So let’s stop and think about numbers a little. New research looking into women on boards 6 months after the Davies report has found an increase in the numbers of women being appointed  which is of course good news, but with only two built environment companies Arup and Atkins making any noise about board room gender targets are we in danger of falling behind as an industry?

The report showed that the majority of women in the board room were in non exec positions emphasising the need to consider retention across the pipe line, which means looking at how we support the women we already have in industry. Whilst only 30% of women who leave industry early state maternity or childcare as a reason it’s still worth considering if more could be done in this area to attract and retain the best talent; our feature in Construction Manager considered this and found as an industry we are lagging behind.

As always if your company is working to improve do tell us so we can highlight your endeavours and if you don’t know where to start get in touch we’d be happy to help point you in the right direction.

Happy Building

Chrissi

**********NEWS**********

Update women on boards

Interesting to see how the Davies report has affected appointments to the FSTE 100. The 6th month monitoring report was published last month with a lot of the focus put on the rise in appointments, which is of course good to see but we would of course be interested to know a bit more about the retention of individuals in this short term.

We particularly enjoyed the statistical play that championed the rise of women on boards to an encouraging 14.2% whilst also stating that ONLY 14 out of the top 100 companies were exclusively male.

Read Department for business innovation and skills press release around the report.

From January the specific equality duties require that, public bodies and their contractors; this includes construction firms undertaking construction works etc. Will be required to publish information showing how they have considered diversity in the formulation of their policies and the delivery of their services.

In April, they will also need to publish their key equality objectives.

We understand these new regulations might be a little confusing for those on the first rungs of the equality ladder so please do get in touch for some free advice from Constructing Equality.

Equality Act Starter Kit

The equality and human rights commission (EHRC) have put up an online resource to help companies understand the equality act.

Go to Equality act online starter kit if you have further questions arising from the kit and how it relates to construction email us at Constructing equality for specialised advice.

 
Whilst this survey is not in any way specific to the built environment we felt that it would be a valuable tool for those looking to bench mark particularly those looking to implement positive action programmes.

The Integrated Household Survey (IHS) is the largest social survey ever produced by the Office for National Statistics. It covers a number of themes including health, education, migration, housing and employment.

Headline experimental statistics from the bulletin include:

• 1.5% of adults in the United Kingdom identified themselves as Gay/Lesbian or Bisexual
• 69% of people in Great Britain stated that they had a religious affiliation with Christianity
• 89% of people in the United Kingdom consider themselves in the White ethnic group

First published in HR Magazine

The Government has pledged invest an additional £300 million into childcare support under Universal Credit, on top of the £2 billion already spent under the current system.

Childcare support is only available if an employee works 16 hours or more, but the Government is removing the minimum hours rule so that all families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for financial help. This means families on low incomes will receive more support to keep them in work. Read rest of article

You may remember a while back a number of articles regarding Pregnancy in the newsletter; Off of the back of those we have just published an article in construction manager on maternity and construction.

We were aiming to help firms understand the law, parents understand their rights and for everyone to understand the importance of the business case around supporting parents working in the industry.

Please do go and have a look and leave a comment letting us know what you think. Good or bad your comments are always appreciated. Read Article

WS Atkins plc has confirmed that it aspires to have one third of its Board members as women by 2015.

In response to Lord Davies of Abersoch's call to chairmen to publish their goals, Allan Cook, chairman said, "Our Board believes in the benefits of greater gender diversity and is actively supportive of measures to achieve this without putting quotas in place.  Indeed, women currently account for 22 per cent of our Board.  Our focus will remain on attracting the right talent and skills irrespective of gender or ethnicity."

In its 2011 Annual Report, the Group reported its progress towards achieving greater diversity in its Board composition.  Today, the Board's make-up reflects the increasing internationalisation of the Group with directors demonstrating diversity of perspective, experience, thought, gender, ethnicity and nationality.

 

On 1 October 2011 the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 come into force, which provide temporary agency workers with the right to equal treatment in terms of basic working and employment conditions as if they had been employed directly by the hirer to do the same job. This will mean that many agency workers may become entitled to the same basic working terms and conditions as comparable employees, although many of the rights are subject to a 12-week qualifying period. Read more

DWP report on employers’ recruitment behavior

Some of you may find interest in this DWP report looking into the recruitment of disabled workers.

In September 2011, the Department for Work and Pensions published ‘A qualitative study exploring employers’ recruitment behaviour and decisions: small and medium enterprises’ by Jacqueline Davidson.

