The Challenge
The UK construction industry has long been characterised by significant gender imbalances. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) 2022 report, women represent only 15% of the total workforce, with an even smaller percentage occupying leadership roles.
At Livgreen, a progressive retrofit construction company based in Bristol, they have been at the forefront of transforming these statistics. Championed by Imogen (HR and Talent Manager) and the SLT, they have been working hard to create an inclusive environment
A Strategic Approach to Diversity
Remarkable Transformation
In just one year, Livgreen has achieved a remarkable milestone: increasing female representation in the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) from 0% to 40%. This is not just a number, but a testament to intentional, strategic efforts to create an inclusive workplace.
Innovative Recruitment Strategies
Their approach to recruitment has been multifaceted:
- Skill-Led Hiring: By focusing on skills and potential, Livgreen has opened doors for diverse talent, promoting both gender equality and social mobility.
- Bias-Reducing Techniques:
- Implementing gender-neutral job advertisements
- Using blind CVs that remove names and dates, focusing solely on skills and experience
- Curating interview shortlists without revealing candidate identities to hiring managers
- Inclusive Interview Processes: Ensuring at least one female employee is present on every interview panel, providing diverse perspectives and creating a welcoming environment.
At Signature Recruitment, we proudly champion these recruitment strategies and have helped Livgreen and numerous other clients implement them successfully.
We partner with forward-thinking organisations to develop customised diversity strategies that not only attract diverse talent but create environments where everyone can thrive.
Creating a Supportive Workplace
Understanding that attraction is only the first step, Livgreen has cultivated an environment that supports and retains female talent:
- Offering flexible working hours to accommodate childcare needs and including this information on job adverts
- Proactively building a safe and supportive workplace culture
- Investing in upskilling programs to create pathways for career advancement
The Impact
Current staffing breakdown:
- Total workforce: 30% female
- Office-based staff: 40% female
- Senior Leadership Team: 40% female
Industry Context
To put Livgreen’s achievements into perspective:
- UK Construction industry average female workforce: 15% (CITB, 2022)
- Female leadership representation in UK construction: 7-9% (McKinsey & Company, 2023)
Livgreen is not just meeting industry standards – they are setting new benchmarks for diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
Imogen’s strategic approach demonstrates that intentional, systemic changes can dramatically transform workplace diversity. By removing barriers and creating supportive structures, Livgreen is proving that the construction industry can be a welcoming space for all talent. We are proud of the work Imogen and the SLT team has done and delighted to partner with Livgreen who are #AccelaratingAction
