b'Partner News Spring 2024 7IET updatesNeurodiversity in Engineering and TechnologyHow to build a more inclusive professionA 2022 IET survey found that almost one inMany find that being part of an under- and technicians, employers, external partners, five people from our IET Volunteer communityrepresented group within the industryand neurodiverse engineers and technicians who responded (19%) identified as definitelymagnifies the challenges. themselves. or possibly neurodivergent. Due to a general lack of awareness and understanding of neurodiversity,It also reveals insights from the project Later that year we commissioned qualitativeemployers miss the opportunity to helpteam on creating an environment in which research to build greater understandingneurodiverse employees excel at work. neurodivergent engineers and technicians and awareness of the lived experiences offeel able to speak about their experiences. neurodivergent engineers and technicians,And the good news?and identify how a more inclusiveIts clear what needs to be done andWe at the IET also make commitments in the environment could be created. participants in the study identified sevenreport to make engineering and technology key areas:truly inclusive for all neurodivergent people.The report, published in November 2023, revealed an urgent need to makeTreating neurodivergent engineers andTo explore the full report please visit engineering and technology more accessibletechnicians as individuals.theiet.org/neurodiversity or scan the to neurodivergent people.Raising awareness and shifting attitudesQR code: Training line managers to support. Some of the main findings:neurodivergent team members. Integrating neurodiversity into working The current situation is not, in general,practices and culture. positive. Making it easier to access workplace Many people are reluctant to be open atadjustments. work about their neurodivergence dueOffering targeted career support where to stigma and say they face a range ofit is wanted. challenges.Enabling neurodivergent engineers and Some believe the many varied strengthstechnicians to access and build support.To join the IET Neurodiversity member they bring to their work are notnetwork contact the EDI team at recognised or appreciated by employersThe report also provides specificinclusion@theiet.org.and fear the risks in speaking up mayrecommendations for action for managers outweigh the benefits. and colleagues of neurodivergent engineers Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion update There is a lot going on to improveWe celebrated LGBTQ+ history month inOur first webinar took place in March equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)February by highlighting some communityand offered practical advice on building across the IET and within our profession.members who have made a big impact in theneuroinclusion for organisations and Here are a few recent highlights.world of STEM. From tech pioneer Leanneemployers, visit XXX to watch on Pittsford to World War II hero, Alan Turing,demand. At the end of 2023, we held our firstthere have been many LGBTQ+ difference Young Woman Engineer (YWE) of themakers - head over to our social media pagesIn March, our newly established EDI Year alumnae event, bringing togetherto find out more. Board hosted its first meeting to discuss this community of accomplished womenfocus areas and objectives over the engineers to get to know each othercoming months for both the IET and the better, share their passion and enthusiasmwider engineering community.for their work and further engage with the IET. In 2024, we will continue to workHelp us improve EDI across the closely with this incredible network toprofession by sharing your inclusivity tip build relationships and approach globalor advice: bit.ly/inclusive-thinkingengineering challenges.'