‘Shifting the dial’ outlines our ambitious strategy that is using the Institution's position as a strategic influencer and leader in the transport sector to effect change.
We are aiming to build on achievements to date to drive the EDI agenda more consistently and with greater pace within the CIHT membership and across the sector.
In 2022 CIHT launched its comprehensive Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategy that is aiming to 'shift the dial' and bring about meaningful change.
We believe that an equitable, equal, diverse and inclusive profession that is representative of the communities we serve, is critical in fulfilling current, urgent and future challenges that we face as a profession.
Our evolving approach to EDI comprises a range of opportunities to not only improve diverse representation and cultivate inclusive culture - benefitting everyone and contributing to business success and growth, develop and enhance inclusive professional practice, from proactively engaging the communities we serve, to designing a safe, accessible and inclusive H&T infrastructure for all.
We know that EDI transcends health and environmental challenges, such as creating safe, accessible and affordable transportation for all, promoting health and wellbeing for all, stimulating the economy, and supports the just transition to net zero.
EDI is integral to both our mission and vision, and is one of our overarching themes along with decarbonisation and professionalism.
To advance, for public benefit, the science and art associated with highways and transportation infrastructure and services and to promote associated education, training, research and development.
To be the leading professional highways and transportation body, promoting safe, accessible, inclusive, economically and environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure.
CIHT members, Trustees and staff have a responsibility to create an environment that values equality, diversity and inclusion. CIHT is an organisation that:
CIHT has been at the forefront of advocating for greater Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the highways, transportation and infrastructure sector. Through our strategy [‘Shifting the dial’ ] we are showing just how our industry must implement change to deliver exceptional infrastructure while creating an environment that attracts and retains a progressive workforce. Aside from pushing for systemic change, our strategy will show how CIHT is taking firm steps to promote a more diverse and inclusive industry through sharing best practice and celebrating contributions from a variety of individuals and members in our events and through widening representation opportunities in our governance structures.
Inclusion is one of our four core values:
‘Shifting the dial’ outlines 5 strategic priorities that CIHT is focusing on between 2022-2026 and these include:
The strategy was developed with the assistance of the CIHT EDI Panel and The Clear Company, a company that provides inclusive talent management, consultancy and online resources and toolkits. The strategy is now embedded as a core activity for CIHT.
>>> Read the EDI Strategy
Evolving our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Launched in 2015, the CIHT EDI Charter was the first EDI initiative designed specifically for the sector and was intended to be the first step in embedding an EDI within the sector, rather than serving as a comprehensive or final solution rather than a sole definitive solution.
The Institution enhanced the Charter in 2023 to help foster accountability and benchmark progress and identify barriers to inclusion and diversity, creating a shared commitment to improvement improving across the highways and transportation sector.
As part of a wider strategic review of our approach to supporting EDI across the sector, we have made the decision to formally retire the Charter.
We are inviting previous signatories of the CIHT EDI Charter to join the CIHT Partnerships Network EDI Community of Interest.
The Community provides knowledge sharing opportunities across the three themes of:
Individuals who comprise the EDI Community of Interest are experts in or have a strong interest in EDI and represent their employers.
We host interactive, themed, virtual sessions where group members share, discuss and debate common key issues we face across the sector.
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CIHT Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Hub
To support our new model, we also launched our EDI Hub. The Hub provides access to resources, insights and initiatives that support a more inclusive, equitable and diverse highways and transportation sector.
Resources include case studies, best practice and toolkits that provide support for individuals and organisations.
