Wates has launched a new Diversity and Inclusion Plan which aims to tackle gender imbalance and create a workforce more reflective of society.

The construction company's #WatesTogether blueprint reveals aims to create a workforce with 60% men, 40% women, 20% BAME, 3% with a disability and 5% LGBTQ+ across all levels of the business by 2025.

The firm will launch an inclusive leadership programme, develop a mixed mentoring programme and review its recruitment policies and processes to help meet its targets.

As well as improving the level of representation at the company, #WatesTogether will also look to overhaul the firm's parental leave and flexible working policies, improve the gender pay gap and collaborate across industry to help drive sector-wide change, for example through a new industry-wide inclusion working group.

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Newly appointed Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Nikunj Upadhyay will lead the adoption of the plan, reporting to Group HR Director, Paul Rowan.

Wates Chief Executive, David Allen, said: "The entire built environment sector needs to change to become more representative of the society we serve. At Wates we want a role in leading that change. Our plan summarises our approach, our goals and our commitment to be a business where everyone is welcomed, included and connected.

"We're delighted to welcome Nikunj Upadhyay to our Leadership team to lead this important work. Through her experience at Barclays, and earlier at HSBC and Accenture, Nikunj has overseen the implementation of initiatives focused on increasing the representation of women and engagement of under-represented groups, as well as programmes to promote flexible working. We look forward to welcoming her as we continue our journey to becoming a more inclusive and better business."

Nikunj Upadhyay added: "For me, an inclusive workplace is where we feel our individuality is cherished and we can be confident to bring our whole self to work. I am looking forward to joining Wates and to working with everyone to deliver the ambition of #WatesTogether, where each one of us not only feels included but is also thriving."

(CM/JG)