Engineering Inclusivity and Supporting the LGBT+ Community

16 June 2021

In celebration of PRIDE month, Patrick Parsons is embracing inclusivity in the engineering industry by taking a firm stance against discrimination and demonstrating unwavering support for the LGBT+ community.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to empowering our employees, fostering an atmosphere of confidence, comfort, and acceptance within the workplace.

A 2015 study conducted by Alan Shelbrooke and Dr. Mark McBride-Wright CEng MIChemE shed light on distressing issues prevalent within the Engineering Industry.

The study highlights the following issues regarding engineering inclusivity:

  • The engineering sector lags behind in terms of equality and diversity for LGBT+ individuals.
  • Engineers often fear the potential personal and professional risks associated with coming out in the workplace.
  • There are significant concerns about the impact of a homophobic culture on career progression.
  • Approximately half of LGBT+ individuals employed in engineering choose to remain closeted.
  • The lack of visibility perpetuates this cycle, as fewer people feel empowered to come out and serve as role models.
  • There is an increased risk to the mental health of individuals in the engineering industry.

As a company that prides itself on championing diversity, we find these findings deeply concerning. However, this report serves as a wake-up call, reminding us that each and every individual within the industry shares a collective responsibility to create a more inclusive environment.

In light of this, Patrick Parsons is pleased to pledge its support to InterEngineering, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to informing and empowering LGBT+ engineers. Over the coming year, we will critically evaluate our own approach to inclusivity, starting with providing resources and training to all our staff members. Our goal is to create the best possible working environment for every employee, fostering an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and acceptance.

We understand that achieving true inclusivity requires ongoing effort and commitment. By partnering with InterEngineering, we aim to stay informed about best practices and leverage their expertise to drive meaningful change within our organisation. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, not only in terms of sexual orientation but also across all aspects of identity, ensuring that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

As an organisation we encourage open dialogue and communication, emphasizing the importance of listening to and supporting our LGBT+ employees. By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, we can collectively dismantle barriers and work towards creating a more inclusive engineering industry.

Patrick Parsons is proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBT+ community. We are committed to addressing the shortcomings highlighted in the study and promoting a culture of inclusivity and acceptance within our organization. We are taking concrete steps towards change, we strive to build a future where everyone feels confident, comfortable, and celebrated for their authentic selves.

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