The Equity Edge

Bonus episode: Disability and Neurodiversity in Engineering

In this second and final bonus episode of #TheEquityEdge we focus on disability and neurodiversity in Engineering. Hosts Professor Sue Black OBE and Jo Stansfield are joined by Martin Griffin, Geotechnical Engineer and award-winning EDI champion for advocacy for disability and neurodiversity inclusion, Chair of Ably Different, a member of the group of IOM3, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, Co-Chair of the EqualEngineers neurodiversity network, and Vice President of the Geological Society with responsibility for EDI. The discussion begins with acknowledging that disability can sometimes be described as a forgotten dimension of diversity, and raises the issue of whether equity, diversity and inclusion programs are fully including disabled and neurodiverse people. We look at what businesses need to be aware of for the inclusion and accessibility for their disabled and neurodiverse employees and consider the importance of reasonable adjustments . Martin recommends support for employers to adopt to ensure they become disability and neurodivergent inclusive, and how to adopt a more inclusive culture at work, whether in the process of change or just starting out.

Bonus Episode: Celebrating Women in Engineering

In this bonus episode of #TheEquityEdge we mark International Women in Engineering Day, to raise the profile of women in engineering, celebrate their achievements and highlight the amazing engineering career opportunities available to women and girls. Hosts Professor Sue Black OBE and Jo Stansfield are joined by Sarah Connolly, a Materials Engineer and Innovation Lead for transforming foundation industries, Lorraine Ferris, a Scientist and Managing Director who has worked across management consulting, environmental and chemical industries, and is now a fellow at the Henry Royce Institute, and Lucy Smith, Head of Transformation at the Materials Processing Institute, and leading Foundation Industries Ventures, also known as Five. The conversation charts their individual, varied career paths, the highlights of their career so far, and the achievements they are most proud of. They discuss data around the percentage of women working in engineering decreasing, the fact that women aged 35 – 65 are choosing to leave the industry, and how we can retain female talent through the impact of allies, advocates and mentors. This is a live recording of #TheEquityEdge, recorded at the TransFIRe final event, which closes the three-year programme of research and innovation.

Episode Eight: Fit for purpose: Fit for the Future

In this episode of #TheEquityEdge we wrap up the series by focusing on the future. Hosts Professor Sue Black OBE and Jo Stansfield are joined by guests Bruce Adderley, Challenge Director for Transforming Foundation Industries at Innovate UK, Nana Campbell, Chief Impact Officer at the 10,000 Interns Foundation, Laura Baker, Head of Product Management and Development at Tata Steel, UK, and ambassador for STEM skills and education, Aston Fuller, General Manager at Glass Futures. Our industry experts explore what lies ahead. They discuss the future challenges such as the demographics of the industry, with an aging workforce and environmental issues such as transitioning to green steel. They look at ways to replenish the recruitment pipeline through internships and collaboration (within manufacturing, research, technology and the supply chain). The conversation covers the role of EDI across the foundations industries.

Episode Seven: Production, Protection and Provision: Metal

In this episode of #TheEquityEdge our industry focus is metal. Host Jo Stansfield is joined by guests Pam Murrell, Chief Executive Officer of the Cast Metals Federation and director of the UK Metals Council, Katherine Evans, Chartered Geologist and Founder of Bold as Brass, advocating for gender equity in mining and construction, and Jon Bolton, a prominent figure in the UK Steel industry and current Chair of the Materials Processing Institute. We learn how inclusive is metals manufacturing for workers of today and in the future. We hear from metals industry experts and explore practical actions for inclusion. The guests examine the need to widen the workforce through policies that make the industry accessible for all, and discuss the environmental issues in E.S.G. They focus on PPE, facilities and the mental health and wellbeing issues for female staff and recognise that “one size fits no one”.

Episode Six: Diversity, Functionality and Versatility: Paper

In this episode of #TheEquityEdge our industry focus is paper. Hosts Professor Sue Black OBE and Jo Stansfield are joined by guests Graham Ormondroyd, Head of Materials Research at the Biocomposites Center and Professor of wood science at Bangor University, Jude Allen, Chair of the Packaging Group and EDI Lead at the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, and Natanael Bolson, Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and a Researcher on the TransFIRe programme. We learn about the manufacturing, functionality and versatility of paper and packaging. The guests focus on sustainability, skills shortage, the circular economy, and attracting and developing people with suitable skills. They consider paper’s role in the transformation to net zero alongside building more diverse and inclusive workspaces that are far reaching than the production line, by creating awareness and sharing best practice.