Noemi Davolio, EDI project officer, Chartered Institute of Building, asks what it will take to build an industry where everyone truly belongs
Is it responsible to encourage women to join the construction sector before meaningful change in workplace culture has taken place? This will be the one of the key talking points at CIOB’s free to join EDI day on Wednesday 18 November.
Across the sector, barriers to opportunity, representation, and inclusion continue to affect talented individuals and limit the industry’s ability to attract and retain the workforce it needs for the future. In the UK alone, 251,500 extra workers will be required to meet industry needs by 2028 (50,300 per year).
This is why, now more than ever, we must come together to acknowledge and understand that the construction sector will need to make significant changes to achieve its goals.
Construction needs inclusion to meet future challenges
The built environment shapes everyone’s life; yet the industry itself does not always reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. As talent demand grows higher than ever, creating inclusive cultures is no longer just the right thing to do. It is a business, talent, and sustainability imperative.
CIOB’s EDI Day 2026 is designed for anyone who wants to be a part of that change. Whether you are a contractor, consultant, client, educator, policymaker, people professional, or emerging leader, the event will provide practical insights to help drive meaningful progress within your organisation and across the wider industry.
What you’ll learn from our event:
- How inclusive workplaces improve employee wellbeing, innovation, and organisational performance
- The barriers faced by underrepresented groups within the construction industry and how these can be addressed
- The role of leadership, allyship, and accountability in creating lasting cultural change
- How accessible design and inclusive practices can create better outcomes for employees, members, clients, and communities
- Examples of successful initiatives that are driving measurable change across the built environment
- The opportunities created by encouraging more women to enter the industry today
The sessions have been designed to move beyond policy and theory, focussing instead on practical actions that individuals and organisations can take immediately.
What’s new this year
This year, we will have a debate session, putting forward arguments for and against the question: ‘Before meaningful change in workplace culture has taken place, is it responsible to encourage women to join the construction sector?’
The debate will be an interactive session, with the audience acting as the ‘jury’ and voting at the end for the argument they find most compelling.
Turning commitment into action
As construction continues to evolve, attracting and retaining diverse talent will be critical to its future success. Creating environments where people feel respected, valued, and able to contribute fully benefits not only individuals but also teams, organisations, and the industry.
The event will conclude with a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring one central question: what will it take to build an industry where everyone truly belongs?
For me, that question sits at the heart of EDI. Progress requires more than good intentions. It requires action, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge the way things have always been done.
We already have over 370 people registered, so don’t miss out- join us now!
To register, visit this page.
