Built environment bodies deepen joint action on equity, diversity and inclusion with 2025-30 plan

Representing over 400,000 built environment professionals across nine professional institutions, 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.

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

Who is involved

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)
   

Since 2022, the partnership has expanded from six founding institutions to nine, with CICES, CIAT and CIHT joining the original group in 2025, strengthening the initiative’s shared voice and reach in the built environment sector.

Core focuses during 2025-2030

• 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.
   

Meetings and intent

B.E. Inclusive EDI leads meet fortnightly to review progress, with CEOs receiving a consolidated update at an annual meeting.

At the latest B.E. Inclusive CEO meeting, leaders discussed progress to date and how best to sharpen delivery of the shared plan. The group focused on turning improved evidence and shared learning into tangible change for professionals and the communities they serve.

What it means for members and the sector

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.

Leadership perspectives

Leaders from across the partner institutions underlined their shared commitment to long‑term, practical change:

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.’

Tara Page, CIAT CEO, said:

‘This exciting, and much needed, work in collaboration with our sister institutes will further assist the built environment sector in breaking down and challenging barriers and to build upon achieving equity with inclusive environments and communities, representing diversity across all professions. I look forward to its development.’

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.’

Sue Percy CBE, CIHT CEO, said:

‘We are proud to be part of the B.E Inclusive initiative, and we’re delighted to welcome CICES and CIAT as the latest members of this growing network. Their involvement strengthens our collective voice across the sector as we work to attract and retain diverse talent, better represent the communities we serve, and help create a built environment that works for all.’

Dr Janet Young CBE, ICE CEO, said:

‘Since its inception, the B.E. Inclusive group has regularly brought built environment leaders together to progress its mission: improving equity, diversity and inclusion across the built environment. The Institution of Civil Engineers is proud to be part of this initiative and looks forward to continuing this work through 2030 by bettering data collection, strengthening career pathways for underrepresented groups, and promoting inclusive behaviour at all times.’

Rob Hughes, LI CEO, said:

‘Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating places that serve the full breadth of our society. By working collaboratively on these core focus areas, our institutions can strengthen pathways into the profession, improve workplace culture, and ensure the built environment sector reflects the diversity, talent and experience of the communities it exists to support.’

Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE FRCGP (Hon), RIBA CEO, said:

‘As we enter the next phase of the action plan, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the built environment. By taking a clear, action-focused, collaborative approach, we can build a profession that reflects the society we serve, and delivers places and spaces where everyone can belong.’

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.’

Simon Creer, RTPI Director of Communications and External Affairs, said:

‘It is promising to see both the number of institutions taking part in this sector-leading initiative expanding and the scope of the agreement growing to match its ambition.

‘The measures announced today represent the continued work our professional bodies are putting in to create real change within the sector. Together, we can ensure the built environment professions reflect the communities they serve.’

-ENDS-

About CIAT

CIAT is a dynamic, forward-thinking and inclusive global membership qualifying body for Architectural Technology. It exists as a not-for-profit organisation to lead, represent and promote Architectural Technology and sets and maintains the standards for education, practice and professionalism.

For further information on CIAT, contact: Adam Endacott, Head of Creative & Communications

T: +44 (0)20 7278 2206 | E: a.endacott@ciat.global
 

About CIOB

• The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) stands for the science, ethics and practice of built environments across the world.
• We have almost 50,000 members worldwide and are the world's largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership.
• Everything we do is to improve the quality of life for those using and creating the built environment. 
• We have a role in the management, leadership, education and development of our industry. For our members, guiding and educating them as they embark on their careers. For policymakers, defining the standards for all to meet. For the public, creating an environment they can live and work in safely, comfortably and confidently.
   

Becky Trotman, CIOB Media Relations Manager. E: btrotman@ciob.org.uk  | T: 07935 710483
 

About CICES

CICES is the leading international professional body for civil engineering surveyors, specialising in geospatial engineering and commercial management.

• CICES received its Royal Charter in 2009, cementing its authoritative role in advancing civil engineering surveying standards globally.
• Members hold CICES membership to demonstrate their high standards of professionalism, competence and ethical practice across infrastructure projects worldwide.
• CICES supports professionals through a wide range of membership benefits and resources that promote precision and best practice in the built environment.
   

Tehya Bruce-Allen, CICES Senior Communications Coordinator. E: tbruce@cices.org
 

About CIHT

CIHT provides strategic leadership and support to help our members develop, deliver, and maintain sustainable solutions for highways, transport infrastructure, and services that:

• Address the challenges of climate change
• Support the economy
• Help address societal inequalities
• Reduce environmental degradation
• Respond to a changing world
   

We bring members together to share, learn, and feel confident about addressing these challenges through the application of good practice, by embracing innovation and by acting with integrity. It is through this and the values that CIHT can demonstrate and deliver on thought leadership and shaping the highways and transportation sector for the public benefit.

Whether you are a student, apprentice, work in the private or public sectors or are a company director, CIHT has a place for you and a commitment to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career. www.ciht.org.uk

CIHT press contact: daniel.isichei@ciht.org.uk
 

About ICE

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is the home of infrastructure. It is a professional institution with 97,000 members and over 200 years of history.

It qualifies civil and infrastructure engineers, promotes lifelong learning, and provides trusted, impartial, expert advice to decision makers.

Its vision is a world where infrastructure enables people and planet to thrive.

Its global membership designs, builds, and maintains trustworthy and sustainable infrastructure.

ICE press contact: press.office@ice.org.uk
 

About LI

The Landscape Institute (LI) is the chartered body for the landscape profession and is the professional home for all landscape practitioners including landscape architects, landscape and parks managers, landscape planners, and urban designers. The LI’s aim, through the work of its members, is to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment for the public benefit.

LI press contact: pressoffice@landscapeinstitute.org
 

About RIBA

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment.

RIBA press contact: jenny.webber@riba.org
 

About RICS

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

RICS press contact: press@rics.org
 

About RTPI

The RTPI is the largest professional body for town planners in the UK and Europe and represents around 27,000 members in over 80 countries worldwide. The Institute has been shaping planning policy and raising professional standards for over 100 years and is the only body in the UK to confer Chartered status to planners, the highest professional qualification.

For more information, visit www.rtpi.org.uk

RTPI press contact: 020 7929 8330 or news@rtpi.org.uk