INSIDE Resources
Inclusive Construction Leadership Starts Here
Practical tools, conversation guides, and research to help you retain talent, support returning mums and build stronger leadership in construction. Whether you’re a site manager, line manager, HR lead, or senior executive, this page is for you. These free resources will help you lead more inclusively, retain top talent, and champion the leadership potential of mums in construction.
Leadership in construction is evolving
Did You Know
Leadership potential is leaking from the pipeline
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There are 32% fewer women in mid management roles after having children.
But strategic development boosts retention
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93% of women say they would stay with a company that invests in their career
Still One To Watch
Support confident return-to-work conversations that unlock leadership potential. This conversation guide includes construction-specific insights and research-backed coaching questions to help managers nurture the next generation of inclusive construction leaders.
Feedback that Builds Confidence
Great construction leadership starts with great conversations. This cheat sheet helps managers deliver feedback that strengthens confidence and performance. Particularly helpful for supporting stretch assignments of phased returns.
Making the case for women's development
Offering a women's only development programme can seem counter intuitive to building inclusion. Use this PDF to build your business case for inclusive leadership in construction. Packed with sector data, retention trends, and practical steps, it helps HR teams and senior leaders make confident decisions that improve engagement and close the gender leadership gap.
Return to Work Timeline Template
Coming soon. A planning tool to help line managers and returners map out phased, supported transitions into leadership — aligned with your project timelines and business goals.
Reframing Matrescence in Construction Leadership
Coming soon. Understand how motherhood changes identity, confidence, and leadership strengths. Our White Paper reframes “mum brain” as a leadership upgrade, essential for inclusive leadership in construction.
Explore Our Leadership Support
INSIDE Leadership Pathway™
Our flagship CITB-assured programme designed for mums in construction returning to — or stepping into — leadership.
✅ Funded through the CITB levy
✅ Delivered flexibly (school-hours friendly)
✅ Grounded in matrescence, identity, and emotionally intelligent leadership
Construction Leadership Research Roundup
What the Data Says and Why It Matters for Inclusive Leadership
This roundup highlights the most compelling findings from recent reports, white papers, and sector-wide research to help you build stronger, more inclusive leadership in construction.
Key Takeaways:
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Skills shortages are still acute — leadership, communication, and management skills are named as critical.
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Retention is now a major strategic focus, especially for women and early-career professionals.
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Inclusion is explicitly linked to leadership development and culture.
Why It Matters:
You're not imagining it, culture change is now part of the core construction skills conversation. Allies can play a key role by creating workplaces where mums and diverse leaders thrive.
CIOB: Leadership in the Construction Industry
2008 report but still handy.
Takeaways:
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There’s a gap between leadership theory and leadership practice in construction.
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Emotional intelligence, communication, and adaptability are underdeveloped leadership skills.
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Site-based and office-based leaders often face different pressures but require shared leadership standards.
Why It Matters:
This research supports the INSIDE Leadership Pathway™ focus on identity, communication, and strengths. Particularly in diverse, mixed-role teams.
Get Involved: Mums in Construction Research
We are collecting real stories from mums working in construction — from site engineers to project managers to head office leaders. Your experiences help shape inclusive leadership in our industry.