Built environment bodies launch five-year EDI action plan

The B.E. Inclusive initiative has agreed the next phase of its joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan, building on the three‑year programme launched in 2022.

Representing over 400,000 built environment professionals across nine professional institutions, the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in May 2025, extends the collaboration into a five‑year phase from 2025 to 2030, formalising a refined programme of joint work by the current signatory bodies.

The action plan is delivered by a core working group made up of representatives from:

• The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
• The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)
• The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)
• The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• The Landscape Institute (LI)
• The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

The recent B.E. Inclusive CEO meeting marked an important milestone in reviewing progress to date and shaping how this new plan will be delivered.

Core focuses  of the programme during 2025-2030 include:

• Data collection and analysis: Improving EDI data collection and analysis across the professions and sharing findings with the wider sector so that action benefits the whole built environment, not only members of the institutions.
• Recruitment pipeline: Addressing skills gaps and shortages by strengthening pathways for underrepresented groups, improving transitions from built environment degree courses into work and supporting people returning to the profession after a career break.
• Workplace culture and behaviour: Promoting respectful, inclusive behaviours and clearer expectations across the professions so that all within the sector understand and meet high standards in their work with clients, colleagues and communities.

For members of the partner institutions, the collaboration aims to provide clearer expectations on EDI, more transparent data and stronger support at key stages of their careers. By working together, the institutions aim to reduce duplication, share good practice and increase the impact of EDI initiatives across the built environment.

Simon Hamlyn, CICES CEO, said: “There is no greater achievement than multiple organisations coming together to shape the future through being equitable, inclusive and ensuring diversity is the thread running throughout our actions. The B.E. Inclusive group are doing things right and our leadership will ensure we do the right things.”

Dr Victoria Hills, CIOB CEO, said: “It is significant that so many organisations, representing so many people from the built environment sector, have come together to reconfirm our shared commitment to an inclusive and supportive industry. This is an important statement and one which reinforces the long-term collaborative, collective sense of duty to represent the diversity of our society in our industry. Together we will also continue work to ensure our sector is welcoming and able to attract the next generation of construction professionals.”

Justin Young, RICS CEO, said: “The sustainability and success of the built and natural environment depend on our industry collaborating to retain existing talent and increase access and opportunities for future generations across all communities and identities. Informed decision-making requires access to clear and accurate data and insights, and the B.E. Inclusive action plan includes refinement of data collection and analysis, with a focus on talent pipelines and industry culture. We are confident that this framework, which is now in place until 2030, will drive meaningful and impactful progress for all.”