It can be debatable whether or not having a Professional registration or becoming a Chartered Engineer is worth it. In this article we're providing practical tips to showcase how you demonstrate your awareness of Diversity, Equity/Equality and Inclusion (DE&I) in your applications.
First things first, we can agree that becoming professionally registered or gaining chartered status can play a vital role in validating an individual's competence and expertise within their chosen field or sector. A key competency that is required for the application for many Institutions is DE&I amongst other competencies.
Embodying DE&I is pivotal and it isn't just another checkbox - it is a strategic imperative and an important matter for the sector and society. For instance, one of the four key themes in the Engineering Council’s 2025 Strategy is diversity and inclusion. The Council requires the sector and all engineering disciplines to increase the diversity of those entering the profession, and create an environment where all feel welcome, supported and able to contribute fully.
Also, the Royal Academy of Engineering issued a ‘Diversity in Engineering Concordant’, which seeks to ensure that the profession properly reflects the society it serves and takes action to attract engineers from increasingly diverse backgrounds into professional membership and registration.
To align with the Engineering Council’s strategy, professional engineers looking to achieve Chartered Engineering status with their professional engineering institutions, are required to demonstrate their commitment to DE&I.Â
As DE&I is a relatively new criteria on the chartership application, below are five actionable steps to seamlessly integrate DE&I into your journey towards becoming a Chartered Engineer with any of the professional engineering institutions.
Continuous Learning:
Attend company and/or industry-specific courses, webinars, and workshops focused on DE&I. Demonstrating a commitment to staying informed showcases your dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Application in Professional Practice:
Integrate DE&I principles into everyday professional activities. From employee appraisals to recruitment processes, incorporate a lens of equity and inclusion. This ensures that DE&I is not just a concept but a lived reality within your professional interactions.
Designing for Diversity:
Extend your commitment beyond people to spaces. Consider the impact of your engineering decisions on diverse populations. Design facilities that accommodate the needs of disabled individuals or create office environments tailored for neuro-divergent colleagues.
Active Participation in Cultural Initiatives:
Take a leadership role or actively participate in office cultural days and webinars addressing issues relating to gender and racial diversity, intersectionality, and other diversity issues. Your involvement signals a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
Inclusive Leadership in Meetings:
Showcase your commitment to inclusion during team meetings. As a team leader, manager or meeting chair prioritize input from every team member, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Welcoming various forms of feedback, such as one-on-one conversations and emails, enhances communication channels.
Conclusion
By weaving these strategies into your engineering profession and embodying them, you not only align with the values of the Engineering Council, Royal Academy of Engineering and the professional engineering institutions but also contribute to a more equitable and diverse engineering landscape.
Written by Nike Amiaka
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