Webinar

Construction News, Ground Engineering and New Civil Engineer are delighted to be relaunching their Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering event programme for 2025.

The event will kick off with a free to attend webinar on 7 March from 11:00am – 12:00pm GMT .

Changing culture: Building inclusive and safe workplaces in construction

The construction and engineering sectors face significant challenges in addressing sexual harassment, driven by gender and power imbalances in often isolated and majority male work environments. From the end of October 2024 the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) means that employers are now required to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment. This legislation emphasises the need for comprehensive policies, risk assessments, and training to create safe workplaces while addressing the root causes of harassment.

A key aspect of addressing this challenge is creating an inclusive zero-tolerance culture toward sexual harassment and prioritising the safety and well-being of women. During the webinar discussions will highlight practical approaches for embedding cultural change, addressing industry-specific challenges, and the vital role of allies in creating accountability and challenging negative behaviour.

Join us to explore how the organisations within the construction and engineering sector are making positive changes to company culture to build inclusive and harassment-free workplaces. Learn from experts and industry leaders about actionable steps for creating meaningful change and ensuring every workplace is a safe environment for all.

Questions for the Panellists

• Why is addressing sexual harassment a critical first step in creating safer, more inclusive workplaces?
• What does a positive workplace culture look like?
• How can allies effectively intervene and support women in navigating and reporting harassment?
• What practical steps can smaller businesses and supply chain partners take to meet their obligations under the new legislation?