The Inclusion Commitment, a collaborative project between Energy & Utility Skills and The Equal Group, was recognised as Inclusion Programme of the Year 2021 at the Engineering Talent Awards in a ceremony in London on 9th September.

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To date, 50 employers have signed the Inclusion Commitment which is entering its second year of data collection. Results from the first year highlighted common issues across the sector, such as under-representation of women in leadership positions and high attrition of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates from the recruitment process. Candidates from BAME backgrounds represent 21% of applicants but only 10% of those employed in the sector.

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This work has been pivotal in gaining sector wide alignment on key areas of focus to ensure the industry is seen as inclusive for all. It has also enabled collaboration with the Prison and Probation Service, 10,000 Black Interns, Women Utilities Network, and Equal Engineers to share best practice. The sector's recruitment hub, Energy & Utilities Jobs, has generated nearly 10 million work opportunities.

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Mac Alonge, CEO and founder of The Equal Group said:

“We are delighted that our collaborative Inclusion Commitment has been recognised on a national level at the Engineering Talent Awards. The Equal Group is proud to be working with Energy & Utility Skills to fulfil our mission of eradicating bias from workplaces.”

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Phil Beach, CEO of Energy & Utility Skills commented: “This is a fantastic achievement as we faced stiff competition from British Aerospace and Siemens on the shortlist. The judges were very impressed with our ground-breaking diversity and inclusion initiatives."

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The Equal Group has also been shortlisted in two categories - Start-up and Fast Growth Business - at the West Midlands Business Masters awards, taking place in November.

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Written by The Equal Group

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For further information and interview opportunities please contact Pamela Pinski: pamela@theequalgroup.com

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