Name: Good Employer Guide
Start: 2025-03-06
End: 2025-03-06
Location: The Royal Institution of Great Britain

Tackling the skills challenge in the built environment

The skills shortage in the construction and built environment sector is one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Addressing this issue requires innovative thinking, collaboration, and action from businesses committed to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces.

Karen Brookes, Chief People Officer at Sir Robert McAlpine, will speak on the following panel discussion, alongside other industry experts:

4.30pm-5.30pm: The Skills Challenge: How do Good Employers Attract and Retain Talent from the Built Environment and Beyond?

This panel discussion brings together industry leaders, HR experts, and policymakers to discuss how organisations can adapt to these challenges. With a focus on effective strategies to engage, develop, and retain talent, the panel will explore the role of businesses in creating environments where individuals thrive, and where careers in construction are seen as accessible and rewarding to people from all walks of life.

As a seasoned leader in HR and an advocate for inclusion, Karen brings a wealth of insight into creating supportive and equitable work environments.

The event is part of the Good Employer Guide initiative, a platform dedicated to promoting best practices in workplace culture, employee wellbeing, and talent development. By showcasing thought leadership and encouraging dialogue, this panel will address crucial questions around recruitment, retention, and skill-building to help secure the future of the industry.

Karen Brookes, Chief People Officer

Karen Brookes joined Sir Robert McAlpine in 2017 as a Board Director. With a deep commitment to improving workplace culture and wellbeing, Karen has played a pivotal role in driving initiatives that support the mental and physical health of our employees. Her career spans over two decades in various leadership roles within the construction sector, where she has consistently championed efforts to create more inclusive and supportive work environments.

Celebrating diversity and inclusion

IWD with Kelly White

10 Mar 2025

After joining the industry by accident, Kelly White, Head of Bidding, shares how she has developed a passion for construction and become a fervent advocate for equity through our Affinity Networks.

National Inclusion Week 2024

26 Sept 2024

As we celebrate National Inclusion Week 2024, we share stories from women in construction, reflecting our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.

International Women in Engineering Day 2024

21 Jun 2024

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day this week, we proudly recognise the exceptional contributions of our female engineers who help drive our projects forward.

What's on

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