DIIC Diversity and Inclusion In Construction Celebrating the Black History Month In Partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University
October 30th 2025 Canterbury Christ Church University
Faith Abudu reports on an excellent initiative with a conference on October 30th 2025 in partnership with Canterbury Christchurch University supporting Diversity and Inclusion in construction.
We are changing the perception of construction and engineering to ensure we increase the representation of women, ethnic minorities and neurodivergent individuals. if we are going to meet target of building 1.6m affordable homes by 2029 and bridge skills gap, the drive for the uptake of traditional and non-traditional roles in construction needs to be top of priority all decision makers within built environment.
About us: We are set-up to change the perception about the built environment ( Housing, Construction and Civil Engineering), we aim to support the built environment industry in bridging the skills gap and we believe it starts from how the industry in perceived, helping candidates/job seekers understand traditional and non-traditional roles in construction. Embedding EDI into procurement process across sectors.
Our target audience: Increasing the representation of women, ethnic minorities, neurodivergent and young people in the built environment
About the event:
Our DIIC event is designed to highlight the critical importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the built environment sector particularly increasing representation of women, ethnic minority groups, and neurodivergent individuals. The event also directly tackles industry challenges such as the widening skills gap and the ageing workforce.
Event Date: 30th of October
Location: Canterbury Christ Church University , Kent
Event Structure:
- Keynote Speaker Presentations (industry leaders and changemakers)
- Panel Discussions: Construction, Housing, Civil Engineering, Fire safety, Sustainability, Education, and Young leaders
- Official Launch of DIIC EDI CPD-Certified Training Modules
- One-to-One Career Sessions between students, external candidates and main contractors at their stands
- Podcast & Video Studio for pre-booked awareness and recruitment sessions
- Exclusive Tour of the new Canterbury Christ Church University Construction & Engineering Building
Event Agenda
DIIC Diversity and Inclusion in Construction Conference & Networking Event
In Partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University
🗓 Date: Thursday, 30th October
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Canterbury Christ Church University
AGENDA
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Introduction by DIIC Chair/Host
- Welcome from Canterbury Christ Church University Head of School & Engineering
10:15 AM – 10:35 AM
Keynote Speaker
Topic: "Building the Future: Equity, Opportunity and Change in Construction"
- [Name TBC – Senior Industry or Government Leader]
Panel Discussions
10:35 AM – 11:05 AM
Panel 1: Housing, Procurement & Inclusive Construction Practices
Topic: "Diversity and Inclusion from Blueprint to Build"
Panellists :
- Housing Association Representative
- Local Authority Procurement Lead
- D&I Specialist in Construction
- Tier 1 Contractor Representative
- SME Construction Business Owner
11:05 AM – 11:30 AM
Panel 2: Building Envelope, Glazing , Green Skills & Retrofitting
Topic: "Future-Proofing Construction Through Sustainability and Skills"
Panellists:
- Facade/Envelope Specialist
- Glazing Industry Professional
- Green Skills Trainer
- Sustainable Construction Lead
- Apprentice or Emerging Skills Champion
11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Panel 3: Young Leaders and Career Pathways in the Built Environment
Topic: "Inspiring the Next Generation: Routes into Construction"
Panellists :
- Recent Graduate or Apprentice
- Careers/Education Adviser
- Young Professional in Planning/Surveying
- Emerging Leader from Tier 1 Contractor
- DIIC Young Ambassador
11:50 AM – 12:05 PM
Launch: DIIC EDI Certified Module Training
- Introduction of Training Programme
- Brief Overview of Modules & Objectives
- How to Access & Who It's For
- Special Remarks by Academic/Industry Partner
12:05 PM – 2:00 PM
Networking & Break-Out Sessions
Explore, Engage, Connect:
- Main Contractors & Subcontractors Zone:
Drop-in discussions with leading employers and project leaders. - Mentoring & Support Hub:
Meet career mentors, peer supporters, and inclusion advocates. - DIIC Podcast Live Session:
Join our recording or share your voice in our open mic segment. - University Construction Building Tours:
Guided walk-through of the latest innovations and learning spaces on campus.
Further Information : look at our social media handles(follow & share):
-Instagram: diic_org.uk (with just under 12k followers)
-TikTok : diicconstruction
-Podcast : DIIC Podcast on Spotify, Amazon and apple podcast.
-LinkedIn : DIIC Diversity and Inclusion In Construction
-web: www.diic.org.uk
About Faith Abudu:
- Founder & Director of DIIC Diversity and Inclusion in Construction | Qualified Construction
- Manager CIOB Award Winner I Public Speaker
- Founder and Director of DIIC Diversity and Inclusion in Construction, a purpose driven community interest company, Faith Abudu is at the forefront of changing the face of the built environment, focusing on increasing representation of women, ethnic minorities, and neurodivergent individuals, while bridging the skills gap in construction, civil engineering, and housing.
With over a decade of experience working across global media powerhouses such as CNN,
BBC, and Al Jazeera, Faith Abudu transitioned from producing and facilitating high-profile
international projects to reshaping the built environment through equity, representation, and
purpose-led development.
After years of coordinating multi-million-pound campaigns, leading intercontinental teams, and
forging strategic partnerships in media, Faith Abudu pivoted into the built environment
