Leading the composites industry charge on equity, diversity and inclusion

Composites UK has unveiled a landmark report for the UK composites industry, marking the first comprehensive analysis of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the sector. The survey, conducted among industry members, benchmarks the current state of play and reveals critical insights that demand immediate action.

The report highlights a number of significant challenges:

· Females represent only 20% of the workforce and just 15% of technical roles, compared with their 53% share of the general working-age population.

· Non-white British individuals constitute 8% of the workforce, significantly below the 18% representation in the broader working-age population.

· Individuals with disabilities make up 9% of the workforce, far below their 23% representation in the working-age population.

· Many organisations feel uneasy discussing certain EDI characteristics, hindering progress.

The findings underscore the complexity of EDI issues and the need for companies to overcome barriers to inclusivity. Recognising these challenges, Composites UK will lead a five-year strategy to drive sector-wide change, introducing an EDI framework, a pledge and extensive resources to support companies in fostering more inclusive workplaces.

The aim of this initiative is not to impose quotas or encourage a ‘tick-box’ approach, but to inspire organisations to evaluate and reform basic practices and behaviours that may hinder inclusion. By raising awareness, Composites UK seeks to attract a more diverse talent pool, ensuring the sector’s sustainability.

Matt Bradney, Chair of the Composites UK Workforce Development Group, emphasises the urgency by stating: “We either do this or we don’t have an industry.”

The composites industry faces a critical skills shortage. By prioritising EDI and showcasing this commitment, the sector can become more appealing to a broader, more diverse workforce, unlocking new talent, driving future growth and enhancing long-term competitiveness in the global market.