Built By Us announces the opening of applications for its 2020-2021 award-winning FLUID Diversity Mentoring Programme on 27 July 2020
Since its inception to address retention and development of talented practitioners in the built environment, FLUID has supported over 300 individuals nationally and internationally, from diverse backgrounds, over a period of 12 months using a one-to-one developmental model with volunteer mentors and mentee applicants, recruited and paired from across all levels and all professional disciplines. FLUID particularly seeks to support and encourage those under-represented in the professional and managerial disciplines including women, BAME and LGBT practitioners, disabled professionals and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
EPR Architects will be the Gold Sponsor of the Programme for the fourth consecutive year and are keen supporters of FLUID, founded by social entrepreneur Danna Walker, who also founded Built By Us, the not-for-profit consultancy that facilitates the delivery of FLUID annually.
Here’s what leaders at EPR Architects have to say about mentoring, inclusion, working with social enterprises, and FLUID:
‘Mentoring is a huge part of our studio culture at EPR. We feel it’s incredibly important to our team’s success to make a conscious effort in improving awareness and identity, developing talents and contributing to the realisation of professional aspirations. By working with the Fluid Diversity Mentoring Programme our aim is to share our experience to help retain and develop all the talented professionals who are drawn into the construction industry and will benefit from the support and guidance mentoring provides to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. With Fluid’s/BBU’s support, we’ve been provided with the tools to actively improve our approach to mentoring and help nurture our team’. Dieter Bentley-Gockmann, Director, EPR Architects and FLUID Mentor
‘We place great importance on the people we employ and recognise the positive impact and the business sense behind a diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. By celebrating difference and inclusivity, EPR benefits from a diversity of thinking that positively feeds back into our design work. We’re proud that the practice’s approach to recruitment, flexible working and team structure has resulted in an exciting and cosmopolitan staff profile. As a management team, we strive to be the best EDI employers that we can be, and it is to this end that we have invested in the work that the Fluid Diversity Mentoring Programme and BBU provides’. Chris Castle, Managing Director, EPR Architects
‘Our commitment to help shape a better society goes beyond just good design. We feel a responsibility for how the built environment is lived in; ensuring people are included, protected and supported. Forging meaningful relationships with our wider community is not only important as we strive to be a responsible business but aligns with our practice values and aspirations. By working with local charities and social enterprises like BBU, not only can our support make a real difference in fulfilling the needs of local partners; it provides our team with the opportunity to develop various skillsets such as teamworking and communications.’ Steph Nell, Head of Wellbeing and Engagement, EPR Architects
Commenting on the EPR Gold Sponsorship, Danna Walker said "Built By Us has a vision that by 2030 it will have played an active role in the creation of a diverse UK construction industry. The Fluid mentoring programme is a fundamental part of that vision. I am grateful for EPR's continuing support for the work Fluid does to assist those already in the industry, at all levels, trying to find a career path that works for them. It is important to be part of an industry that is open and welcoming to everyone. FLUID is all about knowledge exchange, support, and role models. Applying to become a FLUID mentee is a positive step to empowering yourself to face challenges, gain insight and perspective, and to aspire. FLUID is free to access and I am proud to work with our very supportive sponsors, partners, and the volunteer mentors who give their time to others, year after year”.
EPR Architects is an award-winning architectural studio based in Central London, Manchester and Poland with a well-established reputation for quality and sustainable architecture, masterplanning and interior design.
They work in collaboration to produce vibrant and inventive architecture; offering a unique blend of experience, project leadership and expert construction knowledge spanning an array of typologies across workplace, lifestyle and hospitality sectors. Their designs are underpinned by a respect for people and a desire to create spaces that resonate with a sense of place.
As a practice, they are dedicated to nurturing the best talent and do this by investing in people and wellness resources to support them. They actively encourage their staff to engage in a range of activities outside their project work and are delighted to be supporters and contributors to many successful initiatives; helping to empower their team and support local communities and organisations.
To apply to be part of the FLUID Diversity Mentoring Programme 2021 please visit the FLUID page.
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