Collaboration needs Inclusion

There are one-off moments of inclusion and celebration of differences, such as IWED, Pride week, and Black History month; but these sporadic and rehearsed moments of recognition can leave those within marginalised groups with a feeling of tokenism and inauthentic inclusion. How can all of us within the construction industry foster inclusion within our profession? Successful project delivery needs people with varying skills and traits, so it is puzzling that although collaboration is easily achieved in this context, we shy away from collaboration on a wider industry-wide scale.

This is not to say that the industry is not making steps towards broader connection and collaboration, such as the RICS-led Built Environment Carbon Database (www.becd.co.uk) project, and the CIC’s Carbon Zero climate action plan (link). The UKGBC also invited input from fifty volunteers across the industry to develop their whole life carbon net zero road map for the UK (link). This is a good example of a single body planning well to engage an army of helpers towards a common goal.

My own professional organisation CABE has begun talks towards collaboration with BPIC, the latter also being the latest institution to join the CIC and the 2050 Group.

It is my belief that to see genuine ongoing collaboration within our industry, we also need to see the inherent value that our differences bring and use this rich array of experience to achieve our goals.