u003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW239412143 BCX4u0022 lang=u0022EN-GBu0022 xml_lang=u0022EN-GBu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239412143 BCX4u0022u003eFreeu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239412143 BCX4u0022u003e diversity and inclusionu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239412143 BCX4u0022u003e course can be accessed via u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239412143 BCX4u0022u003ethe u003ca href=u0022https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/diversity-and-inclusion-in-the-built-environmentu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eFuture Learnu003c/au003e website and is available u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239412143 BCX4u0022u003efor members and the wider built environment sectoru003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW239412143 BCX4u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{u0026quot;201341983u0026quot;:0,u0026quot;335559739u0026quot;:160,u0026quot;335559740u0026quot;:259}u0022u003e u003c/spanu003e
A free training course to help built environment professionals better understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in the sector has been launched by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
The course, which is available via the Future Learn website, requires two hours of online study per week for three consecutive weeks.
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The course covers the need for commitment to diversity and inclusion, why the construction sector faces challenges, and how to bring about change.
It includes a variety of materials ranging from international articles, video interviews with sector thought leaders and a weekly quiz. At each step, learners are prompted to consider a question that will generate debate with other participants accessing the course.
Mark Harrison, head of EDI transformation at CIOB, said: “We are offering global access to this training resource without charge as evidence of our commitment to promoting a welcoming, diverse and inclusive built environment sector.
“Across the globe, our industry faces skills shortages and the lack of a representative workforce significantly reduces the available talent pool, so it’s an issue that must be addressed.
“Anyone can access the course, so there is no requirement to be a CIOB member. We hope people across the sector will make the most of this opportunity to further their own knowledge and play their part, no matter how small, in creating an industry that is accessible to all.”
Underrepresented groups
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows 15% of the UK construction workforce is female, with just 2% being on site. However, in other parts of the world, this figure is believed to be lower.
Other underrepresented groups in the UK construction sector include those from black and Asian minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people, both at only 6%.
Bola Abisogun, chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the Construction Industry Council, said: “I am delighted to throw my weight behind such a thought-provoking sector offer, designed to challenge the established norms and diversify the talent pool across the sector.
“This launch is yet more evidence of the commitment by CIOB in its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion and I welcome it to help create a more welcoming and self-sustaining landscape for built environment professionals.”
Access the course here and select the “join course” option on the right of the screen.
No subscriptions or one-off payments are required, but Future Learn will make a charge for certificates and to learners who wish to take the course over more than the recommended three-week period.
