The recent Budgetary announcements relating to childcare saw a critical issue relating to gender equality being placed at the top of the national political agenda. For the 86% of women in the UK who are mothers, this policy prominence is long overdue. For those without children, the political emphasis on childcare can and should be seen as the trojan horse from which we can begin meaningful discussions and make practical progress on all multiple issues affecting gender equality.

At a business level, and within the built environment industry, there is significant opportunity for improvement in gender equality – with regards to the composition of senior leadership in particular. The benefits of balanced leadership are well documented; Curtin Business School for example reports an increase of 10% or more of female representation in executive roles directly leads to a 6.6% increase in a business’ market value – equivalent to £57m for the average company.