The Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched ‘Spotlight on… equality, diversity and inclusion’ to highlight the importance of a diverse workforce and the benefits of this to employers, individuals and the wider community.
According to a report from McKinsey, companies with a strong focus on racial and ethnic diversity are 36% more likely to have financial returns that are above average for their industry and companies that have a more even gender balance are 25% more likely to outperform those that do not.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme issued an industry-wide survey which was taken by more than 800 industry professionals and revealed that 72% believe the industry would benefit from a more diverse workforce and 45% believe there is a lack of inclusion in the industry. As well as this 73% of respondents have witnessed or been aware of someone being discriminated against due to their protected characteristic. It is imperative that the industry tackles the issue of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Available on the CCS Best Practice Hub ‘Spotlight on… equality, diversity and inclusion’ provides the entire industry with a place to get the latest best practice examples, case studies, guidance and resources, such as key details about the law and legislation on this critical issue within construction.
The campaign also includes a range of in depth case study contributions from CCS-registered organisations including: Canary Wharf Contractors, Costain, Farrans, Highways England, Hill Group and Women in Construction, Kier, Lovell, Morgan Sindall, Skanska, Sir Robert McAlpine and Willmott Dixon.
Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive, Amanda Long, said: “As a sector with a looming skills shortage, construction companies should be considering ways to encourage more people than ever to pursue a career in the industry.
“People are the centre of the success of our industry and a more diverse workforce will ultimately lead to a more successful construction industry.
“The Considerate Constructors Scheme works to raise awareness and share best practice across the entire industry and I would encourage everyone to read the campaign and utilise the resources available within it.
“Thank you to all organisations which have contributed to the campaign so far, and we look forward to continuing to grow the Best Practice Hub’s suite of resources on this critical subject to help to continue to raise standards across our industry.”
