David McLean - taking the glass ceilings out of building
Recent research from The University of Salford* has shown that working practices in the construction industry must be radically changed to prevent the gap between the sexes working in the industry from widening. David McLean is one developer that is leading the way in removing the “glass ceilings” for women from the industry, and its innovative approach was recently recognised with a coveted “Women in Construction” award.

The results of a research project detailing the barriers facing female construction bosses noted that workers’ attitudes, family commitments, working patterns and industry policies were the main challenges to women becoming leaders in construction. Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga and Dr Richard Haigh called for the provision of more initiatives such as career break schemes, better childcare facilities and an improved working environment to prevent the situation deteriorating from the current 6:94 female-male ratio.

As an Equal Opportunities employer and a leading construction company, David McLean is one company that very keen to dispel the traditional view that construction is a man’s world. The company is a leader in ensuring talented and committed women are given the chances they deserve within the company, and recently won a coveted “Women in Construction” award for its equal opportunities employer initiative.

The award won in the “bringing women into the industry” category, honouring those organisations that are working hard to bring women both into the company, and into positions of authority within it.

Evidence of this approach can clearly be seen in the company’s upper level management staff nationwide – 29% of the David McLean workforce is female, nearly trebling the national average of 10%. Two of the four regional Sales Directors for the company are women, with a third currently being trained for promotion to the position shortly. The company’s Group Marketing Manager is also female, as is its’ nationwide Customer Care Manager and Business Development Manager. In 2007, the company reached a major milestone with the appointment of its first ever female site manager.

This high percentage ratio of female employees is achieved by a structured training programme given to all staff at David McLean to ensure that they are trained to the highest level, whilst being monitored and evaluated so that they can progress successfully through the company at a pace suited to them. In addition the company is innovative with its recruitment, ensuring that it attracts employees from other disciplines to bring with them new skills that can be transferred into the construction industry.

David McLean Group Marketing Manager Claire Blythin, notes: “David McLean is committed to developing all of our colleagues to ensure that the company has the necessary business, management skills and experience to meet our longer term needs. We empower our staff to develop and acquire new skills and experience, in order for them to develop their role and progress throughout the company. We’re delighted to have won this award which proves that our approach is one that works, and is leading the way in our industry.”

The award was presented to members of the female management team and Group Managing Director Frank Reil at the second annual Women In Construction awards. The event highlighted the important issues of skills shortfall in an industry where women still make up no more than 10% of the workforce, while celebrating those who are making their mark.

Award winners showed superior results with innovative and creative projects or initiatives, while industry winners have provided a distinct and sustainable net benefit to the industry with demonstrable results. If you would like to find out more about working for David McLean, visit www.davidmclean.co.uk/careers or contact David McLean’s Human Resources team on 01244 283591.



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Copyright David McLean Group 2008