On 5 November 2009 Arup’s UK and Middle East diversity champion, Alan Belfield, made a commitment on behalf of Arup to the CEO Charter for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology in the UK.
The Charter represents a visible commitment from the senior leadership of participating firms to implement a positive culture change, increasing the participation and progression of women in these industries.
In signing the Charter, Arup has made an active commitment to:
- Support the aim of increasing female participation at all levels within the organisation.
- Develop and communicate the business case for gender equality within the firm, its supply chain and wider networks.
- Promote and showcase Arup’s approach to equality and examples of best practice at relevant events and forums.
- Develop and implement clearly defined strategies to encourage women to enter and progress in, or return to, careers in the engineering industry.
The prestigious event was attended by over 100 captains of industry, business leaders and academics at London’s BT Tower. It also provided an opportunity for the UK Resource Centre for Women (UKRC) to launch its new gender equality award, The SET Fair Standard. The award forms part of UKRC’s services aimed at promoting and ensuring the inclusion of women in the workforce.
"I'm delighted that we have signed up to the CEO Charter" Alan says. "Arup has always aimed to be inclusive and this public sign of our commitment to diversity will help reinforce our commitment."
Further details of the CEO Charter and other organisations that have also committed to it can be found on the UKRC website.