Briefing: The Equality and Diversity Panel, Institution of Civil Engineers

This paper discusses the remit of the Institution of Civil Engineer's Equality and Diversity Panel and questions the need to engage with the diversity agenda. The answer is to ensure that we reflect society, that we understand each distinct environment we work in, that we provide the most suitable solution and attract the biggest pool of talented people to become engineers so we can continue to serve society. It is well documented that girls outperform boys at GCSE level in science, engineering, technical and mathematics subjects, with a decrease in attainment at both A′ level and degree level. This, together with an understanding of why those who are disabled or from black and ethnic minority backgrounds show low entry levels to civil engineering, requires further investigation. Historically, Britain's ethnic minority populations have favoured career paths outside of engineering, with significant numbers going into the medical profession; this gives a further line of investigation to follow. The paper further considers if actual construction creates barriers in addition to those that exist socially, and concludes that full engagement with diversity initiatives must be beneficial to both society and the civil engineering industry.