Industry partnership, Hydrogen South West, has today launched its latest report exploring the role of gender diversity in challenging established thinking and accelerating the transition to net zero.
The report recognises that embracing a range of diverse voices that reflect the population at large is the only way to enable the creativity, skills, innovation and constructive challenge the UK hydrogen sector needs to flourish and take a leading role in the international fight against climate change.
Andy Clarke, Chair of Hydrogen South West and Director for Integrated Transport at Costain, said, “We need our best team on the pitch and right now, the data indicates that women are under-represented in the hydrogen sector. At Hydrogen South West, we recognise the positive impact which strong representation from diverse groups has on decision-making, eliminating group think and unlocking innovation. As an emerging sector, it is within our power to embed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into the DNA of our activities, and that is what we intend to do.”
With the UK hydrogen sector forecast to need 90,000 skilled workers by 2030, there is an unprecedented opportunity to create a future legacy of skilled roles and sustainable employment in the South West. The report explores the breadth and depth of roles which will be required in the sector, how their multidisciplinary nature is appealing to a wide range of people and the correlation between diversity and overcoming challenges.
Wera Hobhouse, Member of Parliament for Bath, said, “As a champion of both women’s rights and the environment, I can see that the hydrogen sector represents a natural convergence of the two. Hydrogen is very important for both the transition to net zero and the growth of our regional economy in the South West, and a diverse workforce will be central to its success. It’s important that we tap into women’s potential by inspiring them to embark upon technical professions, seek careers in hydrogen and bring their unique perspectives to problem solving, for the good of society as a whole.”
Jo Dally, Chief Business Officer at the National Composites Centre, said, “We are delighted to host the launch event for the Women in Hydrogen report. It is widely recognised that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters innovation and collaboration. This paper is a call to arms to government, academia and industry to act consciously to create this environment, for the benefit of our future hydrogen economy. In doing so, we shape a more successful environment for everyone.
“How do we do this? We start by showcasing female role models, celebrating their success, actively creating space for women to develop their careers and providing support at all career stages through initiatives such as mentoring. We all have a responsibility to embrace diverse recruitment practices and provide dedicated EDI training. Last but not least, men have a vital role to play as allies, shaping an inclusive environment in which everyone can be at their best.”
To read all the recommendations made in the report in full, follow this link.
