The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has stepped up its efforts to promote Diversity and Inclusion in the industry.

The firm's president Pat Lucey launched a Diversity and Inclusion pledge, with companies across the country committing to improving D&I in their organisations.

At the launch event, Mr Lucey said: "The construction industry provides careers to over 145,000 individuals. We want everyone to feel welcome in Irish construction and to contribute to this industry as we reshape Irish society. I'm proud that we are launching the CIF's D&I Charter tonight and already companies are starting to sign up and committing to taking the steps toward greater diversity and inclusion. Most people in the industry are male and we have been working hard to increase female participation in the industry from building site to boardroom. Tonight's launch marks the CIF's first attempt to harness the positivity of construction companies for any gender, age, sexual orientation and nationality to work in our industry."

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The CIF is partnering with the Irish Centre for Diversity on the initiative. The centre will provide training, advice and consultancy for companies signing up to the charter. In addition, CIF and the centre are providing D&I training programmes for all levels of management and staff in Irish construction companies.

Caroline Tyler, Irish Centre for Diversity, added: "We're delighted to partner with the CIF on this important initiative. We have worked with several CIF members in Ireland and the UK. The industry has many exemplars of good practice and this charter has the potential to spread D&I across the entire industry. Very often companies will understand the benefits of D&I but are unsure of where or even how to start. This charter outlines some of the very simple yet impactful changes that can make a huge difference to individuals in the workforce, potential employees and ultimately organisations that develop a D&I culture."

(CM/MH)