Celebrating Black History Month: A Commitment to Inclusion in Infrastructure

Celebrating Black History Month: A Commitment to Inclusion in Infrastructure

McGinley is proud to celebrate Black History Month. Together, we can build a more inclusive future.

As we embrace the vibrant colours of autumn, we also mark the beginning of Black History Month—a time to honour the rich contributions and enduring legacy of Black individuals throughout history.

In this blog, we'll explore the significance of Black History Month for our business working in infrastructure. We'll also take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made and discuss the road ahead in promoting an inclusive working environment.

Black History Month: A Time to Celebrate and Reflect

Black History Month, celebrated annually in October in the United Kingdom and February in the United States, is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable contributions of Black individuals to our society. It is a time to note the achievements, culture, and history of Black communities while also raising awareness of the ongoing effort for equality and justice.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

At McGinley, we believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords. As one of our core values, inclusion is at the heart of everything and drives our success.

We believe everyone should have the same life chances. We treat all individuals within our workforce, staff and the wider community as equals regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. We strongly pursue the principles of diversity and inclusion, taking positive action where we can to make a difference. This commitment extends to our efforts to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month.

In the video linked below, our CEO Dermot McGinley talks about why inclusion is important to us, how we collaborate with clients to bring inclusion to the forefront and how – via our ADVANCE programme – in which we actively engage in diversity and inclusion.

Apprentice Figures: Measuring Progress

To gauge our progress in promoting diversity and inclusion, let's take a closer look at our apprentice statistics. Apprenticeships serve as a crucial stepping stone for many individuals starting their careers, and it's important that our programs reflect the diversity we aspire to achieve.

In the past year, we are delighted to share that nearly half, or 47%, of our apprentices come from BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds. Their advancement within our company has been actively nurtured through dedicated initiatives designed to foster their professional growth.

These figures are a testament to our dedication to creating opportunities for all and ensuring that the talent pool in our industry is diverse and representative of society as a whole.

National Inclusion Week: Building on Progress

Just last week, we celebrated National Inclusion Week—a timely precursor to Black History Month. During this week, we engaged in meaningful discussions, workshops, and initiatives to further promote an inclusive working environment. It allowed us to pause and reflect on the importance of inclusion in our everyday actions.

What's Next?

While we are proud of the progress we've made, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. Black History Month serves as a reminder that our commitment to diversity and inclusion is an ongoing journey. This month, we encourage all of our employees to follow us closely and participate in the various activities and initiatives we have planned to commemorate Black History Month.

Here's what you can expect from us in the coming weeks:

Educational Workshops: We will share workshops and webinars to educate our employees about the history, achievements, and challenges faced by Black individuals.

Sharing Knowledge: Look out for our series of blogs on how to support the multi-racial community at work, allyship and unconscious bias that aim to make a positive impact.

Sharing Experiences: Join us as our staff and workforce share thoughts, experiences, and ideas for fostering a more inclusive workplace.

Development Programs: We will continue to invest in development programs to support the career growth of our Black employees.

As we celebrate this month, let us remember that diversity and inclusion are not just ideals to aspire to; they are the cornerstones of a stronger, more resilient, and more innovative business.

Join us this month in celebrating, and together, let's make a lasting commitment to create an inclusive working environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.