The All Party Parliamentary Group on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM published the Equity in the STEM Workforce report which reveals the comparative lack of diversity in the STEM workforce to the broader workforce. This results from barriers marginalised groups face from education through to employment and retention. Data from the report found that Black and racialised minoritized men are 28% less likely to work in STEM and 29% of LGBTQIA+ people surveyed stated they would not consider a career in STEM due to fears of discrimination. Furthermore, the report states that women constitute less than a quarter of the core STEM workforce. This discrimination is further emphasised by the Institute of Government & Public Policy's most recent statistics, where 65% of respondents reported feeling that the government's approach to women in STEM is poor.

The importance of the STEM sector is undeniable. It directly impacts the lives of all individuals through innovations such as developments in renewable energy to the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination. The reliance on STEM innovations for the maintenance and preservation of life will only grow with the inevitable challenges we face in the UK and globally, from environmental to economic, thus, it is imperative for STEM-reliant organisations to champion diversity. Life-changing innovations that impact all should consider, and this can only be achieved through inclusion and collaboration.

The second instalment of our improving diversity in STEM sessions will explore the various strategies to embed diversity in STEM recruitment, retention, and progression. Join us to hear best-practise case studies, connect with colleagues and peers, and learn from experts in EDI and STEM.