Constructing Rainbows
constructrainbows.bsky.social
Constructing Rainbows
@constructrainbows.bsky.social
Making the built environment sector more equitable, diverse and inclusive for all. Director Sharon Slinger
The gender pension gap is closing, but it’s still at 36.5%, which means the equivalent of women stopping receiving their pension on 21st August this year.

www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
www.theguardian.com
August 21, 2025 at 6:23 AM
As I pack my bag to head over to Switzerland to watch the Lionesses in the final, I thought it worth sharing this research on gender bias in football viewing.

www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/...
Spectators found to have biased view of women’s football
The way in which women’s football is viewed is skewed by gender stereotypes, according to a Swiss study.
www.swissinfo.ch
July 26, 2025 at 8:51 PM
We know gender stereotyping starts from a young age, and this new research highlights how it is ingrained in US children’s TV as men/ boys are cast as doers and women/girls the done-tos.

Sadly there has been little change in the last 60 years.

www.forbes.com/sites/kimels...
Study: For 60 Years, Kids' TV Cast Boys As Doers And Girls As Passive
New research reveals that the language in kid’s TV is reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes, and that little has changed in 60 years.  In some cases, it’s getting worse.
www.forbes.com
July 22, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Loved seeing Leeds Pride bigger and better than ever (and the rain mostly held off).

I might be biased but highlights include Building Equality 🌈 🚜 and Leeds College of Building with their hard hats. 👷‍♀️

#loveislove
July 20, 2025 at 4:24 PM
This case has highlighted that non-verbal expressions of frustration can amount to disability discrimination as it contributed to a degrading and humiliating working environment.

hrreview.co.uk/hr-news/empl...
'Sighing in frustration' found to be disability discrimination in ADHD tribunal ruling
A UK employment tribunal has ruled that nonverbal expressions of frustration can amount to disability discrimination.
hrreview.co.uk
July 15, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Reposted by Constructing Rainbows
How committed is the construction sector to improving LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility?

We spoke to representatives from Balfour Beatty, Costain, Great British Energy - Nuclear and Constructing Rainbows (@constructrainbows.bsky.social‬)

Full story: buff.ly/B4JZhmr
How committed is the construction sector to improving LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility?
Some construction companies show their support for the LGBTQ+ community by taking part in parades, o...
www.newcivilengineer.com
June 19, 2025 at 9:22 AM
We need your help, we’re doing a study into the experience of diverse speakers within the built environment sector in partnership with UKREiiF and would love to hear your thoughts. Survey closes 23rd June.

www.constructingrainbows.co.uk/post/help-us...
Help us make panel discussions more inclusive — share your experience
We’re inviting people from underrepresented backgrounds to share their experiences of being asked to speak on panels and at industry events within the built environment sector.Too often, we hear stori...
www.constructingrainbows.co.uk
May 30, 2025 at 10:22 AM
The BSI have launched a draft standard BS30480 Suicide and the workplace - Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide - Guide. The consultation is open until the 16th July, please do have your say on it.

surveys.bsigroup.com/wix/3/p63864...
BS30480 Feedback
surveys.bsigroup.com
May 29, 2025 at 2:50 PM
When one of my friends tried to tell me that rainbow laces 🏳️‍🌈 didn’t include trans rights support, I thought I needed to make it more explicit about who needs our support most at the moment.
May 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Many of our clients feel they need to get their own EDI house in order before asking their supply chain to do the same. But are you aware of the positive impact you can have by including minority-owned businesses in your supply chain?

www.constructingrainbows.co.uk/post/why-sup...
Why supplier diversity matters: Empowering female-owned businesses in the built environment sector
The built environment is more than bricks and mortar - it’s a reflection of the values and voices we choose to elevate. Yet historically, women-owned, and other underrepresented businesses, have faced...
www.constructingrainbows.co.uk
May 12, 2025 at 8:22 AM
As the National Living Wage goes up for many people in the UK, so are many household bills.

The Real Living Wage is calculated but the actual cost of living and factors in household bill increases.

www.facilitatemagazine.com/content/news/2025/03/05/women-are-50-more-likely-be-low-paid
Women 50% more likely to be paid below real living wage
Women 50% more likely to be paid below real living wage
www.facilitatemagazine.com
April 1, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Can you imagine not getting a job because of your hair? Or being sent home from work because someone finds your hair unprofessional? Well this is the experience of many Black women who experience hair discrimination.

hbr.org/2023/05/how-...?
How Hair Discrimination Affects Black Women at Work
Despite some progress over the past few years, race-based hair discrimination still remains a widespread issue for Black women in the workplace. A recent study showed that Black women’s hair was two-a...
hbr.org
March 22, 2025 at 12:54 PM
This global survey highlights a tension between men and women, which is observed much more in Gen Z than Baby Boomers. This is a divide that needs to be reduced if we are to progress towards gender equality.

