On the 28th of October 2021, InterEngineering and the Royal Academy of Engineering hosted a summit to define what is needed to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in the engineering sector. The day was attended by 25 leaders from industry, academia and the engineering professional bodies, which included Rolls-Royce, WSP, Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald, Jacobs, the Institute of Mining, Minerals and Manufacturing (IMO3), Atkins, the Queen Elizabeth’s Prize and the University of Birmingham.
The day was started with an introduction by the founder of InterEngineering Dr Mark McBride-Wright discussing the work which InterEngineering has achieved in the last 6 years since its inception in 2015. Polly Williams, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering then outlined the Academy’s diversity and inclusion strategy and aims for the future. John Bradbury, Operations Director of InterEngineering then took the attendees through a workshop to address the following points in reference to LGBTQ+ engineering:
- What do we do well as an industry for LGBTQ+ inclusion?
- What do we need to develop and work on?
- What are the aims for the next 5 years for LGBTQ+ inclusion?
- What support do we need to achieve the aims?
These points were then used to construct an overall plan to improve LGBTQ+ in engineering over the next 5 years.
Since the summit InterEngineering has been working hard to develop a refined plan. This plan will aim to address several areas which by themselves and combined will launch LGBTQ+ inclusion to the next level. The areas we will focus on are:
- Connecting Isolated Engineers
- Leadership & Engaging the Majority
- Inspiring Future Engineers and Diversification
- Improved Resources & Data
We have established working groups for all of these areas. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to sponsor/support our work please reach out to us at team@interengineeringlgbt.com
We would like to thank our wonderful attendees for showing us the pathway to shape our future, the Royal Academy of Engineering for sponsoring the summit and our dedicated and fantastic volunteers.