25
Acknowledged
STEM-related roles are an important part of the UK labour market, and just as is...
Conclusion
STEM-related roles are an important part of the UK labour market, and just as is the case in other workplaces, the benefits of improved diversity and inclusion are clear, for employers and employees alike. The path to achieving this is not necessarily STEM-specific, but is rather likely to require a concerted, long-term effort across the entire workforce.
Government Response Summary
DSIT committed to working with the sector to implement the R&D People and Culture Strategy and to work across government to deliver the ambitions set out in the UK’s Science and Technology Framework to expand opportunities for participation in STEM and ensure a more diverse workforce by 2030, through programmes like STEM Ambassadors and British Science Week.
Paragraph Reference
152
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
125. The establishment of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to ensuring the UK is the most innovative economy in the world and a science and technology superpower. Delivering on this commitment requires that talented people, no matter their background, at the heart of great R&D in the UK, should be able to enjoy rewarding and sustainable careers, working in an environment that truly supports discovery, diversity and innovation. 126. DSIT is committed to working with the sector to implement the R&D People and Culture Strategy, as already set out in this response, to create lasting and positive change, in a number of areas, that will drive greater diversity and inclusion in UK STEM sectors and our wider research, development and innovation system. As mentioned in paragraph 4, the Department is committed to cross-government efforts to deliver the ambitions set out in the UK’s Science and Technology Framework, which includes our stated ambition that, by 2030, we will have expanded opportunities for participation in STEM and ensured that a more diverse range of people enter the science and technology workforce. DSIT will work closely with DfE, UKRI, other Departments and wider sector bodies to deliver on this commitment. Government will continue to support STEM Inspiration programmes such as STEM Ambassadors and the CREST Awards with continuing focus on engaging with and inspiring underrepresented groups to aspire to careers in research, technology and innovation. Ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to develop a positive relationship with STEM will be important for increasing the level of diversity and inclusion across STEM. Government will continue to support activity that helps with this, for example through British Science Week each March, which coordinates events and activity across the UK, with particular support for schools in challenging circumstances to run their own Science Week events.
Source
Inquiry
Diversity and inclusion in STEM
Report
Fifth Report - Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
24 Mar 2023
HC 95
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age
3.2 yrs
Report published
24 Mar 2023