women in the construction industry 2020.

Where employers truly embrace flexible working practices this can be a major positive contribution to work-life balance. From a practical but also an emotional perspective. Agile working is much more attainable in today’s world and offers benefits both to the employer and to the employee.
I also think it’s important to note that an increasing proportion of men also strive for a better work-life balance, and comments on agile working equally apply. This is notable in itself, but it is also, of course, significant in enabling partners and spouses to adapt their work and home commitments.

Ingrid Osborne, divisional chair, London and South East - Taylor Wimpey Group.

The industry will not change and will not get significantly better until we increase equality and diversity. We need to utilise women’s unique skill sets, the same way we utilise men’s - that is when the industry will become more efficient.

Angela Carney, consultant and director, Carney consultancy

my hope is that in the future, diversity is something that is just there in the workplace. It will become a subject we don’t have to talk about anymore.

Samantha West, commercial director, Vinci Facilities

As a nation, we need to ensure consistency. Geographic pockets of discrimination could impact regional projects in the long-term.

Owen Goodhead, managing director, Randstad construction, property and engineering