While certain politicians continue to question the value of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategies, we recognise the benefits that these initiatives can bring and the need for further progress.

To continue the promotion of a welcoming, inclusive, and representative built environment sector, CIOB will be hosting our third international virtual EDI on Thursday 16 October 2025. 

The theme of our day is to answer the question on what benefits EDI has given the sector and what it can offer in the future. We have an excellent array of engaging expert speakers from different international locations and distinct parts of our diverse industry contributing to the discussions.

This year we are trialling a new approach to our EDI day by providing the option to choose individual sessions, as we recognise it’s difficult for even the most committed colleagues to dedicate an entire day – we are all very busy people after all. We have scheduled sessions to allow (as far as possible) residents in different time-zones to attend. Continue 

This free event kicks off early at 08:30 BST with a panel discussion on whether EDI strategies have only benefitted specific groups or whether they can promote fairness and respect for all and can help to address the skills gaps and improve workplace culture for everyone. 

In the second session (10:15-11:15 BST), we will hear from three champions of an inclusive built environment sector on how they successfully overcame barriers and delivered initiatives promoting a welcoming and inclusive sector.

This will be followed by a speaker session (12:15-13:15 BST) on the crucial challenge of how we promote positive mental health in the sector. With expert speakers from Mates in Mind and Lighthouse charities, as well as CIOB, we will hear about positive actions we can take to provide support and signposting to our colleagues in the workplace. 

The fourth session (14:00 BST) will bring in an international perspective with an opportunity to hear from colleagues promoting an equitable built environment sector in South Africa, Canada & the UK. 

Our final session, featuring panellists from RICS, RTPI, ICE, RIBA and CIOB, will showcase the ambitions of the “B.E. Inclusive” partnership of professional membership institutes that have committed to work together across the built environment sector.  

Our new approach to hosting discussions seems to be popular as hundreds of colleagues around the globe have already signed up for sessions during the day. If you want to join them and participate in the Q&A – or just listen to the experts on our panels on an engaging, inspiring, and informative day, register here.