For International Women’s Day (Friday 8th March), the Head of Customer Care and Commercial Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, based in Leicestershire, have shared their journeys of embracing diversity.

Aligned with this year’s campaign theme, #InspireInclusion, the two employees envision a world where gender equality thrives, devoid of bias, stereotypes, or discrimination.

Dawn Griffiths (60) has been an integral part of the developer’s team since January 2013, stationed at the regional head office in Coalville. Her role focuses on managing customer experiences while advocating for the recognition of the pivotal role of customer care within the company.

With a career spanning various sectors within the service industry, from shipping to construction, Dawn relishes the challenge of problem-solving in a dynamic environment. Yet, she acknowledges her sector is male-dominated, and emphasises the need for change and inclusivity from an early age.

She said: “This industry remains male-dominated and this is slowly evolving. As an industry, we need to be educating children from 11 years up and encouraging all people to join construction businesses.”

Tracey Dickens (53) serves as the Commercial Director for the homebuilder, a position she has climbed up to since she began as a Trainee Surveyor at 19-years-old.

In her role, Tracey oversees the commercial operations of the business, supervising surveyors, buyers, and estimators. A typical day for her involves assessing land bids, reviewing tender documents and orders, and resolving issues with contractors or suppliers on site.

At home, she has three daughters aged between 20 to 27, all of which currently have different roles within the construction industry. Tracey hopes she has been “a catalyst and advertisement to [her] own children of what the industry offers.”

She said: “I think the industry is male-dominated but it is on a journey of change and the number of women interested and appointed to roles is increasing. 

“When I first became a Commercial Director 17 years ago, I was the only female in this role across Barratt Developments and the only female on my board of directors.  Now other females have been appointed to these roles, which is great to see. In my commercial team, there is a 50-50 split of male to female.”

Both Tracey and Dawn believe there are many ways for employers to create a diverse workspace and #InspireInclusion amongst employees.

 

Dawn said: “Raising awareness of inclusivity is one way to create a diverse environment where people can feel validated, however, we need to live and breathe inclusion not only in the workplace, but in society too.

“We need to carry on doing what we are doing, talking about it and working to bring change.”

Tracey added: “Putting the right people into roles is a great way to inspire. Having role models doing the job shows what is achievable.”

Recognising the significance of encouraging more women to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors, Dawn underscores the invaluable contributions that women bring to the construction industry.

Tracey said: “The industry should represent the communities around it. Having a more diverse workforce offers new ideas and viewpoints. I think David Wilson Homes offers good support to women, it recognises the challenges women may face throughout their career which may affect them and provides solutions to help ease these challenges.”

Dawn added: “Encouraging women into this industry will pay dividends in productivity and creativity. The impact will be their daughters will identify with this industry as the ‘norm’ and not an unusual or alternative career path, and therefore it will evolve.

“It’s important to provide and promote opportunities for women, as women bring unique perspectives and skills that contribute to the industry’s success.

“I believe that David Wilson Homes offers excellent support and opportunities for women in the construction industry. There have been a range of initiatives to date, and I am sure there are more to come.”

When asked for her advice to give to women who are considering a career within the construction industry, Dawn said: “Construction is a fantastic industry to work within. Good people, good opportunities to progress, and enough space for you as an individual to achieve your full potential.

“This is an industry I am proud to be part of. Women can make a difference for our gender and the future female generation. The final outcome will be the elimination of gender bias and equality.”

Tracey added: “My advice to any woman joining the construction industry would be the same advice I would offer to a man. The construction industry has many fantastic opportunities if you want them. Make the most of every training opportunity you are given, and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone as it will push you further. When looking forward, never forget what you have achieved already and, more importantly, talent will shine no matter what your gender, so go and chase your goals.”

For more information about the career opportunities available at David Wilson Homes, visit the website at Barratt Careers.

For details about any developments in the county, visit the website at David Wilson Homes in Leicestershire.