Balfour Beatty has featured in New Civil Engineer, joining an industry-wide conversation on how construction companies can better support LGBTQ+ inclusion — not only during Pride Month, but throughout the year.
The article explores the importance of embedding equity, diversity and inclusion into workplace culture. For Balfour Beatty, this means going beyond symbolic gestures and focusing on meaningful, lasting change. Internally, this includes initiatives such as our LGBTQ+ and Allies Affinity Network, which provides education, support and resources—from toolbox talks and allyship training to guidance on pronouns and transitioning at work. These efforts are helping to foster a culture where LGBTQ+ colleagues feel respected, supported and empowered to be themselves.
Leo Connolly, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Balfour Beatty, reflected on progress in the sector and the role of allyship: he says “Over time, we saw a real shift—from LGBTQ+ colleagues asking for support to line managers proactively seeking advice on how to support someone coming out on site. That shows the culture is changing, and people want to get it right.”
Peter Kerruish-Jerram, Balfour Beatty's Senior Quantity Surveyor and co-chair of its LGBTQ+ Affinity Network, also highlighted how the business is taking action on the ground. Peter said: “We’ve introduced inclusion toolbox talks on site and regular fireside chats to open up conversation. These simple steps help ensure that LGBTQ+ colleagues feel seen and supported wherever they’re working.”
Read the full article here.
Leo Connelly celebrating in Pride Month festivities
