Welcome to the Future of Work in Construction
Driving sustainability in the UK’s construction and infrastructure environment
As the nation recovers from the impact of the recent crisis, the industry’s commitment to its 2030 innovation and sustainability goals are under pressure. Construction and civil engineering is an engine for the UK economy. The social and economic downturn arising from the pandemic brings big challenges for all companies working in the construction and infrastructure sector. How can we create a better future for our workforce, explore the convergence of labour, technology and sustainability and address key business and soft issues affecting the industry today?
We are delighted to invite you to join the Future of Work in Construction Live – an inaugural event where business leaders share and learn how to step change the future of work, innovate and promote construction as an employer of choice to the next generation and shape the future of the sector.
2022 Speakers
More speakers will be added weekly
Why we are doing it:
To address the current need and shortage of labour -given that it’s predicted that 1/3 of the workforce will retire over the next 10 years and need to recruit more diversely to make up for the shortfall and a upcoming future need for innovative thinking that leads to offer diversified solutions to environmental goals/net zero, eco-friendly materials etc. Looking to drive social, environmental and economic change in the UK construction and civil engineering sectors. As an industry that it currently largely dominated by males aged 50yrs +, a large number of minority groups aren’t currently represented or encouraged to work in the associated roles, meaning that long term there’s potential for a huge skills gap.
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Who is the audience :
Middle and senior management of construction firms with different backgrounds and decision making capabilities - main focus
tier 2 audience- junior professionals looking to redress the balance and welcome (at school/ grassroots level), entice and encourage minorities (multicultural, women, LGBT, under 40s, ...etc) into construction roles.
2022 Agenda
09:00
Registration and Refreshments
09:20 - 10:10
SPONSORED ROUNDTABLE BREAKFAST (by invitation only)
10:20 - 10:30
CHAIRMAN’S OPENING REMARKS
10:30 - 11:00
KICK-OFF KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND LIVE Q&A
Mark Thurston - Chief Executive Officer, HS2 Ltd
11:00 -11:40
PANEL DISCUSSION:
FUTURE OF WORK IN CONSTRUCTION: WHAT DO WE WANT CONSTRUCTION TO LOOK LIKE IN 5, 10, 15 YEARS. HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET THERE?
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Current state of play on what the companies are doing in attracting and retaining talent to the construction sector. How main contractors, consultants and clients can collaborate to raise the bar across the sector and promote better outcomes.
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Being the sector of choice for the wider talent pool.
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Is the industry doing enough to diversify their workforce? What can be done more? Practical examples of how diversity is adding value to organisations and unlocking your business potential.
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Understanding the role of true apprenticeship, mentorship, flexible working and helping returners.
11:40 - 12:00
MORNING BREAK
12:00 - 12:40
WINNING COMPANY CULTURE DEBATE:
SHAPING AND CREATING A WELL-BEING CULTURE IN YOUR ORGANISATION
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How can you create policies to improve mental health, promote psychological safety, and ensure sufficient workplace adjustments to maximise the potential of individuals with mental health conditions?
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Do we understand the signs of exhaustion and deteriorating staff welfare? Ways to help yourself and your team.
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How are organisations supporting staff from all ages and different backgrounds?
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The role of neurodiversity at the workplace.
12:40 - 13:00
Available for Sponsor
13:00 - 13:30
LUNCH
13:30 - 14:10
C-SUITE THINK TANK:
HOW TO STAY PROFITABLE WITH LOW MARGINS?
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As margins are being squeezed what are businesses doing to mitigate the impact? How can organisations utilise enterprise working to reduce man marking and duplication – to mitigate against the squeeze on profit margins.
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How are main contractors and supply partners collaborating with one another to mitigate the impact of this and what kinds of contract models can organisations employ?
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How risks differ between SME and larger organisations and what can we do as a sector to help manage and minimise those risks as well as remove the barriers to entry for SMEs.
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Future outlook on the economy of the sector. How can we use technology and digital innovation to ensure organisations thrive and sustain themselves financially in the sector?
14:10 - 14:30
FIRESIDE CHAT:
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL OF YOUR BUSINESS AND WORKFORCE WITH INNOVATION
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How can Future technology enhance the attraction of diverse talent for future roles?
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What are the targets in the industry for disruption and innovation?
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Are there new roles coming out of emerging technologies?
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Platforms to make the industry more inclusive.
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Use of data and data analytics- how is it changing with technology?
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What opportunities do robotics and automation offer?
14:30 - 14:50
AFTERNOON BREAK
14:50 - 15:30
PANEL DISCUSSION:
THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION AND GETTING TO NET ZERO
The Future of Construction will be all about low carbon net zero. We need to innovate and change to get to net zero – we need diverse talent to help us understand how we do this!
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How Tier 1 companies mitigate climate risk and building net-zero glide path.
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What commitments construction firms (large and small) are adapting to be greener and more inclusive.
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How to integrate ESG in the risk management framework of your business strategy. What are the key areas that companies are focusing short and long terms?
15:30 - 16:10
CAREER IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
ROLE MODELS AND BUILDING YOUR FUTURE CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION
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Mapping your road to success – what it takes to climb the ladder in construction regardless of your gender, religion or ethnicity?
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How to be seen and make your voice heard
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What practical advice can you give to people looking to change their career? How do you know that when it is time to leave?
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How employers can support their workforce and help them to advance their skills and growth within the organisation
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What future roles we are seeing emerging and how to prepare yourself for the next step