Suzanne Chinner is a Quantum Expert, Claims Consultant, and Chartered Quantity Surveyor, who joined CCi in 2021. She is also a champion of queer rights, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this instalment of Beyond the Desk, our series which spotlights the talented people in our business and discusses pertinent issues throughout the year, we mark the start of Pride Month by speaking to Suzanne about her career journey, her insights into the industry, and her perspective on Pride as an LGBTQIA+ colleague.
Pride Month is significant to me as it provides opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies to come together, celebrate diversity, and advocate for social change. Pride is a celebration of the rich diversity within the queer community.
What are some of the most memorable moments of your career so far?
So many standout moments come to mind, working on remarkable projects and celebrating many ‘wins’, big and small. But my fondest memories are those working with some of the amazing people I have been fortunate to cross paths with over the span of my career. As a young quantity surveyor, I had the opportunity to work with my Dad – the best quantity surveyor I know – which remains one of the highlights of my career. I also met my partner at work over 16 years ago, and we have been working together ever since. We get to share ideas, triumphs, challenges, and many wonderful career moments.
I believe that every "out" member of the community is an inspiration to others. Visibility and representation are crucial for challenging stereotypes and fostering acceptance and understanding within society.
What was your journey into the construction industry like?
As a proud second-generation quantity surveyor, I feel like I was destined to work in construction. I would say that over the years, dealing mostly with disputes, I have become a bit more cynical with regards to disputes, defects, and so on. Saying that, and in an attempt to put my cynicism to good use, I always try to use my knowledge of disputes to avoid them in the first place.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month has its roots in the June 1969 Stonewall riots, which took place in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City. These riots are widely considered a turning point in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and the importance of solidarity and activism within the community and its allies worldwide.
Following these events, activists organised marches and demonstrations to demand equal rights and to protest against discrimination and harassment. These events gradually evolved into what we now know as Pride Month.
Last year at CCi, a Rimkus Company, we honoured and celebrated the valuable contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community across our organisation and throughout the world during Pride Month with dedicated webinars, events, and educational resources, including a workshop on the concept and purpose of Pride.
While some countries have made significant progress in LGBTQIA+ rights and acceptance, others still face challenges such as discrimination, violence, and legal barriers. Pride Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and the importance of solidarity and activism within the community and its allies worldwide.
How can we create more inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ colleagues?
In my opinion, the best way to create an inclusive environment is to use inclusive language. Simple things, like respecting someone’s preferred gender pronouns, have a big impact. Even if you don’t always get it right, the effort will be appreciated.
Inclusive language extends to policies that explicitly address LGBTQIA+ rights and provide protection against discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This may include offering transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage, parental leave policies that are inclusive of all types of families, and domestic partner benefits.
Companies can also offer training programs to educate employees about LGBTQIA+ issues, terminology, and best practices for creating inclusive workplaces.
In terms of positive changes I envision for the future, I would love to see continued progress in legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals, considering that in some countries it is still illegal to be gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual. I am fortunate to live in a country where I can be out and proud, but many others can’t.
CCi has fostered a culture where I have always felt comfortable to be myself, and bring my whole self to work. Not just as a member of the queer community, but as a woman, a Mum, and so many other parts of myself.
LGBTQIA+ role models are so important. Do you have any advice for younger professionals navigating this space in 2024?
While there are amazing role models out there, I believe that every “out” member of the community is an inspiration to others. Visibility and representation are crucial for challenging stereotypes and fostering acceptance and understanding within society.
My advice to younger queer professionals is to seek out a place of employment where you can be yourself, where you are celebrated and respected, not just tolerated. And to all the allies out there – thank you, we appreciate you!
If you are seeking guidance on proactive measures to mitigate future challenges, connect with Suzanne using the link below.
About CCi
CCi is an independent global consultancy whose experts advise the insurance and construction industries on delay/time, quantum/cost, technical, and project management issues.
With more than 200 consultants operating from 21 offices worldwide, we bring clarity and resolution to some of the world’s largest and most complex insurance claims and construction disputes.
Media Contact
Rebecca Bevington
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rebecca.bevington@cci-int.com
