Building on the three‑year programme launched in 2022, the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extends the B.E. Inclusive initiative 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.

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 include:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”