Inequality is a longstanding issue in society. Across the world, it has manifested through different cycles, underlying causes, and impacts.
For a long time, research has shown how infrastructure and transportation have contributed to reducing inequalities, for example, by providing services to disadvantaged communities and facilitating access to employment and education. However, they have also been a critical player in widening disparities through projects that disproportionately affect specific populations, do not consider the needs and expectations of users or those affected by them, and have been designed to do so.
Impact of COVID
These inequalities and the role of transportation, infrastructure, and city planning in addressing them have been highlighted and worsened by the COVID 19 pandemic.
COVID 19 has demonstrated that a fair society demands change, which can only be realised if equity and inclusion are incorporated as a fundamental building block of decision making. The economy, health, and environment are increasingly a top priority for governments, the private sector, and stakeholders seeking to build back better. These historic times require all stakeholders, from policymakers to communities and private sector investors, to better understand the nature of inequality and make significant contributions to progress via their work. This challenge also necessitates a shift in how we interact with each stage of the project and policy lifecycle.
Our commitment
At Steer, we are committed to advancing equity internally, making Steer a better place to work and more representative of the communities we work in, and externally, through the work and advice, we provide to you, our clients. Internally, we have committed to regularly updating and making public our aims and objectives for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Read more.
Externally, our commitment is represented by our equity and inclusion practice. We leverage our global reach through a network of Equity and Inclusion leaders, supported by a large group of practitioners and advisors in all our offices around the world. This team combines diverse backgrounds and expertise to provide advice with a solid local understanding of worldwide best practices.
Please get in touch with any of our E&I international leads if you are interested in incorporating equity and inclusion into public policy, planning, or investment for towns and cities, transportation, and infrastructure.
How we can help
We are equipped to support our clients in solving Equity and Inclusion challenges by:
Yes, you are in the right place. After 40 years, we have changed our name from Steer Davies Gleave to mark our growing international footprint and our expanding portfolio into sectors beyond transport.
Explore our new website to learn more about Steer: who we are, how we work and what our future holds.
