As Britain becomes an ever more diverse society, it seems incredible that so many sectors of business and industry hold on to outdated ideas. Diversity and Inclusion in Construction is a hot topic and something we don’t take lightly here at Highwire.
Highwire is positioned squarely at the heart of two prime examples – engineering and construction. The Highwire directors recognise the real potential of a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Several years ago they took the decision not to sit back and wait for things to change but to become actively involved with the movement for modernisation of employment practices.
British Standards For Inclusion
The British Standards Institute (BSI) is an independent standard-setting committee based in the United Kingdom.
The group’s primary mission is to develop standards for products, services, and systems across various industries — ranging from engineering and construction to healthcare.
These standards are designed to ensure that businesses produce quality products and services that meet the expectations of consumers.
BSI also provides a wide range of trainings and services such as assessment, certification, and training courses that help businesses stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
Additionally, the BSI works with government bodies to align regulations with their own standards to protect consumers.
Diversity in Construction
The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is a non-profit organization in the United Kingdom that promotes women’s participation in engineering, science, and technology.
WES provides resources and support for current and aspiring female engineers with programs such as its mentoring program, which connects members with experienced industry professionals who can guide their career paths.
WES offers networking events and conferences, where members can share ideas and collaborate on projects.
The organisation also publishes a magazine called ‘Women In Engineering’ which focuses on topics such as diversity in STEM fields, inspiring female engineers, talking about challenges that women face in the field, and many more.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Joining a British Standards Institute committee, on behalf of the Women’s Engineering Society, Highwire Director and Chief Engineer Elizabeth Rickard has worked extensively (alongside her day job!) to promote the cause.
This effort bore real fruit in May 2017 with the launch of British Standard BS 76005 Valuing people through Diversity and Inclusion.
This video was produced by Manchester Business School who, in association with The Fairness at Work Research Centre, hosted the launch of the standard following its publication:
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/upCDSsqs0yc”]
The new standard:
….provides a framework and recommendations for employers, and gives guidance on how companies can look beyond the protected characteristics such gender, race and disability described by the Equality Act 2010.
About the British Standard BS 76005: Valuing people through Diversity and Inclusion.
- British Standard BS 76005 Valuing People Through Diversity and Inclusion is a standard which outlines approaches to building positive, inclusive workplaces that value diversity
- It aims to help organizations create an environment of respect, understanding, and appreciation for each individual’s unique skills and perspectives
- The standard focuses on seven key areas: diversity and inclusion strategy, recruitment and selection processes, employee engagement, career development and progression, training opportunities for employees, understanding the impact of cultural differences in the workplace, measuring success in terms of diversity and inclusion
- The standard also provides guidance on how to manage potential conflicts related to diversity in the workplace
Changes Times for Construction
Recent changes in the UK to promote diversity and inclusion in the construction industry have been very positive.
The launch of initiatives such as the British Standard BS 76005, Valuing People Through Diversity and Inclusion, has been a great step forward to creating an environment of respect and appreciation for each individual’s unique skills and perspectives.
These steps towards creating an inclusive culture have also had an impact on recruitment processes, with companies now focusing on talent from all backgrounds instead of relying solely on traditional methods.
Companies are now investing more in training opportunities for employees that reflect their diverse workforce as well as offering programs that look to develop careers and progression for under-represented groups. This shift towards valuing people through diversity is definitely something to be celebrated!
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion in Construction
Diversity & Inclusion in construction are core to the Highwire business model. As well as being central to the development of BS 76005, Elizabeth Rickard has been actively promoting the standard and its principles.
Recently interviewed by Recruiter.co.uk, Elizabeth said that the key message for recruiters from the new Standard was that they should no longer look at a role and the kind of individual needed to fill it, but at a person’s capacity to do a role.
She continued:
“Employers shouldn’t assume that because a job had always been done or organised in a certain way this should ontinue. We assume that hours and place of work are part of the role, but when we break it down that is often not the case in the modern world.” “For example, through the use of technology, it can be fulfilled in a number of different places in a number of different times if it suits the company and the individual”.
You can read the full article on recruiter.co.uk here
The new British Standard isn’t Elizabeth’s only current work in the field. She has also recently been involved as a judge in the prestigious Women in Construction and Engineering (WICE) Awards which were announced at a gala evening in central London on 24 May. Read the full story here
If you would like to know more about how the new standard can help benefit your business you can contact Elizabeth here