Diversity and inclusion; free course from the CIOB Academy

[edit] The importance of diversity and inclusion

A free training course to help built environment professionals across the world better understand the importance of diversity and inclusion to combat underrepresentation in the sector has been launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

The course, which is available via the Future Learn website, requires two hours of online study per week for three consecutive weeks and covers the need for commitment to diversity and inclusion, why the construction sector faces challenges, and how to bring about change.

It includes a variety of engaging and motivational materials ranging from international articles, video interviews with sector thought leaders and a weekly quiz. At each step, learners are prompted to consider a question that will generate debate with other participants accessing the course.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows only 15 per cent of the UK construction workforce is female, (with only 2 per cent actually being on-site), while in other parts of the world, this figure is believed to be lower. Other underrepresented groups in the UK construction sector include those from Black and Asian minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people both at only six per cent.

[edit] Comment

Mark Harrison, Head of EDI Transformation at CIOB, said: “We are offering global access to this training resource without charge as evidence of our commitment to promoting a welcoming, diverse and inclusive built environment sector.

“Across the globe, our industry faces skills shortages and the lack of a representative workforce significantly reduces the available talent pool, so it’s an issue that must be addressed. Anyone can access the course, so there is no requirement to be a CIOB member. We hope people across the sector will make the most of this opportunity to further their own knowledge and play their part, no matter how small, in creating an industry that is accessible to all.”

Bola Abisogun OBE, Chair of the DEI Committee at the Construction Industry Council, said: “I am delighted to throw my weight behind such a thought-provoking sector offer, designed to challenge the established norms and diversify the talent pool across the sector. This launch is yet more evidence of the commitment by CIOB in its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion and I welcome it to help create a more welcoming and self-sustaining landscape for built environment professionals.”

[edit] Access details

To access the course for free visit https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/diversity-and-inclusion-in-the-built-environment and select the “join course” option on the right of the screen. No subscriptions or one-off payments are required, but Future Learn will make a charge for certificates and to learners who wish to take the course over more than the recommended three-week period.

This article appears on the CIOB news and blog site as "Free course on diversity and inclusion launched by CIOB" dated June 29, 2023.

--CIOB

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings.

• A Blueprint for Change report.
• Balance for better: why lack of diversity is an issue for everyone.
• Boardroom to building site skills gap survey.
• Build a Better Future: The Built Environment and the Sustainable Development Goals (Bioregional)
• Building from the bottom-up: Recommendations to support the Construction Leadership Council’s Skills Plan (Building People)
• Building Site to Boardroom (BS2B).
• Charter for diversity and inclusion in construction and special report launched by CIOB.
• Diversity and inclusion.
• Diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.
• Diversity in regeneration.
• Diversity in the construction industry.
• Diversity Wins - How Inclusion Matters (McKinsey)
• Equal opportunities policy.
• Equality Act.
• Equality and diversity: Good practice for the construction sector (EHRC).
• Gender stereotypes examined in Unlimited Potential report.
• Inclusive Employers Toolkit
• ISO 30415.
• Making cities more gender inclusive.
• Routes to Diversity & Inclusion (CIHT)
• Social value
• Socio-economic diversity in the real estate sector
• Supporting Diversity - Good Growth by Design (Mayor of London)
• The Inclusive Culture Pyramid
• Unconscious bias: Addressing workplace diversity (RICS)

Comments

[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.