Gender gap persists in UK construction

As the UK construction sector grapples with fluctuating workforce numbers, one Exeter company is taking strides to ensure women not only enter but thrive in the industry.

Sovereign Network Group (SNG) is marking International Women’s Day by reaffirming its commitment to gender diversity, flexible working, and career progression within construction.

Following a post-Covid peak of 343,000 women in the UK construction industry in mid-2023, numbers dropped significantly to 272,000 by mid-2024.

While a recovery has seen the figure rise again to 325,000 by the end of last year, the overall presence of women in the sector remains lower than in 2006.

With the industry still largely male-dominated, SNG is working to bridge the gender gap by fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment.

SNG’s approach to workplace wellbeing includes flexible and part-time working options designed to support employees at different stages of life. For Jenny Grote, SNG’s Land and New Business Director for the South Region, such policies have been instrumental in balancing her career and family life.

“Working part-time at SNG has empowered me to be a mother and also grow my skills, earn promotions, and move up the career ladder,” said Jenny. “I’m proud to have achieved those things in tandem.”

Lesley Metcalf, Director of Development Delivery for SNG’s West Region, echoes the sentiment, stressing that flexible working benefits all employees, not just women.

“I’m a mum, and SNG has been fantastic in supporting my career while allowing me to be present for my children. I have men in my team working flexibly too, sharing parental responsibilities so both they and their partners can work.”

Despite improvements in gender representation, construction sites can still be challenging environments for women. Jenny recalls moments of intimidation when she was often the only woman in meetings and on-site.

“Is that still the case? Yes and no. Construction sites can still be difficult places to work as a woman,” she said. “As an employer, SNG is doing much to encourage women into construction, but the sector as a whole must do more. We need more women in construction, but we also need to ensure those women are supported appropriately.”

Lesley highlights the progress made in development roles, where women are increasingly taking leadership positions. “At SNG, three of our five Development Directors are women, and we see similar trends across housing associations and major developers in the South West. However, trade roles remain predominantly male, and that’s where we need to focus our efforts.”

Beyond policy, both Jenny and Lesley stress the importance of mentorship and community in encouraging more women into the sector.

“To be successful in a senior position, you need to progress through the different levels,” Lesley explains. “That means supporting women in trade roles and actively promoting career progression. Sometimes, small changes - like ensuring female apprentices work alongside each other - can make a huge difference in making women feel supported.”

Jenny also champions diversity as a driver of better decision-making in construction. “Diverse teams bring different perspectives and insights, leading to stronger outcomes. It’s also crucial in recruitment to overcome unconscious bias and attract more women to the sector.”

Looking ahead, Jenny and Lesley are leading major projects that will deliver thousands of new homes, including a 131-home affordable development on the Isle of Wight and the 2,500-home Lotmead scheme in Swindon.

“Women need to support each other, in this industry and beyond,” concludes Jenny. “We need to be confident in letting our expertise show and calling out those who don’t create diverse, equitable workplaces. Doing so won’t just create more opportunities for women in construction - it will level up the industry as a whole.”

SNG continues to support aspiring homeowners through Shared Ownership schemes nationwide.