Constructing Rainbows Ltd.

06/08/2026

Yesterday wasn't a great day for EDI.

The publication of the EHRC's updated Code of Practice on single-sex spaces https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/codes-practice/code-practice-services-public-functions-and-associations will leave many trans people feeling worried about what it means for them. Whatever your views on the guidance itself, it's worth remembering that behind every policy are real people trying to get on with their lives.

If you're one of those people, know that there are still plenty of us who will continue to stand alongside you, support you and fight for your rights. ⚧️

And then there was the new Public Procurement Note 26 with the new social value model. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ppn-026-the-social-value-model

Jobs and skills absolutely matter, but should they be almost all of social value?

For years we've talked about social value as being about more than employment. It's been about opening doors for underrepresented groups, improving equality, diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, supporting local communities and leaving something better behind. If social value no longer explicitly values inclusion, communities and the environment, are we really talking about social value at all?

Reading the new model, I couldn't help wondering whether we're moving towards economic value with a social label.

Have we forgotten that social value was always meant to balance economic, social and environmental outcomes? Maybe I'm missing something.

But yesterday felt like a step backwards on two fronts. 😒 😒

Constructing Rainbows has always been about helping people think differently about inclusion, fairness and creating lasting social impact. Reading yesterday's announcements only reinforced why those conversations still matter.

I'd genuinely be interested to hear what others working in EDI, procurement and social value think. Am I missing something, or did yesterday leave you feeling the same? 😩

26/06/2026

Violence against women and girls is at an epidemic level, so pleased to see these builders taking a stand against it.

As a male-dominated industry, we do have an opportunity to have a positive impact on this, and it starts by cutting out the misogyny in the workplace.

Well done Mike Hook from LMG (lmgiq.com) for organising this walk.

https://metro.co.uk/2026/06/25/builders-demand-men-stop-epidemic-killing-women-28924669/

'We have got men gnarled old veterans out there, shoulder to shoulder with the killed women's families.'

16/06/2026

What a way to relaunch the IWFM conference!
Just like the sector itself such broad subject matter from professionalism, economy, and competence to skills, sustainability and selling our value.

Being able to meet up with a room full of IWFM members always really broadens my thinking. And there are topics discussed which I’m already searching out CPD on.

Make sure you come next year if you didn’t make it today!

Well done to team IWFM for all the organisation.

16/06/2026

Just been speaking to Standing Tall about their excellent scheme to end homelessness through employment.

Working with employers and generous homeowners they provide 6 months of a home stay and entry level employment. Working in 8 cities across the country, this is an excellent opportunity for FM companies to gain new employees and give back - £57k of social value per employee.

https://www.standingtall.org.uk/

IWFM Live! IWFM

16/06/2026

Loving the free gifts for everyone at

Free sanitary products has been a gamechanger for many across workplaces, schools, airports, libraries everywhere. The Facilities Management sector are the ones that ensure they are kept stocked up.
Thanks Mooncup I’m sure my kids will be very excited about the swag I bring home 😅

IWFM

11/06/2026

“Frontline workers appear more likely to stay put not because conditions are better, but because mobility and negotiating power are more limited,” the report notes.

Many frontline roles offer:

- fewer alternative employment options;
- less flexibility; and
- reduced access to upskilling.

These factors create barriers to change even when wellbeing is compromised.”

Frontline workers are facing a growing burnout crisis, according to new research by JLL.

02/06/2026

Looking forward to joining the panel at this fbe Leeds event on Wednesday 17th June where we will be discussing whether we're moving forwards or backwards with EDI in construction.

As you can imagine, I have a lot to say on this topic 😅 but will be interesting to hear others thoughts too. Joining me on the panel is Colin Briggs-Campbell Joanne Hall, Shazad Khan Emily Jenkins with Jordan Steel chairing it all.

Tickets are available through the link below.

Join fbe Leeds for an engaging panel discussion, which will explore Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the property and construction sector. Following on from our 2021 panel event we will be bringing people together from various areas of the industry.

01/06/2026

As Pride Month begins, I’ve been reflecting on how much has changed over the last few years.

