We are delighted to welcome Emma McLaughlin-Edwards to the Constructing Rainbows team as a Company Director. Emma brings extensive executive-level experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Facilities Management industry. Below, she shares key career highlights and explains how her expertise will further enrich the value we provide to our clients.
With a successful lengthy career in operational facilities management roles, what motivated you to work within EDI?
I've always been committed to building an inclusive workplace culture within the teams I've worked with throughout my career. It became clear to me that underrepresented communities were not being given the same opportunities for advancement as some of my colleagues, me included.
This is what led me to co-found the LGBT+ network ‘Proud to be…’ with Mitie back in 2012 and I have since gone on to Chair and Sponsor several other affinity networks. Understanding the nuances and intersectionality of all people is paramount to ensuring everyone is given the opportunity to thrive in a trusted, engaged and supported environment.
Diversity literally means ‘differences’ and our differences are what make us unique, not what separates us. But growth for individuals in their careers cannot be achieved without an authentic recognition from any business and its leaders to actively want to change the way they view equity, diversity and inclusion. You can't put in a half-hearted effort and expect outstanding results.
What are your proudest EDI achievements to date?
Awards and external recognitions are essential in validating the impact of your efforts and can significantly influence the reach and growth of a company’s EDI journey. However, these accolades are only made possible by the foundational work carried out by dedicated individuals behind the scenes. My hands-on approach means I have always been prepared to dive in and do the work necessary to ensure the greatest impact reaches those who need it most. There’s no greater sense of accomplishment than hearing someone share how their life has improved because of my involvement. People often say, “If it only changes one life, then it’s a job well done,” and my motivation lies in creating those transformative “one life” moments again and again and again.
Industry
IWFM EDI Focus Group - EDI now a part of the judging criteria for the IWFM Impact Awards
LGBT+ in Facilities Management committee - a series of best practice guidance, including inclusive procurement, language, toilets and menopause
External Recognition
Winner - British Diversity Awards 2024 - LGBTQIA Network of the Year
Finalist at British Diversity Awards 2024 - Supply Chain EDI Network
Inclusive Companies Top 50 List - 37th place
Finalist at The Bank of London Rainbow Honours
Nominated - 2025 Northern Power Women's Awards - Power List and Agent of Change
Company Initiatives
Co-founder of Employee networks - Proud to be @Mitie
Speak up, Speak Out - confidential support line
Bank Holiday Swap - giving employees of non-Christian faith/non-faith option to ‘swap’ traditional bank holidays to better reflect their own faiths/beliefs
Transgender and non-binary policy and guidelines
Enhanced parental and adoption leave
Award winning LGBTQIA Podcasts
Gender neutral workwear
Independent Men and Women’s Health Networks
Supply Chain EDI network resulting in becoming a finalist at the British Diversity Awards 2024
to name a few…
What are your thoughts on the most pressing EDI challenges that organisations face today?
Disability remains overlooked, with visibility issues, inadequate infrastructure in the built environment, lack of accommodation for disabled users, persistent pay gaps, and limited employer flexibility. Similarly, ethnic diversity in leadership is lacking, with predominantly white boards and limited progression for underrepresented groups into senior and executive roles. Meanwhile, organisations are slashing budgets, bringing rise to the concern of tokenism, as the workforce sees few tangible benefits, particularly in terms of flexibility for parents, mothers, carers, and disabled individuals.
At its core, EDI remains a fundamental human crisis, and we must each be accountable for our decisions, placing humanity at the centre of profit, growth, and prosperity. It's not an either-or situation, they can and should, co-exist.
What made you decide to join Constructing Rainbows, and how do your skills complement Sharon’s?
It was an easy and exciting decision to join Constructing Rainbows because of the company’s clear commitment to driving meaningful change in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the built environment. The work Sharon has done in creating a platform that integrates EDI into the heart of the industry deeply resonated with my own values and experience. I saw an opportunity to not only continue my passion for building inclusive spaces but to work alongside someone equally driven by purpose.
My skills complement Sharon’s in several ways. With over 20 years of experience within the Facilities Management industry, I bring a strategic understanding of how to develop and implement initiatives that are scalable and impactful. Sharon's expertise lies in her ability to create innovative frameworks and lead on EDI policy development in the built environment. Together, we blend a hands-on approach to implementation with high-level strategy and innovation, setting not only ambitious goals but also achieving tangible, measurable outcomes for our clients. This synergy between vision and execution makes us a powerful team, capable of leading Constructing Rainbows to new heights of success in EDI.
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