Integrating EDI into approved development schemes
Dominic Lane, CICES Development Manager
THE civil engineering surveying profession has long been defined by its technical excellence, precision and an unwavering commitment to building the infrastructure that forms the backbone of our societies. However, as we move forward in the 21st century, it’s increasingly clear that technical proficiency alone is no longer enough. The focus is shifting towards creating a profession that is not only skilled but also inclusive, equitable and diverse.
This article explores how CICES approved development schemes (ADS) – key to the professional development of civil engineering surveyors – can be enhanced by integrating equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles. By examining how ADS can foster more inclusive pathways, we aim to understand how these schemes can reflect the broad range of talent and experiences within society, while promoting a more diverse workforce.
The importance of EDI in the civil engineering sector
Equity, diversity and inclusion have become essential components of modern workplaces. Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams outperform their homogeneous counterparts, bringing creativity, innovation and a wider range of perspectives to the table. Within civil engineering, where complex problemsolving and innovative thinking are critical, the value of a diverse workforce is undeniable.
Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams outperform their homogeneous counterparts, bringing creativity, innovation and a wider range of perspectives to the table.
The civil engineering surveying sector is no exception.
Traditionally, the profession has been male dominated, with women, ethnic minorities and people from disadvantaged backgrounds under-represented.
However, as the industry works to diversify, more attention is being given to how EDI can transform not just the workforce but the way projects are conceptualised, designed, and executed.
EDI and the workforce of the future
Diversity, in particular, encompasses more than just gender and ethnicity; it includes diversity of thought, background and experience. Equity ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background, have fair opportunities, while inclusion ensures that these diverse voices are heard and valued in the workplace.
The goal is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the profession. An inclusive workforce will better represent the clients and communities civil engineering surveyors serve, leading to projects that are more attuned to the needs and aspirations of a diverse society.
A pathway to professional development
Approved development schemes (ADS) have long been the cornerstone of professional development for civil engineering surveyors. These schemes are designed to provide structured training and mentoring, ensuring that new entrants to the profession are equipped with the technical and practical skills they need.
For many under-represented groups, barriers to entering the civil engineering profession begin long before they reach the workplace.ADS provide a roadmap for individuals to progress through their careers, setting milestones and offering support in areas such as project management, technical skills and ethical practices. However, while ADS are effective at nurturing technical competence, they must also evolve to promote a more inclusive profession. This is where the integration of EDI principles comes into play.
The intersection of ADS and EDI
To build a profession that reflects the diverse world it serves, ADS must explicitly incorporate EDI principles into their framework. This can be achieved by addressing a number of key areas:
- Access to opportunities: One of the first steps in integrating EDI into ADS is ensuring equal access to opportunities. For many under-represented groups, barriers to entering the civil engineering profession begin long before they reach the workplace. Educational inequality, lack of industry awareness and limited networking opportunities can all play a role in excluding certain demographics. To address this, ADS can partner with schools, universities, and community organisations to raise awareness of the profession and create pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter civil engineering surveying. For example, offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship programmes targeted at women, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups can help bridge the gap.
- Mentoring and support: Mentoring is a critical component of ADS, providing young professionals with the guidance they need to navigate the challenges of the profession. However, to truly foster diversity, mentoring programmes must be designed with inclusivity in mind. Mentors themselves should come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, providing role models for new entrants to the profession. Additionally, mentoring programmes should offer tailored support to individuals from under-represented groups, addressing the unique challenges they may face, such as unconscious bias, limited access to networks, and cultural barriers.
- Inclusive recruitment and retention: It’s important to recognise that fostering diversity goes beyond recruitment; it also involves creating an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive. ADS can help by ensuring that organisations adopt inclusive recruitment practices, such as blind recruitment processes and diverse interview panels, to reduce bias in hiring. Moreover, ADS should promote policies that support work-life balance, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background. These policies not only help attract diverse talent but also ensure that they are retained and supported throughout their careers.
- Embedding EDI in training programmes: The training provided through ADS should also incorporate EDI principles. This can be achieved by including modules on unconscious bias, cultural competency and inclusive leadership within the professional development curriculum. By educating civil engineering surveyors on the importance of EDI, ADS can help create a profession that is not only technically competent but also socially aware. Surveyors will be better equipped to work in diverse teams, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and contribute to projects that are inclusive and equitable.
- Tracking progress and accountability: To ensure that EDI initiatives within ADS are successful, it’s crucial to track progress and hold organisations accountable. This can be achieved by setting measurable targets for diversity and inclusion within the profession and regularly reviewing the outcomes of these initiatives.
By collecting data on diversity within ADS programmes and the wider profession, organisations can identify areas for improvement and take action to address any disparities. Additionally, creating platforms for open dialogue and feedback can help ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard and acted upon.
The benefits of integrating EDI into ADS
The integration of EDI into ADS offers numerous benefits, not just for individuals but for the profession as a whole:
- A more diverse and skilled workforce: By creating pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter and succeed in the profession, ADS can help build a workforce that is more reflective of society. This diversity brings new perspectives, ideas, and skills, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.
- Enhanced reputation and competitiveness: Organisations that prioritise EDI are seen as more attractive to both employees and clients. By embedding EDI into ADS, civil engineering surveying firms can enhance their reputation as inclusive, forwardthinking employers, making them more competitive in the global marketplace.
- Greater innovation and creativity: Diverse teams are known for their ability to solve complex problems more effectively. By fostering diversity within ADS, the profession can benefit from a broader range of ideas and approaches, leading to greater innovation and creativity in the field.
- A more inclusive society: Ultimately, integrating EDI into ADS contributes to the creation of a more inclusive society. Civil engineering surveyors play a crucial role in shaping the built environment, and by ensuring that the profession is diverse and inclusive, we can create infrastructure that meets the needs of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Conclusion
As the civil engineering surveying profession continues to evolve, the integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion into approved development schemes is both a moral and practical imperative. By fostering a more inclusive workforce, we can build a profession that is not only technically proficient but also socially responsible.
Through initiatives such as inclusive mentoring, diverse recruitment practices, and EDI-focused training, ADS can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of civil engineering surveying. In doing so, we can create a profession that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond, while contributing to a more equitable and inclusive world.
Dominic Lane, CICES Development Manager