When I founded Constructing Rainbows Limited , it felt like we were moving forwards. More organisations were talking about inclusion, more leaders were listening, and there was a genuine sense that workplaces were becoming places where people could be themselves without fear of judgement or exclusion.

Today, the picture feels very different.

Across the UK and beyond, we’ve seen a rollback of LGBT+ rights, increasing hostility towards minority groups, and a growing tendency for some politicians and commentators to use division as a political tool. Many LGBT+ people are feeling less safe, less visible and less valued than they did a few years ago.

At the same time, demand for EDI work has fallen significantly. Like many small business owners, I’ve had to adapt. Over the last year I’ve found myself spending more time drawing on my commercial, procurement and quantity surveying background, working in areas that have formed the core of my professional career for many years.

But the reality is that inclusion and commercial success were never separate things.

The reason I’ve spent more time involved in politics recently is because many of the challenges we’re facing are no longer being driven by workplace policies alone. They are being driven by decisions made in our political institutions and by the tone of our national debate.

I’ve been disappointed by both Conservative and Labour politicians at times. Too often, issues affecting LGBT+ people have been treated as political footballs rather than matters of dignity, safety and equality.

However, disappointment with mainstream politics should never lead us towards hatred, scapegoating or division. Communities become stronger when we bring people together, not when we set them against one another.

Pride has always been about visibility, courage and collective action. Those values matter just as much today as they ever have.

So whilst my work may be evolving, my values are not.

Whether I’m supporting organisations commercially, serving in politics, or campaigning for inclusion, I’ll continue to stand up for fairness, opportunity and respect for everyone.

Happy Pride Month. 🌈

21/05/2026

Day 2 at UKREiiF was always going to be a packed one.
Started off at Rider Levett Bucknall RLB ‘s office with Sheffield Property Association sharing snippets about their newly released EDI in the Sheffield built environment research with Rebecca Roffe and Tegan Johnson .
A really different presentation about the art of making the built environment desirable - how we can market ourselves better.
Went to hear about the inclusive growth strategy in Camden (mostly out of interest for Natasha Houseman ).
Learnt a bit more about the Oxford-Cambridge corridor which has a lot of potential (if we get the infrastructure right).
Heard from Andrew Dodman about Leeds City Council people practices.
Then at the end of the day we walked around the exhibitions, sampled the local cider on the Cornwall stand which Nicola Lloyd had got in on my suggestion last year and met Lib Dem Cornwall Council leader Leigh Frost . Chatted to Jo Burnett & Arron Ward from The University of Salford about apprentices.
And the end of the day was the Freehold LGBT+ CIC and Cratus Group LGBT+ disco with Sarah Draper FCIPD (She/Her) Kelly Canterford MRICS Misa von Tunzelman FCIM Matt Summerhill and Maria Augusta Wiedner, MRICS, CFA . 🪩🏳️‍🌈
I do think this year has been the best yet, even with a little bit of rain. Well done Nathan Spencer , Matt Christie Louise Eyre and team!
Can’t wait for next year….

19/05/2026

Day 1 at 2026.
It always takes me a little while to settle in, especially as the event gets bigger.
I started the day off with RICS with a session on future skills chaired by Lynda Rawsthorne BSc MA FRICS FAPM FCIOB FIWFM ChPP .
Running into Maria Augusta Wiedner, MRICS, CFA early on in the day gave me an energy boost, always so much fun. 🤩
Then did a couple of sessions on the main stage with Nathan Spencer, and a panel discussion about investing in Britain.
Rider Levett Bucknall RLB hosted a discussion about procurement and social value and avoiding tick boxing, and implementing real impact.
Rounded the day off at Fringe event discussing housing with the 5 political parties. Let’s just say it became quite heated when one of the panellists decided to focus on immigrants rather than the actual problems 🙄
I think the best bit of the day for me was bumping into people for catch ups. Kelly Canterford MRICS Louis Field Jake Drummond MBA FIWFM FCIOB MRICS Kieran Dhunna Halliwell Keith Griffiths
Looking forward to tomorrow (hopefully without the rain).