The initiative aims to drive meaningful change across the sector, creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce and helping to address some of the UK’s critical skills shortages.  
  
The Charter sets out a strategic framework to drive action across the five key areas of Attraction, Retention, Progression, Leadership, and Data and Feedback with broad commitments for individuals, organisations and the sector, as well as insights and case studies.  

Prof Priti Parikh, School Director of The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction led the working group on data used to build the charter with colleagues Dr Kat Burger and Dr Adrienn Tomer were part of the working group in development of the charter. 
  
Infrastructure Matters partnered with the National Infrastructure Commission and worked in close collaboration with industry to develop the Infrastructure Diversity Charter. The Charter is aimed at all organisations, from major construction firms and engineering consultancies to SMEs and supply chain partners.   
  
Julia Prescot CBE, Deputy Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission and BSSC Honorary Professor said: “It has been incredible to see the industry come together to solve a pressing issue that is not only key for the future of the infrastructure sector but for the nation’s economic prosperity.”  
  
“There are critical skills shortages in the UK that need to be addressed, and a significant percentage of the population have historically been excluded or put off from joining or remaining in the infrastructure workforce. We therefore need to prove to organisations that embracing diversity is a strategic way to increase skills, foster innovation, drive productivity and deliver better outputs.”  
  
 Frances Fernandes, Managing Director of Infrastructure Matters said: “Infrastructure development is essential for growth, delivering net zero and modernising the economy but the scale of work needed will require a larger, more skilled, diverse and sustainable workforce.”  
  
“Partnering with the National Infrastructure Commission and industry leaders we have drawn together this Infrastructure Diversity Charter not merely as a statement of intent but also as a call to action for organisations and policymakers to create a more inclusive and resilient workforce. By adopting its principles, the infrastructure sector can unlock its full potential and create more equitable and efficient infrastructure.”  
  
The development of each of the 5 key principles was led by senior representatives from the industry with input and feedback from colleagues and contacts from across the sector.” 

Professor Jacqui Glass, the Dean of The Bartlett spoke at the launch event and highlighted the importance of an industry wide charter to boost inclusion and address the skills shortage in infrastructure. 

The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction has been working towards improving diversity in the sector through their scholarship schemes supported by Julia Prescot and the faculty’s The Bartlett Promise.  

Related News