Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in Construction

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Travis Perkins commissioned a poll to ask people who worked in the construction industry - what could help improve diversity and inclusion in the sector? Out of 500 participants* a third (37%) of those believe that LGBTQ+ training could help make a distinct improvement.

The poll also found that 34% supported the idea of the sector having a diversity policy (a code of practice), while 33% said they take inspiration from role models at work. 

61% of respondents said they felt that in the past ten years, the construction industry has become more inclusive of those from an LGBTQ+ background. 37% would tell management if they saw someone being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, while 35% would call it out.

This celebration of inclusivity is integral to our Group’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy – ‘You be you, it makes us, us’ – which is designed to help the business build a more diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, feeling that they belong and are comfortable to be themselves.

With the valuable work that the whole business is doing to support our LGBTQ+ community, we will continue to raise awareness and promote positive attitudes towards diversity and inclusion in the sector.

Margaret Ollerenshaw HR Director from Travis Perkins says “Our research shows that respondents in the sector say it is more inclusive than ten years ago, but that training and a diversity policy could help improve this even further. Clearly more can be done to help encourage those who witness discrimination to call it out. Our ‘You be you, it makes us, us’ strategy means that we are committed to becoming a more inclusive business that attracts and nurtures a diverse range of talents and people, and reflects the wide range of communities that we work in. We have introduced a diversity and inclusion reverse mentoring programme, created an online Ally Workshop and launched a series of  videos to raise awareness of what an Ally is. We believe that this will help to create an environment where everyone belongs, feels safe and comfortable about who they are and are valued for their contribution.” 

“This year’s Northampton Pride Parade provided a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and support our colleagues and everyone from the local LGBTQ+ community and beyond.”

2022 marks the first year that Travis Perkins has sponsored Northampton Pride, which took place on Sunday 26 June. The event was organised by the Northampton Pride Committee and West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) LGBTQ+ and Allies Forum and aims to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and encourages acceptance and equality for all.

All 20,000 Travis Perkins plc colleagues are being encouraged to use Pride to educate themselves on what it means to become good allies to lesbian, gay, bi, trans and questioning (LGBTQ+), and will mark the celebrations by taking part in a range of activities, including training, talks and debates.

*Figures from a survey of 500 participants from the construction sector, polled between 30th-1st June 2022.