This CIHT Masterclass was sponsored by Atkins. 

EDI in action

Many companies and organization have long recognized the importance of having an EDI strategy, however, how do we move from these strategies to concrete actions?

Bringing EDI strategies to life in the workplace means creating an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, can be their true self and reach their full potential. This means putting in place better policies and procedures, actively engaging and educating colleagues and positively changing cultures with psychological safety at the fore.

We have asked attendees to tell us what they think “EDI in action” means, check the answers below:

An Ally is a powerful agent in cultural change 

Being an ally means taking and promoting actions, behaviors and practices to support, amplify and advocate with others to fight against stereotypes, marginalization and exclusion.

Allyship is essential to help us move towards a truly inclusive culture and make our industry more attractive to diverse talents.

Allyship is naturally collaborative, involves everyone and gives permission to learn and make mistakes along the way.

The journey to become an ally helps us to reflect on our privileges by learning about other people’s barriers. A key message is to take your time to learn and show your own vulnerability! This helps us move towards a culture where we are aware and able to celebrate our differences.

Learn more about Allyship through our sponsor, Atkins: Equality, diversity & inclusion – SNC-Lavalin (snclavalin.com).

Visit CIHT Learn to get access to our course on Allyship: Course: Allyship (cihtlearn-lms.org.uk)

What kind of Ally do you want to be? 

Atkins, the sponsor of this masterclass, has shared with us their tips to become an ally:

• Research and listen to others and try to understand their situation without preconstructed bias,
• Speak up in your own social circles at first and get comfortable being uncomfortable. It might be difficult at first to understand how to effectively be a supportive ally but keep practicing and learning from your mistakes.
• Challenge behaviors and practices in the workplace and keep listening!

Below is a powerful tool that shows the journey to become an ally, the little steps you can take and reflect on.

The importance of diverse role models 

Role models and allies make a difference in peoples' lives. They inspire and motivate by representing non-mainstream identities, showing they are part of our everyday lives. Sharing and being able to refer to diverse experiences is an empowering step to raise awareness and that make people relate to successful stories of overcoming barriers and difficulties.

Role models and lived experiences are key opportunities and vehicles to attract and retain a diverse pool of talents. Ensuring a diverse profession will help us ensure that we deliver a vital service to our transport users and deliver a diverse transport system.

CIHT updated EDI Charter

It is an exciting time as our newly updated EDI Charter will soon be launched. We are encouraging signatories to share with us examples of EDI in action, to help share learning across the sector and to celebrate the great work that’s happening.

The update also includes the opportunity to be part of a Charter Peer Support Network, where signatories can share good practice approaches and initiatives with organisations who may not know where to start or feel stuck in some way.

The new charter increases credibility for signatory organisations who are pledging and evidencing their commitment in action. Signing up is an important chance to reflect, acknowledge, celebrate and share the great work that you are doing. Charter signatory organizations are also using their status in funding bids/tenders as well as sharing with their supply chain the benefits of signing up. 

Find out more details on our website page: Diversity & Inclusion Charter | CIHT

If you would like more information please contact CIHT EDI Manager Emma Carruthers: emma.carruthers@ciht.org.uk.

Sponsorship 

To discuss sponsorship opportunities for future Masterclasses please contact Ben Sellers on Ben.Sellers@thinkpublishing.co.uk +(0)20 3771 7238.