Diversitas Website Launch

Authors: Jessica Taylor and Gail Royston

Diversitas: A New Chapter for Black Leadership in the Built Environment

In an industry as vast and vital as construction, leadership should reflect the diverse talent that drives it forward. Yet, for too long, black construction professionals have been underrepresented at the highest levels, within construction professional bodies and as decision-makers within the built environment.

That’s why Diversitas was created—to change the narrative, open doors, and ensure that black professionals are not only present but acknowledged as leaders.

Now, at a crucial time of change globally, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our website. This marks an important step in our journey toward greater inclusion, visibility, and leadership for black professionals in construction.

Who We Are & Why We Exist

The leadership team of Diversitas is made up of the Chair, Jessica Taylor, construction partner at Ashfords LLP and Vice Chair Gail Royston. We are both passionate about increasing representation of top black construction professionals in the built environment. 

Diversitas was officially launched by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) on June 29, 2023, after years of hard work - we wanted to get it right - as an independent body with a singular focus:

To profile and promote top black construction professionals into leadership positions within CIC and across the construction sector.

Our founding member organisations [and their founders] share our vision. Each are leading organisations in their own right and have a high profile in the construction industry; and all are working tirelessly to ensure that the next generation of talented black construction professionals doesn’t just take part in the industry but has an equal role in leading it. 

Our “fab four” founding member organisations are:

• DiverseCity Surveyors (founder Bola Abisogun OBE)
• Association For Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK) (founder Nike Folayan MBE)
• Black Professionals in Construction (BPIC Network) (founder Amos Simbo OBE)
• BAME Planners Network (founder Helen Fadipe MBE and current President of the RTPI)

Why Now? The Urgency of Change

The construction industry is evolving. We are seeing shifts in policies, priorities, and people—but true, meaningful change won’t happen without diverse leadership at top table. Black construction professionals bring expertise, innovation, and invaluable perspectives, yet many still face barriers to progression.

This is where Diversitas steps in. Through our platform and our member organisations, we aim to:

• Profile and promote top black construction professionals in the industry
• Advocate for talented black professionals in leadership roles
• Create meaningful opportunities for career growth
• Challenge industry norms and societal assumptions to ensure fair representation

With our website now live, we have a space to connect, collaborate, and drive this change forward together.

Looking Ahead

The launch of our website is another step forward in reshaping leadership within the built environment. With increased visibility, stronger networks, and ongoing advocacy, Diversitas remains committed to ensuring talented black professionals have the recognition and influence they deserve.