Committees

Administration Committee hears how Parliament is supporting women in construction roles on the estate

6 March 2024

The House of Commons Administration Committee held a one-off public evidence session earlier this week on the topic of women in construction – with a specific focus on current and future projects on parliamentary estate. Taking place during ‘Women in Construction Week’, the cross-party Committee of MPs heard from officials working across Parliament’s current projects and the Restoration and Renewal programme, as well as from representatives in the ‘Women into Construction’ organisation – who provide support to women looking to enter the industry. 

Private, informal discussions with staff working in construction roles across Parliament were also held to gain an understanding of the current offer and some of the challenges faced.  Members of the Committee heard that 63% of the board and 54% of staff of the Strategic Estates department were female, demonstrating good representation across senior levels and right through the workforce.

However, the challenges facing both Parliament and the Delivery Authority remain around ensuring how their respective supply chains embed best practise, and guaranteeing that welfare facilities and PPE provided on the estate are suitable for a diverse workforce. 

Chair's comment

Sir Charles Walker MP, Chair of the Administration Committee said:

“The Committee was pleased to hear the experiences of women working in construction at Parliament - along with the views of representatives from Women into Construction, whose vitally important work was championed to the Committee by Natalie Elphicke MP. 

“The Restoration and Renewal programme will be the UK’s biggest heritage renovation project for a generation - but beyond that, it will also be a chance to demonstrate the benefits of unlocking this vast pool of talent into the wider sector. 

“Our recent evidence session demonstrated the number of specialist skills already being deployed by women in Parliament – including stonemasons, scaffolders, expert conservators and project managers. We know that women are working across and leading some of our most high-profile capital projects, such as the Norman Shaw North and Elizabeth Tower projects - occupying over 60% of board positions in Strategic Estates.  

“But whilst this is well above the average for the industry, Parliament must continue to review its approach - ensuring equality is embedded within its processes and policies, ensuring best-practise within its supply-chain, and growing its development programmes to ensure that women aren’t just treated equally – but can thrive within the industry. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed.” 

The evidence session was in response to a parliamentary question asked by Natalie Elphicke MP - on steps the Restoration and Renewal programme is taking to support the development of skills and creation of opportunities for women in construction.