The overall aim of the study on which the report is based was to explore the factors which influence the decision-making processes in SMEs’ employment recruitment decisions, and relate these to the recruitment of disabled workers. Read Report

Free personality profile when you undertake construction management and leadership survey

We have a call for response from Jackie Casey looking into differences/similarities between managers and leaders in construction in terms of their psychological profile in order to define a ‘model’ which may identify Construction leaders of the future. The analysis will look at the ability, behaviour traits and motivation/occupational interest of modern leaders in construction.

People who participate will receive their own in depth Personality profile free of charge which normally would cost approx £300, It is totally confidential and it may give you an insight into your own personality and why you think, do and feel the way that you do.

Take the survey

Survey on reasonable cultural diversity accommodation in the workplace

This survey is looking to understand the pressures on employers when it comes to accommodating for cultural differences in the workplace. Make sure your constraints are recognised by taking the time to fill it in.

The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) is conducting a survey on reasonable accommodation of cultural diversity in the workplace.

Through this survey, ENAR wants to evaluate how reasonable accommodation can help combine the needs of employers with the improvement of working conditions for migrants, ethnic and religious minorities.

*************EVENTS************

CIC Workshop: Constructive Women - How do we increase the number of women professionals within the construction Industry?

The CIC Diversity Panel are pleased to present a FREE event which aims to bring together representatives of all the professional institutions and key stakeholders within the built environment to discuss how we can jointly improve women’s access to the professions at every level and improve diversity for all across the construction industry.

Speakers will include Angela Brady, President of the RIBA; Andy Ford, President of CIBSE and Allan Cook, Chairman of Atkins and Kath Knight, Group Human Resourcing Director of Mace Ltd.

Topics to be discussed will include:
• Ways in which we can raise the number of women at board level.
• Ways in which the industry can attract a more diverse workforce.
• Ways in which CIC can support the Institutions in developing their own action plans.
Breakout groups will be asked to consider these and other topics for inclusion in an action plan template for consideration by the professional institutions.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, 23rd November 9am – 12.30pm, at IMechE, 1 Bird Cage Walk, SW1H 9JJ. Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis, please confirm you place by contacting Liz Reading on LReading@cic.org.uk or             0207 399 7430

WTS Winter Reception 2011

Women in Transport Winter Reception Tuesday, 6th December From 6.30pm to 9pm Central London venue- to be confirmed.

Confirmed speaker John Armitt; Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority for the London 2012 Olympic Game with Sue Kershaw Executive Head of Programme and Contract Delivery, Olympic Delivery Authority Transport Team.

If you would like to volunteer and help make the Winter Reception happen please email them at support@wtslondon.org.uk or go to the WTS website to join up

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers are holding a debate looking at equality and the skills gap on the 2nd November from 18.30, 1 Birdcage Walk, London, SW1H 9JJ.

The panel includes Chair: Dr Colin Brown, Director of Engineering at Institution of Mechanical Engineers- , Dervilla Mitchell BE FREng FIEI CEng MICE, director at Arup, Patrick Clarke, Director, Dr Kate Saunders, Paul Deemer MCIPD, MSc, Equality and Diversity Consultant for the NHS Employers Organisation
Read more

First published in property week Moves are afoot to support those who fall victim to what is arguably property’s last taboo. Law firm Taylor Wessing and property consultant Tuffin Ferraby Taylor hosted a networking event for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) property professionals at the law firm’s 5 New Street Square office in London’s Midtown.

The first event of its kind run by the companies attracted 80 attendees, among them surveyors, planning experts, valuers and lawyers from all levels of property firms. 

This drive was inspired by the poor showing from the sectors in its 2011 Workplace Equality Index, published in January, where property companies were missing. The list was topped by the Home Office, followed by Lloyds Banking Group and Ernst & Young. Although Stonewall says it works with 600 companies to help them develop a better approach to diversity, only two of those — Lend Lease and Kier — are from property or construction.

David Mann, partner at Tuffin Ferraby Taylor, was “surprised and pleased with the turnout” and also the range of companies and professionals represented. “It was particularly good to see so many major practices there, but there were several noticeable by their absence. We will be aiming to increase our membership to redress this for the next event in November,” he said. Full story

The time is coming up for the next CIOB-Novus Social which will be the Office of Metropolitan Architecture/Progress exhibition at the Barbican Art Gallery. 

Email M.Looi-Parish  if you are interested in attending they plan on purchasing a group of tickets once the numbers have been finalised.

