We are proud to announce our participation in a new pilot Inclusive Leadership Programme created and developed by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The initiative reflects our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the engineering industry and our dedication to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.
The Inclusive Leadership Programme aims to address the inclusion deficit within the engineering industry and cultivate a more diverse and inclusive culture. AB Dynamics has joined this initiative, alongside other forward-thinking organisations such as Rolls-Royce SMR, Thales and The Manufacturing Technology Centre, to lead the engineering profession towards a more inclusive future.
Kathryn Downie, Group Head of Talent & Performance at AB Dynamics, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, stating, "We are delighted to be part of the Inclusive Leadership Programme. This is just the beginning of our journey towards diversity and inclusion. We understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace and are committed to learning and growing to ensure that all employees feel valued and empowered. I am proud to be a member of the AB Dynamics team participating in the programme and I am looking forward to helping to deliver real change."
In addition to Kathryn, the other team members include Mark Radley, Senior Real Time Software Engineer, Jennie Franks, Lead Software Engineer and James Benfield, Engineering Director. Each member brings a unique perspective and leadership role within the organisation.
Jennie Franks shared her thoughts on this new inclusivity programme and AB Dynamics' involvement, saying, "I have always believed in leading by example, so I am delighted that the team from AB Dynamics has been accepted onto the programme. Inclusivity is a matter close to my heart and I am proud to work at a company that values its staff and takes equality, diversity and inclusion seriously. Our team's acceptance onto the programme is an endorsement of AB Dynamics' commitment both to its staff, and also to researching and implementing ways to improve our working environment."
The Royal Academy of Engineering is a renowned national academy that provides leadership, promotes talent, and drives innovation across engineering and technology. The academy's vision aligns with our commitment to building a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that benefits everyone. Through the Inclusive Leadership Programme, the academy aims to develop a scalable and evidence-based model for fostering inclusive leadership and cultures within the engineering industry.
Over the course of the programme, the AB Dynamics team will engage in a range of activities, including inclusive leadership training, designing, and delivering an inclusion-focused project, and participating in peer group workshops. Additionally, participants will have access to mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities to support their growth as inclusive leaders.
In an effort to create further meaningful change, we have also recently made our Social Mobility Pledge. It is the largest business campaign of its kind and is aiming to narrow the opportunity gap through three key elements - outreach, access, and recruitment. We are excited to collaborate on these projects and we are committed to our social and diversity journey, recognising that continuous learning and growth are vital for creating an inclusive and thriving workplace.
The launch event for the Inclusive Leadership Programme was hosted at the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Prince Phillip House in London last week. For more information, please visit https://raeng.org.uk/inclusive-leadership