In its centenary year, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) hosted its very first Big Logistics and Transport Diversity Challenge to encourage more diversity and inclusion within the profession. 

More than 300 industry professionals answered the call of the ‘Big Logistics and Transport Diversity Challenge’ on Wednesday 26th June 2019, competing in a series of physical, mental and skill-based challenges to promote the benefits of engaging a diverse workforce. The event marks the Institute’s centenary year and supports its vision of improving diversity and equality across the profession.

Organised in partnership with Nimble Media, the event took place at Newark Showground and raised money for Aspire, the charitable careers foundation within CILT(UK) that provides funded opportunities for education, training and development to UK and international applicants.

Throughout this special event, the sector came together to tackle diversity with the aim of inspiring the next generation to join the profession. Organisations that participated in this event include: Abellio, Amey, Coca Cola European Partners, DHL, Eddie Stobart, National Express, Siemens Mobility, Transport for London and XPO.

The event has been championed by Anna Delvecchio FCILT, Commercial Account Director, Amey, on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. She said: “I am delighted to be working with Nimble Media and CILT shaping the first ever Big Logistics and Transport Diversity Challenge. Thank you to all of the organisations who are participating in this year’s event, the supporting partners and to the team at Nimble Media for making this event a great success”. 

Sir Peter Hendy CBE FCILT, Chair, Network Rail and International President, CILT, said: “Transport and logistics are crucial to keep our economy growing and to create jobs and build houses; taking people from home to work, and goods and services wherever they’re needed. We employ hundreds and thousands of people across the UK and in order to eliminate skills shortages and to cope with an ageing workforce we must embrace diversity in every respect. This is a fantastic initiative to do just that.”

Paul Sainthouse FCILT, Managing Director, Dawsongroup bus and coach and President, CILT(UK), said: “We are delighted to be hosting this event in partnership with Nimble Media. At CILT we know that part of creating a workplace culture that is fit for the future is to focus on and promote diversity, inclusion and equality. A diverse workforce – which includes representation from every aspect of broader society – throughout our profession will be crucial to ensuring the success of our industries for many years to come.”   

Professor Richard Wilding OBE FCILT, Professor of Supply Chain Strategy, Cranfield University and Chairman, CILT(UK), said: “This inclusive event supports Aspire, a charitable careers foundation within CILT (UK) that provides funded opportunities for education, training and development to UK and international applicants, this enables social mobility supporting individuals to gain skills to facilitate an exciting lifetime career within the logistics and transport profession.”

The event also provided an opportunity for debate and discussion on the key drivers and barriers for diversity across the sector. Attendees were given the chance to engage with CILT about where improvements can be made throughout the profession and the responses will allow CILT to identify key areas of opportunity for driving change. A subsequent series of round tables and a plan for engaging industry decision makers will be rolled out to capitalise on the day’s learning.