New EDI chair Simon Navin

That’s the view of Simon Navin MCInstCES, the new chair of our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Council.

The highly respected chartered surveyor has been tasked with driving the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda in our industry, through education and innovation.

Simon, who is currently geospatial services lead at international professional services consultants, Jacobs, commented:

'As with many areas of society, we have a challenge within the discipline to ensure there is greater equality and diversity and I’m thrilled to be in a position to help steer that change.

'I don't think we can design and deliver the built environments of today and tomorrow, if we're not fully representative of the people that will use them.

'Both the Council's membership and its activities need to better reflect those future occupants - and I see that as a key part of my role.'

Vital passion and expertise

The institution is committed to advancing our profession for the benefit of the public, by upholding the standards of education, competence and conduct of our members.

Traditionally, civil engineering surveying has been seen as a profession dominated by white males - but the EDI Council is charged with changing that, by:

• Broadening access to employment opportunities among groups which are currently under-represented
• Sharing and promoting best practice in equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Fostering and maintaining safe working environments where all members of society can flourish

CICES CEO Simon Hamlyn, commented:

'We're delighted Simon has agreed to become the new chair of our EDI Council and continue the important work of making our profession a more realistic and attractive option for a wider cross-section of the public.

'As EDI is one of our organisation's three 'golden threads', his passion and expertise will be vital in ensuring its influence throughout all that we do within CICES and across our industry.'

View our current EDI policy document.