womensagenda.com.au/latest/aussi...
Gen Z are more divided than any other generation on gender equality, survey shows
More than half of Australian men believe they are being asked to contribute too much towards achieving gender equality.
womensagenda.com.au
March 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Current legislation doesn’t allow for people taking time off work to grieve if they lose a baby in the early stages of pregnancy. Some companies have been bringing in policies, so it’s great to see the UK Government considering adding into their upcoming employment bill.

www.bbc.com/news/article...
Government backs paid miscarriage bereavement leave
A group of MPs want workers to get the right to leave if they suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks.
www.bbc.com
March 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Psychometric testing has been around for a while now, supposedly a way of checking whether people have the “right fit” for a company.

This article discusses the negative impact these tests have on neurodiverse individuals chances of getting the job.

theweek.com/business/job...
How personality tests are locking autistic people out of jobs
Experts say psychometric tests make job applications challenging for neurodivergent people
theweek.com
March 3, 2025 at 9:22 AM
It was found that Walker Morris's mandatory equity partner retirement policy fell foul of the Equality Act, as he was not allowed to stay on after the age of 63. Apparently the policy was in place to allow younger employees to become partners.

www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/ne...
Tribunal rules law firm discriminated against partner because of his age | TheBusinessDesk.com
Says Walker Morris failed to show its restrictive approach was reasonably necessary
www.thebusinessdesk.com
February 28, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Never underestimate the power of one.

Sometimes all it takes is one person with a clarity of conscience and a willingness to speak up. This article
shares the impact Dr Yamada had on GSK, which ultimately saved many lives in developing countries.

hbr.org/2019/12/how-...
How One Person Can Change the Conscience of an Organization
While corporate transformations are almost universally assumed to be top-down processes, in reality, middle managers, and first-line supervisors can make significant change when they have the right mi...
hbr.org
February 26, 2025 at 5:15 PM
It’s the hot topic of the moment, what will the US DEI rollback mean over here. TwinFM asked Emma to share her thoughts.

www.twinfm.com/article/the-...
The Impact of Global Decisions on Discrimination in FM
EDI consultant Emma McLaughlin-Edwards examines how the rollback of inclusion initiatives in the US might affect FM workplaces in the UK.
www.twinfm.com
February 18, 2025 at 7:10 PM
This study from South Korea highlights the different anxieties men and women have when considering the designs of pilotis parking.

www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/buildin...
Study shows gender-responsive urban planning can increase safety
A study in South Korea has brought up the question of gender-responsive urban planning and how structures impact men and women
www.pbctoday.co.uk
February 11, 2025 at 11:31 AM
It’s not often my clients come to Leeds so it was really nice to see Miguel for lunch. Even better that I was the first person to take him to a typical British pub after his citizenship this week. 🇬🇧
Looking forward to continuing the partnership between SPACE and Constructing Rainbows Limited
February 5, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Sharon will be attending the Institute of Government & Public Policy Public Sector Estates and Facilities show on Thurs 30 Jan. Free tickets available for the public and voluntary sector.

If anyone is attending and would like to meet up, please let us know.

#igppPSE
January 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
What does the US corporate diversity, equity and inclusion rollback mean for the UK FM industry?

Much has been said about the impact of a new US president on EDI, it's a worrying time for many. We've shared our thoughts with IFM on the impact on the UK FM industry

www.i-fm.net/comment/dei-...
DEI: change brings new challenge
What does the US corporate diversity, equity and inclusion rollback mean for the UK FM industry?
www.i-fm.net
January 27, 2025 at 6:33 PM
The UK Government announced last week that the new Neonatal Care (leave and pay) Act will come into force on 6 April.
The Act provides up to 12 weeks additional leave for parents whose newborn spends over 7 nights in hospital within the first 28 days.
www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1903...
New right to neonatal care leave: what HR needs to know
Employers urged to update policies and payroll systems as government confirms new legislation will come into force in April
www.peoplemanagement.co.uk
January 27, 2025 at 6:27 PM
@UKREiiF held their parliamentary launch this evening, with many MPs in attendance. We heard from Lord Richard Harrington, Kevin Hollinrake MP & George Freeman MP.

Prior to the event the advisory board met in the House of Lords to discuss UKREiiF 2026 and beyond.
January 22, 2025 at 10:27 PM
An ageing workforce is a huge issue in our industry, as we’re not backfilling those roles that are coming up for retirement.

With the right policies in place, we can find a solution that benefits business and the individual, so their skills aren’t lost forever.
womensagenda.com.au/latest/age-i...
Age inclusivity: the missing piece of the DEI puzzle
The number of older people in Australia’s labour market has doubled in the last 30 years, yet a new study shows there is still not enough support for the ageing workforce.
womensagenda.com.au
January 21, 2025 at 11:04 AM