October Equality and Diversity Newsletter
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
But how much wisdom has affected the construction industry this month? It’s been a mixed bag if you ask me, on the one hand we have the OFT slapping fines on firms for cover pricing, and the press at large accusing those involved of bid riggering - not so wise. On the other hand and bringing things nicely back to our Equality and Diversity focus the CITB has appointed its first Deputy Chairwoman (and indeed only external female on the board) in new appointee Judy Lowe. Whilst I am over the moon to see a bit of diversity creeping in I will admit that I have some small doubts and would have liked to have seen a woman with a strong industry background appointed. None the less I’m sure that Judy will prove my worries to be groundless and I hope you will join me in wishing her the best of luck in her new appointment.
Construction Manager Diversity Article
If you’re a reader of the Chartered Institute of Buildings magazine, Construction Manager, you will have seen the focus this month was on diversity isues. Its well worth a read and not only because of the contribution from bespoke! The magazine has recently changed publishers so I havent been able to find you a direct link – but try this for now and Ill get something better for next month http://www.ciob.org.uk/resources/constructionmanager. Our thanks to the lovely Ed www.edwardtylerphotography.com who not only sat through near on two hours of debate but provided the photos.
Macho, long-hours culture puts women off management in construction industry, research says
Many of us are aware that there is little research out there regarding construction management and gender, so the following from the British Sociology Society is most welcome, it found “Female managers, especially in male-dominated workplaces, are highly visible and this can make them vulnerable as targets of prejudice and hostile responses in facing the competing demands of their roles as women and as managers.” Follow the link for a full synopsis http://www.britsoc.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/21177CE4-17D7-4218-9ECE-F34D38B5157C/0/Macho_longhours_culture_puts_women_off_management_in_construction_industry_research_saysPR070909do.doc
Appointments - Construction Skills Chair
Sir Michael Latham is stepping down from his post of Construction Skills Chairman, which means a new leader must be found. In order to ensure a diverse board we need diverse applicants, so if you feel you have the experiance, knowledge and desire click on the link and get your application in http://www.publicappts-vacs.gov.uk/(S(yhc3gy55awhhczfpb45j1y55))/search.aspx?ApptID=6134&row=32
Race in the construction industry
Following on from the inquiry into race in the construction industry http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/download_race_inquiry_thematic_review.pdf the Equality and human rights commision are looking to investigate employers for evidence of “indirect discrimination” . If evidence is found the EHRC could launch an offical investigation into the companies practices.
WAMT Annual General Meeting
The Chair of Women and Manual Trades, Kirstin McIntosh invites you to attend thier AGM on 29h October 2009.
Guest speaker will be Alan Christie, the Director of Policy Private Sector at the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Alan will be speaking about the Inquiry into Race Discrimination in Construction.
We will also be debating whether WAMT should begin to offer free individual membership in 2010 and welcoming new Management Committee members.
Venue: Lend Lease 19 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HY
The nearest Tube stations are Bond Street or Oxford Circus.
If you would like to attend then please complete the attached acceptance form and RSVP by 23rd October to:l.ramsden@wamt.org for more information on WAMT have a look at their website http://www.wamt.org/
WAMT Olympic Site Visit – 3rd December 2009
Women and Manual Trades are pleased to announce that they have secured 30 places for a tour of the Olympic site followed by a presentation on the Women Into Construction project.
Application forms need to be completed by Friday 6th November. As this is likely to be over-subscribed, to avoid disappointment, an early response is recommended. Please note that only 1 person from each guest organisation may attend.
If you would like to attend then please email l.ramsden@wamt.org for an acceptance form and RSVP by 6th November.
Women and work courses – UK wide
A number of organizations are providing subsidised training via Construction Skill’s Women and Work Funding. Below I have listed courses available in each area and the contacts. To be eligible you must be employed in a construction role though there are exceptions for those working in construction companies looking to up skill. The courses are not only interesting and informative but a great opportunity to network with other women in the construction industry.
Midlands
Cost £45
Delivered by bespoke consultants in partnership with Whitefriars Housing, Coventry University ACUA and Coventry Council.
This Coaching course consists of a one day coaching and mentoring workshop followed by three one hour one to one coaching sessions with an industry experienced mentor. Workshops will be held on the 3rd November and 7th December but hurry November bookings are nearly full.
The programme aims to improve confidence; focus and knowledge to help individuals progress towards their goals.
For more details email Chrissi@bespokeconsultants.com
South West
Cost £50
Devon Training Group.
The courses are 2 day personal development courses, on 20/21 October and 12/13 November 2009.
The course is to help participants develop self awareness in the way they manage, communicate, plan their careers and influence – ultimately to improve personal effectiveness at work! You can gain powerful strategies and techniques which will enable you to plan your career, improve your communication and boost your leadership skills.
http://www.devonconstructiontraining.co.uk/insight_experience.htm
Leeds
Cost £30
29th October Networking and Self Marketing
3rd November Dealing with difficult behaviors
1st December Personal Mastery
10th December Emotional intelligence and managing stress
Contact m.n.smith@leedsmet.ac.uk for more details
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