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A blueprint for belonging – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at CPI
CPI Mortars Ltd is proud to announce significant progress in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) within the construction and manufacturing industry – a sector traditionally challenged by a lack of workforce diversity, especially among women.
According to Gov.uk, only 1% of the UK’s 315,000 HGV drivers are women. CPI Mortars Ltd is changing this narrative, with 6% of its HGV drivers now women – six times the national average. Furthermore, women make up 18% of CPI’s overall workforce, surpassing the construction industry average of 15%.
Wendy McFarlane, Finance Director and Chair of CPI’s Inclusion Network, said:
‘This level of diversity doesn’t just happen by chance. There has been a real team effort in not only expanding our recruitment channels but also making sure our working environment is right for diversity.’
So, what does CPI do differently to help recruit and retain a more diverse workforce? Here are a few examples of our blueprint for belonging:
- Accessible Job Descriptions: Encouraging applications even from those who don’t meet every requirement.
- Flexible Working: Offering part-time and flexible roles across all positions, including drivers.
- Representation: Ensuring female representation on all job interview panels.
- Diversity Training: Including ED&I in all new starter inductions.
- Inclusive Facilities: Providing showers and period products at all sites.
- Tailored PPE: Supplying personal protective equipment suitable for all genders.
- Inclusion Network: Inviting all colleagues to participate in quarterly meetings to discuss and advance inclusion.
Susan Callaghan has been a driver at CPI’s Bristol plant since January 2024, she said: “I’ve done lots of different driving jobs, and it is something I really enjoy. What I like at CPI is the people and the good banter with my team. It doesn’t make a difference here that I am female, although there can still be that negativity at some sites I deliver to, but I know I have the full support of my manager and team.”
As Susan points out there is still an education piece to the wider construction industry about ED&I, as well as women’s safety on sites, and eroding those barriers for anyone who wants to be in this industry. At CPI we want to be leading the way in this area, getting the right people for the job is our priority.
Wendy continued: ‘We know we have a lot more work to do to make sure that wherever CPI is based in the country that our workforce represents those in the community, but the work is worth it. We are starting to reap the rewards of a diverse workforce as with diversity comes new ideas and we start to do things differently, and for the better.’
Wendy is also a co-founder of the Building Bridges Network, which brings together leading construction industry names to champion best practice for ED&I. By sharing success stories and tangible actions, CPI is helping to drive positive change across the industry.
CPI Mortars Ltd is committed to building a more inclusive future for construction -one where everyone belongs and thrives.
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