The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in May 2025, extends the collaboration into a five‑year phase from 2025 to 2030, formalising a refined programme of joint work by the current signatory bodies. The recent B.E. Inclusive CEO meeting marked an important milestone in reviewing progress to date and shaping how this new plan will be delivered.

Who is involved

The action plan is delivered by a core working group made up of representatives from:

• The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
• The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)
• The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)
• The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• The Landscape Institute (LI)
• The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Since 2022, the partnership has expanded from six founding institutions to nine, with CICES, CIAT and CIHT joining the original group in 2025, strengthening the initiative’s shared voice and reach in the built environment sector.

Core focuses during 2025-2030

• Data collection and analysis: Improving EDI data collection and analysis across the professions and sharing findings with the wider sector so that action benefits the whole built environment, not only members of the institutions.
• Recruitment pipeline: Addressing skills gaps and shortages by strengthening pathways for underrepresented groups, improving transitions from built environment degree courses into work and supporting people returning to the profession after a career break.
• Workplace culture and behaviour: Promoting respectful, inclusive behaviours and clearer expectations across the professions so that all within the sector understand and meet high standards in their work with clients, colleagues and communities.

Meetings and intent

B.E. Inclusive EDI leads meet fortnightly to review progress, with CEOs receiving a consolidated update at an annual meeting.

 At the latest B.E. Inclusive CEO meeting, leaders discussed progress to date and how best to sharpen delivery of the shared plan. The group focused on turning improved evidence and shared learning into tangible change for professionals and the communities they serve.

What it means for members and the sector
For members of the partner institutions, the collaboration aims to provide clearer expectations on EDI, more transparent data and stronger support at key stages of their careers. By working together, the institutions aim to reduce duplication, share good practice and increase the impact of EDI initiatives across the built environment.

Rob Hughes, LI CEO, said:

‘Equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating places that serve the full breadth of our society. By working collaboratively on these core focus areas, our institutions can strengthen pathways into the profession, improve workplace culture, and ensure the built environment sector reflects the diversity, talent and experience of the communities it exists to support.’