Emma Mclaughlin-Edwards
Constructing Rainbows | Company Director
Emma McLaughlin-Edwards is a highly accomplished leader and EDI consultant with over 20 years of experience transforming workplaces within the built environment. Having worked in Facilities Management and engineering for over 20 years —industries often dominated by men—Emma has built a strong reputation for driving meaningful progress in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
As a director at Constructing Rainbows and a trusted advisor to senior executives and leadership teams, Emma combines deep industry knowledge with a practical and strategic approach. She collaborates with organisations to embed EDI principles into their operations, helping leaders move beyond surface-level initiatives to create lasting cultural change.
Emma’s work goes far beyond writing policies. She is passionate about creating workplaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered, whether through building fair recruitment pipelines or holding leaders accountable for cultivating genuinely inclusive environments. Known for her honest and approachable style, Emma inspires leadership teams to see diversity and inclusion as essential drivers of innovation and success.
Emma’s influence extends beyond consultancy. She has served as a judge for high-profile awards such as the Inclusive Companies Top 50, the IWFM Impact Awards, The Workplace Leaders Top 50, and The Great British Businesswomen Awards. Her role as a judge reflects her expertise and deep understanding of what it takes to create and celebrate inclusive workplaces and leadership.
Emma is also a leading committee member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) ED&I Steering Group and co-chairs LGBT+in FM. Through these roles, she advocates for underrepresented groups, fosters collaboration across industries, and leads conversations that challenge the status quo.
With a rare blend of personal experience, sector expertise, and a commitment to fairness, Emma empowers organisations to unlock the full potential of their people, creating workplaces that are not just diverse but truly inclusive.
“As a judge for the Inclusive Companies Top 50 Awards, I’ve seen the incredible impact of organisations that are unwavering in their commitment to inclusion, especially in a climate where EDI is being challenged. These awards are a testament to the businesses that are not just resisting the pressure to step back but are pushing forward, proving that true inclusion is essential for progress and success in today’s world.”
