The Civic Engineers team were given an impressive Toolbox Talk yesterday by our Bidding Manager, Luke Ives. The talk was part of a bold and innovative campaign we’re supporting that challenges and addresses key issues that the LGBT+ community face within the construction industry and was created by LGBT+ network, Building Equality.

To coincide with International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia or #IDAHOBIT, which took place on Friday 17th May, Building Equality has also released a hard-hitting poster campaign. These free resources are aimed at educating, empowering and addressing the key issues that the LGBT+ community face, both in the construction industry and in society as a whole. The posters challenge misconceptions, such as people only getting their jobs because they tick the diversity box, and highlight examples of inappropriate language – turning it on its head to show how damaging it can be.

Building Equality is an alliance of over 30 organisations from the construction industry including consultants, engineers, developers, contractors and institutions. They are passionate about working together and harnessing their collective power to drive LGBT+ inclusion in the Built Environment. Their vision is to have a construction industry which is wholly welcoming, inclusive and supportive of LGBT+ individuals and society at large. 

Building Equality believe in the power of education and are committed to the growth and evolution of the campaign, working with various LGBT+ organisations to consider issues faced by different sections of the community.

Luke Ives, Greater Manchester Building Equality Chair and Bid Manager at Civic Engineers commented,

“LGBT+ rights and inclusion has progressed enormously in recent years but despite this, many LGBT+ individuals still face continued and widespread discrimination and abuse. We believe education is the key to addressing this discrimination and empowering the LGBT+ community and its allies in the workplace, to call out inappropriate behaviour and help to build a wholly inclusive industry. Cross-industry collaboration is central to enacting positive change and it is through this collaboration of 20+ Greater Manchester Building Equality members that these resources have been brought to life. By working together, addressing the real issues and incorporating the whole supply chain, we can hopefully improve the practice, culture and image of the building industry.”