The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) has launched a Diversity & Inclusion toolkit for Employers today at its Skills Summit in a London.

Routes to Diversity & Inclusion is the first toolkit of its kind for the highways and transportation sector. It provides a route map to success through diversity and inclusion.

The toolkit offers practical guidance, case studies and links to reliable sources of expert advice for employers to help recruit, retain and develop a more diverse workforce. By doing so, employers will improve their own business performance and increase capacity within the industry.

“The business case for diversity and inclusion has been highlighted a number of times in the media recently, however implementing the changes necessary to take advantage of these business benefits does not appear to be a priority for some employers," said CIHT chief executive Sue Percy. "Often, this is simply a case of not being sure where to start and this is where the CIHT Routes to Diversity & Inclusion toolkit can help.

“CIHT believes there needs to be a step change in the way that the industry engages with issues around diversity and inclusion as part of a long term skills strategy. We believe that this toolkit will help to inspire that step change.”

Today's CIHT Skills Summit was opened by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, who outlined the Government’s skills vision for the future.

Other speakers included Infrastructure UK, HS2, Highways England, Skills Funding Agency, Connect Plus Services, event sponsor Mouchel and the Construction Industry Council.

The presentation topics ranged from a the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan for Skills, apprentices, challenging the image of careers in highways and transportation, developing the skills needed in a changing world and meeting the skills demand for major infrastructure projects.

Diversity & Inclusion – some key facts and figures

The current situation in highways and transportation

CIHT surveyed its Corporate Partners to benchmark the sector in terms of demographics and practical engagement on diversity and inclusion:

• In 71% of organisations, women make up fewer than one in ten of the board.
• Men occupy more than 90% of management roles.
• Only 48% of corporate partners are currently using flexible working to attract and retain talented employees.
• Minority ethnic people make up less than 10% of the workforce (national average is 14%).

What are the benefits of taking action?

• Greater diversity of recruits from a wider talent pool.
• Greater diversity of people progressing through the organisation.
• Benefits to corporate reputation via publicity, benchmarking and awards.
• Benefits in terms of creativity and innovation.
• An increase in employee engagement.

If you would like to receive a hardcopy of the toolkit please contact communications@ciht.org.uk