Construction must embrace real diversity if it wants change

We’re also at a key moment in time with this corporate plan: 2025 marks the mid-point of delivering on the work outlined in the document and I want to reflect on the overarching theme of modern professionalism and its direct links to work on the skills gap and culture change in the sector.

Some of our recent activities to attract people into construction and help address the skills gap include:

I wrote back in 2022 that we need to recognise that culture in the industry won’t change until we have embraced some real diversity. It’s a true strength to have diversity of thought within an organisation and, frankly, it’s a business imperative – and this is where the link with modern professionalism is so clear.

A more inclusive approach delivers more robust decision-making, which provides a better built environment for those creating it and those using it.

In the context of the headlines from our corporate plan, the culture change we want for this fantastic industry – ensuring quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do – can only come from embracing modern professionalism and acknowledging that we’re aiming to meet changing societal needs and a growing population.

For some, that must also mean more change within the industry and more commitment to an inclusive approach – there is no doubt it is in all our interests to make construction openly and visibly accessible to everyone.

Caroline Gumble is CEO of CIOB.