Without diversity, equity, and inclusion, the opportunities that the construction industry seeks to achieve with collaborative contracting will never be fully realised, explained Katy Dowding, president and CEO, Skanska UK, in a thought-provoking JCT Povey Lecture, on Thursday, 7 November 2024.
In her presentation entitled “Construction – The Secret To More Collaborative Contracting and Better Project Outcomes Through Diversity and Inclusion”, Katy explained how embedding a diverse and inclusive culture throughout the workplace and in the project team is a key part of unlocking the benefits of collaborative contracting.
Where collaborative contracting brings the parties together and aligns goals, diversity identifies those that should be at the table in order to maximise the full range of perspectives and thought. Equity ensures that barriers to individuals being able to contribute are removed, whilst inclusion enables all voices to be heard.
When these factors are combined with an outcome-driven approach, it can enable businesses to achieve tangible economic and social benefits, driving long-term success.
Katy also highlighted the role JCT has played fostering a collaborative approach – with the JCT – Constructing Excellence family of contracts, the inclusion of a collaborative working article in all JCT 2024 Edition contracts, and the change to gender-neutral language throughout the suite.
Katy Dowding, said:
“How we contact is considerably more collaborative, we are achieving better outcomes for our customers and our wider stakeholders, our working environments on projects are cleaner, more collaborative and we are more inclusive – what we really need to do now is to accelerate our performance.
“I genuinely believe that the combination of Inclusion and Diversity with Collaborative Contracting is the move that can help us to achieve that step change.”
Following the presentation, Katy took part in an interactive audience Q&A, hosted by JCT chair, Karen Kirkham.
Watch On Demand
The full presentation and Q&A is available to view at: corporate.jctltd.co.uk/povey-lecture-2024.
Visit the web page for more information, including downloadable presentation slides and lecture notes.
About the JCT Povey Lecture
The JCT Povey Lecture is an annual event at which an eminent person is invited to give their thoughts on significant matters that are relevant to the construction and property industry. The purpose of the lecture is to stimulate thought and encourage ways of continuing to improve the quality and value of construction output.
The event was inaugurated in 2003 to acknowledge and pay tribute to Philip Povey, who served JCT for fifty years.
The JCT Povey Lecture is delivered as part of JCT’s ‘digital first’ approach, which encompasses a range of digital-only and hybrid activities. It provides a flexible and interactive way for construction professionals across the industry, and regardless of location, to access high quality content from industry experts.