Agenda
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Registration & Networking
- Attendees arrive, register, and enjoy refreshments.
- Networking opportunity with peers, exhibitors, and partners.
10:30 – 10:50AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Keji Moses (Lord Mayor of Canterbury and District)– Welcome address and official opening.
- Faith Abudu (Chair of the Event) – Setting the tone for the day.
- Salmon Saeidlou (University of Canterbury, Host) – Overview of the programme and housekeeping notes.
Keji Moses (FInstLM)
Lord Mayor of Canterbury and District
Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:50 – 11:05 AM | Keynote Address
Emeka Okorocha I Managing Partner iStrat Consulting
Topic: Shaping a Future-Ready Built Environment: Leadership, Diversity, Innovation, and Inclusion
- Visionary insights on the role of construction and engineering in shaping equitable and sustainable communities.
- Building the Future: Equity, Opportunity and Change in Construction & Engineering
Emeka Okorocha
Managing Partner
iStrat Consulting
11:05 – 11:35 AM | Housing, Procurement & Inclusive Construction Practices
Chair : Ellie Farlow I Project Manager Woodley Coles LLP
Topic: “Diversity and Inclusion from Blueprint to Build”
- Exploring procurement strategies that promote diversity.
- Inclusive housing design and construction practices.
- Case studies of equitable supply chains and workforce integration.
- Representatives on this panels are housing association, Procurement lead and main contractors.
Ellie Farlow
Project Manager
Woodley Coles LLP
11:35 – 12:05 PM | Presentation by CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)
Speaker: Mark Harrison I Head of EDI Transformation
Topic: “The CIOB Vision: Advancing Professional Standards and Social Responsibility in Construction”
- Presentation of the CIOB’s latest initiatives for senior leaders to foster diverse talent pipelines and create cultures where all voices are valued, priorities, and details on resources for professionals.
- The current state of EDI in construction and professional bodies’ role in setting the standard.
- The wider impact of diverse representation on innovation, resilience, and social value in construction projects.
- Q&A with CIOB representatives.
CIOB Mark Harrison
12:05 – 12:20PM | Break
12:20 – 12:50PM | Culture as a Catalyst in the Built Environment
Chair: Rebecca Heald I Founder of Rewiring Leadership and Culture
Topic: “Driving Performance Through Inclusive Leadership and Team Building in Construction & Engineering”
- Leadership strategies for building resilient and inclusive teams.
- Cultural transformation and productivity in project delivery.
- Bridging generational and cultural gaps in engineering environments.
Rebecca Heald
Founder: The Woman Companies Call to Rewire Leadership
12:50 – 13.35PM | Lunch I Networking Break I Podcast Session
- Buffet lunch served.
- Dedicated time for networking, exhibitor stands, and partner engagement.
13.35-14:05 PM | Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce & Launch: DIIC EDI (CPD)Module Training
Speaker: Camilla Maurice & Abena Akuffo-Kelly
- Introduction of Training Programme
- Brief Overview of Modules & Objectives
- How to Access & Who It’s For
- Special Remarks by Academic/Industry Partner
Abena Akuffo-Kelly
Head of Training, Culture & People
DIIC Diversity and Inclusion In Construction
Mayor of Folkestone 24/25
14.05 – 14:45 PM | Young Leaders and Career Pathways in the Built Environment
14:50 – 15.00PM | Break
Chair: Christabel Sogbe : Trainee site manager Kier Construction
Topic: “Inspiring the Next Generation with Young Leaders & Career Pathways into Built environment”
- Engaging youth through apprenticeships, mentoring, and early career pathways.
- Showcasing young professionals making an impact.
- Industry initiatives to attract and retain diverse talent.
- Representatives on this panel are recent graduate ,apprentice, young professionals and emerging leaders
- Ageing Workforce & Intergenerational Collaboration Strategies for retaining experienced talent, transferring knowledge, and designing inclusive workplaces for all ages.
- Neurodiversity in Construction Recognizing and supporting neurodivergent talent in technical and site-based roles.
Christabel Sogbe
Trainee Site Manager
Kier
15.00 – 15.30 PM | Building Envelope, Glazing, Retrofitting & Green Skills
Topic: “Future-Proofing Construction Through Sustainability and Skills”
- Innovations in sustainable building envelopes and glazing systems.
- Retrofitting for net-zero goals.
- Developing green skills across the workforce.
Faith Abudu
Diversity and Inclusion in Construction
15.30 -16.00 PM | Social Value and Non Traditional Roles in Built Environment
Topic: “Delivering Social Value: Embedding Community Impact in Construction & Engineering”
- How contractors and engineers can maximize social value in projects.
- Case studies on community benefits, employment, and skills development.
- Frameworks for measuring and reporting social value.
Sweena Badhan
Director
Steel Construction & Chair IOD Kent
16.00– 16.15 PM | Closing Remarks and Final Reflection
16.15 – 17.00 PM | Networking Reception
- Final opportunity for attendees to connect and reflect on the day’s discussions.
- Event close and thanks to speakers, sponsors, and delegates.
Emilie West
Anchor
