstructionSkills Apprenticeships Matching Service on 0844 875 0086.
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Want to make change in your organisation?
If you want to improve equality and diversity in your organisation for the better email chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com to find out how we can work together to acheive an inclusive and diverse working culture.
Give us your news!
Do you have a story, event, job opportunity or recent relevent news item that you would like to promote to over 700 subscribers interested in equality and diversity within the built environment? Then feel free to send it over, the newsletter is completely free just send an email with your details to chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com
Feedback from Construction Manager Article
Though you will have to get your hands on a hard copy to read all the letters this link will give you a follow on Vox Pop http://www.construction-manager.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=201&storyCode=3144276
Anything to say??
If you have any comments raised by anything of the articles in this newletter please let us know by emailing chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com all feedback is gratefully received.
Bespoke Consultants, 18 Heathcote Close, Liverpool, L7 6QA t 0774 812 6232 w bespokeconsultants.com