Presentation of research findings from CIPR Construction and Property Group's Women in Construction PR study. Carried out by Jo Field, JFG Communications. Launched 11 September 2018
Women in construction pr research findings - presentation
1. Women in construction PR
2018 snapshot
Jo Field
Founder & Managing Director, JFG Communications
CAPSIG committee member
CIPR Diversity & Inclusion Forum member
11 September 2018
2. PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS
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cipr.co.uk
Background
– Strong body of research on women working in construction
– Build on CIPR’s existing research on gender in PR
– Women under-represented in construction workforce (12%
of workforce; 13% of executive roles)
– Women in construction PR and marketing – niche group
– Are their experiences and opinions similar or different to
those highlighted in existing women in construction studies?
3. PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS
–
cipr.co.uk
Methodology
– Anonymous online survey between February and April 2018
– Survey promoted by CAPSIG, PRCA, CIMCIG, web and
social media
– Number of respondents (n) = 163 (almost all UK based)
– Comms and marketing roles across built environment
industries, construction the most common
– Manager - most common level of seniority
– Telephone interviews to explore issues in more depth
9. PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS
–
cipr.co.uk
Emerging challenges
– Flexible working
Gender imbalance means industry slow to adapt
– Industry reputation
Industry needs to ‘shout’ more about the great things it is
doing and exciting projects it offers more
– Unconscious bias
‘Conscious bias’ was an issue
Telephone interviews provided extra insight
10. PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS
–
cipr.co.uk
Emerging challenges
– Feeling proud
Being involved in an industry that is shaping the
world around us; proud at helping to make
positive change
– Mentoring
Informal relationships more common than
formal ones; professional bodies should provide
mentoring
11. PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS
–
cipr.co.uk
Recommendations
1. Promote and encourage flexible working
2. Support the sector to promote and provide women’s staff
network groups
3. Support the sector to promote a positive image
4. Launch a mentoring scheme
5. Provide a service to help members address challenges
Five areas where CAPSIG could support women in construction PR