The second annual Construction Inclusion Coalition conference held in Birmingham laid down a challenge to industry leaders across the construction sector: If not you, then who? If not now, then when?
The ‘Coalition in Conversation’ conference brought together more than 80 passionate advocates for greater inclusion within construction for a day of interactive workshops, powerful storytelling and conversations designed to challenge perspectives and inspire action.
Mark Freed of Men for Inclusion, an organisation designed to convert men into advocates for greater inclusion set out how some of the most influential companies in the world have long realised that a greater sense of inclusion can be ‘a great unlock’ for success as it opens business to a deeper talent pool in a skills driven economy. Mark shared how great societal leaps have been achieved in the past fifty years or so, from women in work to the role of men in parenting, following a change in perspective, and this can still fuel further change today.
The session was described as “a lightbulb moment” by delegates, with Mark’s authentic reflections reminding the conference that a push for greater inclusion is not just about policy – it is often personal for people in the workforce.
The conference delegation heard from house builders Barratt Redrow and Taylor Wimpey on how they are ensuring their workforce is made up from as broad a group of people of differing backgrounds as possible. Gemma Webb of Barratt Redrow noted that despite appearances housebuilding and construction is a trade and industry that is very good for social mobility, with many workers climbing through the ranks of roles and responsibilities based on experience not background.
This is a perspective and story we may need to amplify in the coming years as we look to nurture a growing workforce. It was also a point outgoing CIC Chair and coalition founder Angela Rushforth wanted to emphasise in her final remarks to the conference, as she stated “it’s important that as leaders we hold the ladder down for others.”
Bristan Group CEO, Jen Cassidy, has been named as the new Chair to pick up the baton from Angela. Jen said:
“I’m enormously proud to be taking on the role of Chair of the CIC. The progress the CIC and its members have made in the past two years is inspiring, and whilst there is still much to do, I am genuinely optimistic that together we can continue to drive real change for the industry. Inclusion starts with every one of us already in the industry, and I am passionate about making the construction sector a place where everyone feels they belong.”
“I would also like to recognise and thank Angela for her time, energy and vision in creating the CIC. Her passion and determination to, as she says, ‘put the ladder down for those who come next’ has made the coalition what it is today, and it is an honour to carry on her work.”
The coalition now boasts 39 companies and trade organisations across building materials manufacturers, merchants and supply chain services to the construction sector. The CIC plan into 2026 includes a continued focus on gender inclusion and creating inclusive workplaces, the promotion of more family-friendly policies and initiatives and enlisting more male colleagues as Inclusion Champions.
In the meantime, the CIC continues to host webinars for coalition members to provide better education and awareness of the impact of the menopause on individual women, and how their partners, families and colleagues can offer support.
In October and November two unique webinars have been provided by Joanne Redwood, a couple’s counsellor with 20 years’ experience, to explore the impact of perimenopause and menopause. One in five perimenopausal women need to take time off work due to the symptoms, and there is a warning that businesses that fail to offer appropriate support do risk losing existing talent.
With women over the age of 50 being the fastest growing workforce demographic, supporting this group is not just ‘the right thing to do’, it also becomes a business imperative.
There are practical steps that can be taken, such as bespoke flexible working policies, better training for managers to assist with more open conversations, and these sessions are proving to be a valuable resource for our coalition members.
This is a great example of organisations within the coalition taking a lead on inclusion issues, and providing a part of the response to the question if not you, then who? If not now, then when?
Visit builtonbetter.uk to find out how your organisation can contribute to greater inclusion during 2026.
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If not you, then who? If not now, then when?
The second annual Construction Inclusion Coalition conference held in Birmingham laid down a challenge to industry leaders across the construction sector: If not you, then who? If not now, then when?
The ‘Coalition in Conversation’ conference brought together more than 80 passionate advocates for greater inclusion within construction for a day of interactive workshops, powerful storytelling and conversations designed to challenge perspectives and inspire action.
Mark Freed of Men for Inclusion, an organisation designed to convert men into advocates for greater inclusion set out how some of the most influential companies in the world have long realised that a greater sense of inclusion can be ‘a great unlock’ for success as it opens business to a deeper talent pool in a skills driven economy. Mark shared how great societal leaps have been achieved in the past fifty years or so, from women in work to the role of men in parenting, following a change in perspective, and this can still fuel further change today.
The session was described as “a lightbulb moment” by delegates, with Mark’s authentic reflections reminding the conference that a push for greater inclusion is not just about policy – it is often personal for people in the workforce.
The conference delegation heard from house builders Barratt Redrow and Taylor Wimpey on how they are ensuring their workforce is made up from as broad a group of people of differing backgrounds as possible. Gemma Webb of Barratt Redrow noted that despite appearances housebuilding and construction is a trade and industry that is very good for social mobility, with many workers climbing through the ranks of roles and responsibilities based on experience not background.
This is a perspective and story we may need to amplify in the coming years as we look to nurture a growing workforce. It was also a point outgoing CIC Chair and coalition founder Angela Rushforth wanted to emphasise in her final remarks to the conference, as she stated “it’s important that as leaders we hold the ladder down for others.”
Bristan Group CEO, Jen Cassidy, has been named as the new Chair to pick up the baton from Angela. Jen said:
“I’m enormously proud to be taking on the role of Chair of the CIC. The progress the CIC and its members have made in the past two years is inspiring, and whilst there is still much to do, I am genuinely optimistic that together we can continue to drive real change for the industry. Inclusion starts with every one of us already in the industry, and I am passionate about making the construction sector a place where everyone feels they belong.”
“I would also like to recognise and thank Angela for her time, energy and vision in creating the CIC. Her passion and determination to, as she says, ‘put the ladder down for those who come next’ has made the coalition what it is today, and it is an honour to carry on her work.”
The coalition now boasts 39 companies and trade organisations across building materials manufacturers, merchants and supply chain services to the construction sector. The CIC plan into 2026 includes a continued focus on gender inclusion and creating inclusive workplaces, the promotion of more family-friendly policies and initiatives and enlisting more male colleagues as Inclusion Champions.
In the meantime, the CIC continues to host webinars for coalition members to provide better education and awareness of the impact of the menopause on individual women, and how their partners, families and colleagues can offer support.
In October and November two unique webinars have been provided by Joanne Redwood, a couple’s counsellor with 20 years’ experience, to explore the impact of perimenopause and menopause. One in five perimenopausal women need to take time off work due to the symptoms, and there is a warning that businesses that fail to offer appropriate support do risk losing existing talent.
With women over the age of 50 being the fastest growing workforce demographic, supporting this group is not just ‘the right thing to do’, it also becomes a business imperative.
There are practical steps that can be taken, such as bespoke flexible working policies, better training for managers to assist with more open conversations, and these sessions are proving to be a valuable resource for our coalition members.
This is a great example of organisations within the coalition taking a lead on inclusion issues, and providing a part of the response to the question if not you, then who? If not now, then when?
Visit builtonbetter.uk to find out how your organisation can contribute to greater inclusion during 2026.
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