September Equality and Diversity Newsletter
Change is inevitable….except from a vending machine.
Or so it would seem. It may be coincidence but since the publication of last months reports into Race and diversity in the construction industry, there has been somewhat of a surge in interest in the field. Bespoke had the pleasure of meeting with Construction Skills CEO Mark Farrar who explained his intention to address first in-house policies and then a plan for the industry in general. Good news indeed. We have also been invited by a UK main contractor to provide a course of assessment and training to line managers regarding gender and diversity, and a more strategic workshop for HR personnel and directors to better understand how to comply with public sector required gender equality duties.
Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves though, these are still small steps and there is a lot of work to do, in an industry where women are on the whole unlikely to admit to any issues faced for fear of repercussion it will be a long time before we know we have made that change. Being proactive is the key, ensuing that your policies are backed up by solid procedures and practices. If you get stuck and need some help drop us a line Chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com we know the industry, we know the issues, we know how to help.
For those who are new...
We have had a flurry of new subscriptions this month, so for those of you who are new, welcome, and feel free to get in touch. For your benefit please find attached the two recent reports on race and diversity in the construction industry. http://www.cic.org.uk/services/CIC_DiversityReport210709.pdf and www.equalityhumanrights.com/constructioninquiry
Construction Manager Magazine seeks diversity
Construction Manager Magazine is looking for people who represent diversity in the construction industry to provide input to a feature in thier October edition. If you would like to contribute drop an email with your details to chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com for more information.
Women working in the Midlands
We are still looking for more women to participate in our subsidised coaching programme funded through Construction Skills and run in partnership with Bespoke Consultants, Whitefriars Housing, Coventry Council, Coventry University and ACUA it is available to women employed by construction firms living or working in the Midlands, to apply email chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com
C.I.O.B. Increase in female students
Over the last six months the Institute has also seen an increase in applications by women, particularly in the student class. Almost 250 female members have been admitted during the first half of 2009. Overall female membership now represents 5% of the total CIOB membership. 17% of student members are female. http://www.ciob.org.uk/news/view/2188 This is of course fantastic news, lets hope the C.I.O.B can now build on this work and look at the retention of existing female members. Are you a member or ex-menber of C.I.O.B? Let us know whats good about the institute and what it could do to improve its female membership by dropping an email to chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com
The Construction Network focuses on women
A new online networking site fronted by Rugby’s Jason Leonard will be launched in the next month. The site has three main focuses besides networking these are youth, gender and the environment. Have a look at www.theconstructionnetwork.co.uk or join the women in construction page through http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2002281&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr
A day in the life - Female Electricians Blog
The latest UKRC guest blogger has switched career to become an electrician in her 40s. Mandy Reynolds worked in non-SET fields for many years. After recovering from breast cancer, she chose to train and run a business as an electrician. Her story is inspiring. Read it here http://www.ukrc4setwomen.org/html/women-and-girls/getsetwomen-blog/.
Thinking about sitting on a public board?
The Commissioners for the Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced that it is looking to fill 8 seats on its board. This is a paid position and whilst not concentrated on construction it may be of interest to a few of you, deadline 7 September.
http://www.appointments.org.uk/view_vac.asp?ID=2840
Directory of Sponsorships, awards, competitions
If you have a minute, cast your eye over this link I found it on my weekly internet trawl to see if anything new had arisen in pc world. Its especially interesting if you are in or thinking about education, though there are some awards for those in employment too. Whilst the content is directed at women in science, engineering and technology there’s a fair few points of interest for those specifically in the built environment professions. Good luck and do let us know how you get on. http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/documents/WiseDirectory2007.pdf
RICS first female chair in GM role
Congratulation’s to Rebecca Best for becoming the first female chair of the Greater Manchester Quantity Surveying and Construction Professional Group. Rebecca is keen to hear any views regarding events and topical issues, drop her a email Rebecca.best@uk.rib.com
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 by the last day of the month.
Bespoke Consultants, 18 Heathcote Close, Liverpool, L7 6QA t 0774 812 6232 w bespokeconsultants.com