The UK's biggest construction companies have demonstrated a readiness to drive change on issues like health and safety and carbon emissions, but when it comes to the 3Rs for women, their record is less impressive.
Compared to FTSE 250 companies, women in construction are under-represented both on boards and in senior positions. It is well-documented that businesses with diverse leadership perform better, and more and more clients (including the public sector) are keen to work with companies whose workforce reflects the make-up of society.
The under-representation of women in construction means the industry is losing out.
On top of this, construction is facing a recruitment and retention crisis. Recruiting more women is an easy way to make the industry more sustainable.