OMA/Progress at the Barbican Art Gallery
Proposed Date: Thursday, 10 November 2011
Time: 6.30pm (Barbican Art Gallery closes at 10pm on Thursdays)
Entry Cost: £8

 

The Duke of Gloucester’s Young Achievers Scheme Thursday 24th November 2011

This brand new awards scheme, organized by Construction Youth Trust with the support of their Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, aims to identify and celebrate the success of exceptional young professionals.

The award categories are Architecture, Surveying, Engineering and Construction & Project Management and winners of each of the four main categories have the chance to be mentored by a senior industry figure for a year and an additional prize of an Apple iPad will be given to the overall winner, chosen from the winner of the four categories. See shortlisted candidates

Senior Vacancies at Willmott Dixon

We have been made aware of the following vacancies by Willmott Dixon. Please note that we do not endorse individual companies rather make individuals aware of vacancies that welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

"Willmott Dixon Group is the UK’s second largest privately-owned construction, regeneration and support services company.
Willmott Dixon Partnerships  embraces  diversity in the work place

Excellent service delivery is integral to our future success and as such we are looking for outstanding individuals in the following key senior roles:

Operations Directors. Mobilisation Directors. Branch Managers. Mobilisation Managers. Commercial Managers.  Senior Surveyors. HR Business Partners. New Business Managers. Senior Estimator. Head of New BusinessSenior " Go to advert

***COMPANY SHOWCASE***

BH Maintenance is now in business!

BH Maintenance Ltd is the newest social enterprise to launch from the Blackburne House group.

A business run by women for women, BH Maintenance is an extension of the current Construction Training Academy, providing women with Construction skills training and real work experience within an under-represented sector; construction, maintenance and repair.

All areas of work completed including:
• Painting & Decorating
• Plastering
• Tiling
• Flooring Applications
• Kitchen Design & Fit
• Bathroom Fit
• Bespoke Storage Solutions

All female operatives trained to maintain your home!

Please Contact BH Maintenance for a free quote on             0151 708 3922     
or email andrearushton@blackburnehouse.co.uk

Natasha Hrab wins LABC Trainee of the Year Award

The Local Authority Building Control ABC Trainee of the Year – Andrew Little Award, has been given to Natasha Hrab of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council. The award is named after Andrew Little, Bristol City Council’s former Chief Building Control Officer and former DSA President.

Natasha joined Calderdale MBC in October 2008 as a trainee surveyor, and last year gained an HNC in Construction at Bradford College . As well as working full time for her local authority she is now studying for a BSc in Building Surveying at Sheffield Hallam University. Her managers describe her as dependable, enthusiastic and helpful, and she is already regarded as an invaluable member of the building control team.

Whilst we couldn’t see any representation from the construction industry on this list we felt  there were two reasons it deserved a mention firstly  to provide role models for those in industry who are unsure of how to deal with issues around sexuality and the workplace. 

Secondly if you take a close look at the pink list you’ll see some of the names are closely linked to the public sector purse strings.

Only four weeks left to enter everywoman in technology awards

The everywoman in Technology Awards seek to recognise and celebrate the success of women working in this fast-growth sector, encouraging more women into the industry and ultimately providing a pipeline of talent and future industry leaders.

The everywoman in Technology Awards are free to enter and the 2012 categories include:

• Rising Star
• Team Leader 
• Leader 
• Innovator 
• Entrepreneur 
• Inspiration 
• Woman of the Year

Find out more about the every woman awards and how to enter

Arup has been awarded an ‘Achieving’ SET Fair Standard Award for excellence in gender equality best practice from the UKRC. The UKRC’s SET Fair Standard is the gender equality award for businesses and organisations in science, engineering and technology (SET), including the built environment and IT.

Launched in 2009, it is the UK’s first high profile award that gives public recognition for excellence in gender equality in SET sectors. The SET Fair Standard is independently assessed and moderated by experts in gender equality and SET sectors. The Standard enables businesses to recognise and celebrate progress in developing inclusive workplaces where women have been underrepresented for decades. read more

The winners of the 2011 WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Awards were announced at a prestigious ceremony on Wednesday 19 October at London’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

 
It was great to see the Built Environment walk away with the top prize Mechanical Project Engineer Claire Jones, who works at Sellafield in Cumbria, won £1,000 and the WISE Excellence Award, sponsored by Thales UK, for being an inspirational role model for girls and young engineers.