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, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

‘We are proud to be part of the B.E Inclusive initiative. Inclusion is one of our core values and we are committed to helping shape a profession (and wider sector) that truly welcomes everyone. Our work is rooted in the belief that the public realm should be accessible and inclusive for all.

The B.E Inclusive group has already achieved significant progress, yet there is still much more to do. This developing partnership stregthens our collective impact by bringing a unified, collaborative approach. Together, we can 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