Balfour Beatty has been featured in New Civil Engineer as part of a broader industry discussion on advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion across the construction sector—not just during Pride Month, but every day of the year.
The article underscores the importance of weaving equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into the fabric of workplace culture. For Balfour Beatty, this means moving beyond performative gestures to drive meaningful, lasting change. One way the company is doing this is through its LGBTQ+ and Allies Affinity Network, which offers support, resources, and education—from toolbox talks and allyship training to guidance on pronoun usage and workplace transitioning.
These initiatives are helping cultivate an inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves.
Leo Connolly, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Balfour Beatty, reflected on the evolving culture within the sector. “Over time, we’ve seen a shift—from LGBTQ+ colleagues asking for help to line managers proactively seeking guidance on how to support someone coming out on site,” he noted. “That shows people are committed to doing the right thing.”
Peter Kerruish-Jerram, Senior Quantity Surveyor and co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Affinity Network, emphasized the importance of practical action: “We’ve rolled out inclusion-focused toolbox talks and host regular fireside chats to spark open conversations. These simple steps go a long way in helping LGBTQ+ colleagues feel recognised and supported, no matter where they work.”
Through these efforts, Balfour Beatty is contributing to a more inclusive, respectful, and forward-looking construction industry.
