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Type
Networking

Knowledge share workshop: fairness, inclusion and respect in action with Building Equality

Event organised by ICE

Date
19 November 2024
Time
17:00 - 18:00 GMT
Location
Mott MacDonald
Time Central, 6th Floor
32 Gallowgate
Newcastle, NE1 4SN
United Kingdom

This event has now ended

Overview

This event will explore LGBTQIA+ and FIR themes, presented by Building Equality, and features a workshop where attendees will have the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions and network with colleagues.

Learn how you can be an ally and support your LGBTQIA+ colleagues, connect with like-minded professionals, and expand your network. Discover and share best practices for fostering inclusivity in the workplace, and encourage employers to get talking, meet allies, and share ideas.

We will also discuss what’s good and bad in the industry about LGBTQIA+ support right now. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive industry by sharing our experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of positive change! Any data or comments collected will remain anonymous.

Building Equality is an alliance of construction consultants, engineers, developers, contractors, and institutions who are passionate about working together and harnessing our collective power to drive LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the construction, engineering and built environment industry. We have presence across the UK, with 60+ organisations from the industry regularly participating in joint initiatives to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Building Equality has local groups covering most of the major city regions across the UK, including in the North East, with significant presences at many of the large annual Pride events and other events through the year.

Our vision is to have a construction industry that is wholly welcoming, inclusive and supportive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender + other related communities.

Catering will be provided by The Big River Bakery, a local social enterprise which is showing that a fairer food system, healthy affordable food is possible for all. 

Programme

17:00 - 17:15

Arrival and networking

17:15 - 18:15

Workshop

18:15 - 18:30

Close out

Speakers

Peter Weller

Peter Weller

Mott MacDonald

transport planner

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Peter Weller

Peter is a transport planner with over 25 years’ experience, after graduating from Newcastle University. It was while living and working in New Zealand between 2004 and 2007 that he came out as gay and, since returning, has worked in a number of offices in both the UK and Middle East where he has not felt comfortable in being out to his colleagues. 

After moving to work with Mott MacDonald in 2020 he has been fully able to be himself at work and this has had positive impacts on his career and wellbeing.

Since 2019 he has helped to lead Building Equality North East and he joined the group’s national executive committee in 2022.

Laura Chatwin

Laura Chatwin

Arup

civil engineer and design manager

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Laura Chatwin

Laura is a civil engineer and design manager with 10 years’ experience. She works in infrastructure from local jobs in the North East, to large projects around the world.

From 2013 she volunteered regularly with ICE North East until disability and family circumstances meant she had to learn how to balance work, life, health and community. Laura is passionate about sharing her tools and experiences so others can be supported to do the same. She takes part in several Connect employee networks within Arup, and has supported Building Equality North East since it was set up in 2019. 

For more information please contact:

Joanne Topping

Sustainable Development Goals: