Data published by WISE show that, although the number of women engineering professionals has doubled since 2012, they continue to represent less than 10% of the workforce - the lowest proportion in Europe. To reach even a modest target of 30%, WISE calculates that the UK would need 1 million additional women in the science, technology and engineering workforce.
To address this challenge, 20 major UK companies have committed to a ten point plan, based on actions which have proved to make the most difference within a science, technology or engineering environment. The ten steps have been developed by industry members and partners of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the WISE Campaign.
Trudy Norris-Grey, Chair of the WISE Campaign, said: “Our economy needs more women in science, technology and engineering to propel the competitiveness of UK industry on the world stage. To make a real difference, we need the commitment of industry at the highest level to ensure the working environment gives women the same opportunities to succeed as their male colleagues.
“I am delighted that 20 top companies have shown leadership in being the first to commit to implement the ten point plan. We hope that, with the Prime Minister’s support, many more companies will join them in the future.”
The campaign is already gaining momentum in the highways sector, as Highways Agency Chief Executive Graham Dalton has made a personal commitment to sign as well as to promote the Ten Steps within their supply chain.
Allan Cook, Chair of the Academy’s Diversity Leadership Group and Chairman of Atkins, commented: “UK industry needs to recruit, retain and inspire the best talent available to build and retain a competitive position in the STEM business sector. As long as women represent such a small proportion of our workforce, especially at senior levels, we know that we are missing out on a rich pool of talent. It is widely recognised that a diverse workforce offers real advantages in terms of increased innovation and effectiveness.”
“This is a business imperative as we look to maintain and enhance the UK’s competitive edge in our engineering sector which is such a vital part of our national economy.”
The ten point plan is a pledge to:
- understand the starting point and put plans in place to improve performance and monitor progress
- educate leaders and give them accountability for change
- change mind-sets by challenging bias and sexism
- be creative in job design
- make flexible working a reality for all
- increase transparency of opportunities for progression
- sponsor talented women, giving the same exposure as men and support to develop their career
- demonstrate to women that we want to retain them through career breaks and beyond
- treat the retention of women as we would any other issue affecting our core business
- share learning and good practice with our industry partners
The 20 business signatories are:
Robin Southwell - President, Airbus Group UK
Uwe Krueger - Chief Executive, Atkins
Alan Belfield - Regional Director, Arup
Peter Rogers - Chief Executive, Babcock
Ian King - Chief Executive, BAE Systems
Christine Hodgson - Chairman, Cap Gemini
Bob Joyce - Director Product Creation and Delivery, Jaguar Land Rover
John Lazar - Chief Executive, Metaswitch
Grant Rumbles - Chief Executive, Mouchel Group
Steve Holliday - Chief Executive, National Grid
Mark Carne - Chief Executive, Network Rail
Colin Lawther - Senior Vice President, Nissan
Steve Reffitt - Chief Operating Officer, Parsons Brinckerhoff
Ian Powell - Chairman, PWC
Leo Quinn - Chief Executive, Qinetiq
Ian Davis - Chairman, Rolls-Royce
Liv Garfield - Chief Executive, Severn Trent
Erik Bonino - Chairman, Shell UK Ltd
Victor Chavez - Chief Executive, Thales UK
John Neill - Chair and Group Chief Executive, Unipart
WISE Campaign
WISE is a classroom to boardroom campaign to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We inspire girls to study and build careers in science, technology and engineering. We work with employers to ensure women do their best work and thrive.
Activities include:
• Events for girls, parents and teachers to meet young women who are working in the industry, love what they do and are making a difference
• Support and advice on practices and policies which will help to attract and retain female talent
• Research
• Sharing best practice
• Using role models and champions from the WISE community to inspire others through strategic policy interventions and high profile campaigns,
www.wisecampaign.org.uk
Royal Academy of Engineering
As the UK’s national academy for engineering, we bring together the most successful and talented engineers for a shared purpose: to advance and promote excellence in engineering. We provide analysis and policy support to promote the UK’s role as a great place to do business.
We take a lead on engineering education and we invest in the UK’s world-class research base to underpin innovation. We work to improve public awareness and understanding of engineering. We are a national academy with a global outlook. We have four strategic challenges: Drive faster and more balanced economic growth; foster better education and skills; lead the profession; promote engineering at the heart of society.
www.raeng.org.uk
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For further information contact:
Helen Wollaston, Director of WISE on 01274 724009 or 07814 239016 or [email protected]
Sarah Shaw, WISE Communications Director on 07545 208 530 or [email protected]