The number of women in engineering on Boards and in executive positions at 13%, significantly lags behind FTSE 100 companies where 24% of such roles are held by women.
What the numbers say
New research by executive search firm Inclusive Boards into the engineering sector, shows that only 58% of the top 500 firms have at least one woman in either a Board or executive position, compared with 100% of FTSE 100 companies.
Almost 90% of engineering firms have no women from BAME backgrounds either on their Board or in their executive team. Less than 1% (0.8%) of all executive and Board positions in the top 500 engineering firms are held by BAME women
The full report, along with a list of the 100 Influential Women in the UK Engineering Sector, will be officially
The top 100
The 100 Influential Women in UK Engineering list showcases exceptional women role models from organisations such as Arup, BAE Systems, Dyson, Laing O’Rourke and Network Rail.
Jane Atkinson, Executive Director of Engineering and Automation for Bilfinger UK, has been named number one on the list. She said: “Having good role models is critical to attracting new diverse talent. In the engineering world, there are many jobs and professions that an engineer can do, getting the public to understand this and show people that anyone can do it will ultimately make engineering more attractive.”
Elizabeth Oni-Iyiola, Development Director at Inclusive Boards, said: “Engineers have an impact on almost every area of our day to day lives. Those featured are role models who inspire those around them and demonstrate leadership and influence in the work that they do.”
Bridget Rosewell CBE, Senior Independent Director at Network Rail, said:
“It is not only about engaging women, but there is also a need to engage men more effectively to promote an inclusive working environment. The workplace should be family-friendly by incorporating more flexible working hours. There is also a need to respect and value distinction and difference.”
Rebecca DeNiro, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Dyson, said:
“Engineering is, unfortunately, an industry that suffers from a lack of women. Dyson has been championing inclusivity through the James Dyson Foundation and the Dyson Institute of Engineering Technology, recruiting and inspiring young female engineers to help close the gender gap in the industry.”
