My D&I Journey with:
Jo Foster,
Diversity & Inclusion Manager
The Institution of Engineering and Technology
Q1.
What brought you to the d&i role and what do you like most about your job?
A1.
I was lucky enough to have stumbled into this profession and find a job that I am genuinely passionate about. My role and experience has broadened significantly in the eight years that I have been with the IET. I like the fact that I can make a difference, have full autonomy over the work that I do and work with some incredible people. I also like that I can do as much research as I like in order to further build my experience as an ED&I practitioner.
Q2.
For someone thinking of a career in d&i, or looking to get more involved in their organisations d&i activities, what three skills would you say are the most important to succeed and why
A2.
1. Passion – if you enjoy making a difference then this can really motivate you to create impactful change and have fun while doing it.
2. Inquisitive nature – there is so much to learn in this area and there is no set way of doing things as each organisation will have different requirement. Therefore, it’s great to be curious and have a desire to do additional research on the subject.
3. Embracing diversity of thought – sometimes better outcomes can be achieved by taking different views into account. Different perspectives can bring about more impactful outcomes and present opportunities that may not have been established otherwise.
Q3.
Tell us about a new d&i initiative you are driving at the moment and it’s aims
A3.
I recently created the IET Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. It has been approved by the Exec Team and Board of Trustees. I am working with ERG’s to deliver elements of the strategy. It is very broad and has an internal and external focus. The aim is to embed ED&I throughout the whole of the organisation in order to create a culture shift, focus upon multiple diversity strands and ensure that our own house is in order.
Q4.
To date, which d&i related activity you have been involved with has had the biggest positive impact on creating an inclusive culture (can be current or previous company)
A4.
The IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards. I have implemented tactics and processes that significantly reduce unconscious bias and allow for more inclusive engagement.
Q5.
The future workplace – what do you see having the biggest impact on the d&i role in the next 5 years and what are you doing now to prepare?
A5.
The ED&I strategy will have the biggest impact as it will eventually permeate every area of the organisation and be rooted in our values. I have started to set up ERG’s in order to help support the development in this area.
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