New diversity initiative launched

In collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Science Council has launched a new initiative for professional bodies to help improve inclusion and diversity.

More initiatives are being put into place to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds into STEM careers, however a report by the Royal Academy of Engineering has indicated distinct differences in how ethnic groups manage in the job market, with 71% of white engineering graduates securing full-time work after six months, in comparison to 51% of black and minority ethnic (BME) students.

The framework focuses on supporting discussion, planning, initiation and assessment of diversity and inclusion practice. You can read a booklet on this framework here.

Philip Greenish CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, commented:

“The success of engineering and science based activities in the UK is constrained in various ways by limitations in diversity and inclusion in the workforce...

The Academy is very pleased to have the opportunity to build on this through collaboration with the Science Council so that we can jointly address diversity and inclusion issues across the whole STEM landscape. Professional bodies form the backbone of the engineering profession and we intend that this framework will provide them a clear and transparent tool to make a step-change in improving diversity and inclusion.”

The IBMS is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, and encourages professional bodies to learn more about this initiative to improve diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

In 2015, the IBMS conducted a diversity survey of its members. You can more about the survey and its results in the August 2016 issue of The Biomedical Scientist.