DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
IHEEM recognises that an important first step in creating an inclusive culture is to understand why diversity and inclusion are beneficial in engineering.
In addition, UK engineering is facing serious skills shortages. Addressing diversity and inclusion will not only help bridge this gap, but it will also help drive innovation and creativity. As the UKs largest engineering institute, it is our responsibility to raise awareness, inform and educate our members on certain topics.
Awareness
IHEEM raise awareness of the key role of Healthcare engineers in enabling sustainable development to encourage more diverse people to join the profession and Healthcare sector. The Institute continue to provide resources, guidance, and practical and technical advice to inform all our members on the workforce and prevalence of inclusive cultures across engineering industry.
Inform
By informing our members and identifying barriers, we are ensuring there is inform actions and recommendations on diversity and inclusion, with clear articulation of the importance of an inclusive engineering workforce that works for everyone.
Educate
To educate our members we have interaction between D&I champions, majority allies, engineering leaders, Fellows, and the wider profession through training and events to share knowledge and best practice on diversity and Inclusion. Our Diversity and Inclusion Working Group provides guidance and advice to our Council on diversity and inclusion matters.
Diversity and Inclusion Group
The working group is made up of 5 members and is chaired by Kim Shelley, Director of Eta Projects Ltd, as well as Claire Hennessy from Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Duane Passman, Programme Director – Acute Development, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Gareth Longley, Business Development Manager for the North, Midlands & Scotland at Topscan UK Ltd.
Main of objectives of the working group are to:
- Encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to engage with the Institute
- Make recommendations to the IHEEM Council in relation to the direction and strategy of the Institute regarding diversity and inclusion
- Develop and implement the Institute’s diversity and inclusion programme
- Inspire the next generation
- Identify and address any perceived barriers within the Institute