The EDI Playbook is set of resources and case studies to support organisations within the foundation industries to increase equity, diversity and inclusion in their teams.
TransFIRe’s EDI team has worked with TransFIRe’s industry partners and subject matter experts across the UK foundation industries to compile data, best practices, insights, resources and strategies, to create this shared knowledge-base.
The EDI Playbook is free to use. Please feel free to share, and adapt it for use in your organisation.
Contents
Research Reports of EDI in the Foundation Industries
TFI Network+ Report: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Future Proofing Your Workforce
This 2023 TFI Network+ project engaged 3 foundation industry businesses to pilot a unique development and coaching proposition that aims to empower businesses to co-design and deliver EDI culture change.
• Establish structures and build capabilities to attract, retain and progress diverse talent across each of the foundation industries.
To help us to deliver on these goals, EDI is represented throughout TransFIRe’s Governance structure.
TransFIRe Report: State of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the UK Foundation Industries 2022
This TransFIRe EDI research set out to measure a baseline of the EDI capabilities of organisations in the Foundation Industries in 2022.
TransFIRe Report: EDI Landscape Map
We have compiled a categorised list of organisations that provide support and promote EDI relevant for the foundation industries.
ERC Research Report: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the UK Foundation Industries.
In 2021, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) commissioned this research to improve understanding of age and gender diversity of the foundation industry workforce.
UKRI: Future Skills for the Foundation Industries
Research by the UKRI TFI team in 2021 identified widespread concern about skills availability and the provision of education and training across disciplines required by the foundation industries. This report was commissioned to assess the future skills needs for the foundation industries.
Policy and strategy examples
TransFIRe Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
We are pleased to share our EDI Strategy as part of the Playbook as a template for others.
Equity Edge Podcast
Listen to The Equity Edge Podcast
The Equity Edge is all about shaping tomorrow’s foundation industries, with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and how it can help us achieve a sustainable and fairer future.
Hosts Professor Sue Black OBE and Jo Stansfield meet expert guests across the industries for discussion topics vital not only for our future workforce, but for the future of the foundation industries.
Case Studies
The TransFIRe EDI team worked with industry partners to capture case studies of EDI best-practice in action.
Transforming Workplace Culture at the Materials Processing Institute
Highlighting proactive leadership, the importance of incorporating the lived experiences and voices of employees in transforming workplace culture.
Elevating Wellbeing and Mental Health Awareness at Hanson
Mental health became an increasing issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hanson established a culture of support for all colleagues, and has trained over 220 employees as Mental Health First Aiders.
Launching Member Networks at Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
Launched by its Chief Executive in 2021, IOM3 introduced three new member networks, to bring together and support people who may be in an under-represented group in their profession.
Expanding the EDI Vision at Sheffield Forgemasters
Initially focused on representation of women, Forgemasters have expanded their EDI vision to be inclusive of diverse thoughts and abilities, and embedded EDI into the company’s business plan.
Getting the Fundamentals in Place at Glass Technologies
Already embracing flexible working and caring for wellbeing, Glass Technologies are preparing to create their first EDI strategy.
Setting Targets for Women’s Career Progression at Constellium
With 33% female representation in the workforce, but a shortage of women leaders and in technical roles, Constellium has created initiatives to ensure everyone is provided with the skills and opportunities to progress.
TransFIRe’s EDI Working Group
Through the TransFIRe project, there has been an opportunity to convene foundation industry businesses for the first time on the topic of EDI. Our EDI Working Group sessions brought together people from across the Foundation Industries with an interest in EDI leadership, many leading EDI programmes in their businesses or externally. Each session opened with an expert speaker, followed by informal, guided discussion. While the discussions are confidential, we are pleased to share some presentations from our guest speakers.
“Come as you are, and you will be welcome”.
Transforming culture for equity, diversity and inclusion at the Materials Processing Institute. Presented by Melissa Bevington, Head of HR.
Can workforce diversity stimulate transformation towards a more sustainable future?
Jack Daly, Post Doctoral Research Fellow presents his group’s EDI research funded by TFI Network+.
People Data: How to use data for better outcomes for diversity, equity, and inclusion at work
Presented by Jo Stansfield, Founder of Inclusioneering and TransFIRe’s Senior EDI Project Manager.
Event reports and recordings
Foundation Industry Forum 2023
How can we ensure the right people for future technologies?
Turn to page 8 to read about the outcomes from our EDI Workshop session, with over 100 delegates from a range of academic, industrial and other organisations.
UK Metals Expo 2022: Listen to the recording
TransFIRe’s Mike Thakoordin joined Philippa Oldham (Advanced Propulsion Centre) to challenge recruitment stereotypes in their fireside chat: Diversity & Inclusivity in the Metals Industry.
Foundation Industry Forum 2022: Watch on YouTube
Join Sue Black for a fireside chat with metals industry veteran Jon Bolton, followed by a panel discussion with industry and EDI experts, for discussion around key questions including: How do we become truly transformative within our industries? How can we become more inclusive and diverse in our workforces? What are some of the changes that we are making?
TFI Network+ Workshop Report: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Foundation Industries
Transforming Foundation Industries Network+ held a virtual workshop in March 2022 discussing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Foundation Industries.
Articles and Blog posts
Embracing diversity within the Foundation Industries
17th June 2024. By Jo Stansfield and Dr Lucy Smith. Materials World.
How can the foundation industries attract and retain a diverse workforce?
Blog post: Inclusive Innovation in the Foundation Industries
24th July 2023. By Jo Stansfield. TransFIRe EDI Blog.
Jo reflects on an EDI Working Group session held with Karen Souza, D&I Partner at Innovate UK KTN, who outlined their approach to Inclusive Innovation.
Blog post: Women Innovators in Foundation Industries – Workshop and networking event
26th May 2023. By Jo Stansfield. TransFIRe EDI Blog.
Held in London at IOM3, this event brought together people from across the foundation industries to learn about Foundation Industry 4.0 solutions being led by women innovators.
Blog post: Materials Processing Institute (MPI) EDI Focus Group
9th February 2023. By Ciel Newton. TransFIRe EDI Blog.
Ciel reflects on a visit to MPI, and a powerful focus group session with a diverse selection of staff members.
Blog post: How can we make sure Awards are inclusive?
4th January 2024. By Jo Stansfield. TransFIRe EDI Blog.
“How can we make sure Awards are inclusive?” was a question posed in TransFIRe’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group…
Blog post: Ethnic Minorities into Leadership Conference
1st December 2022. By Ciel Newton. TransFIRe EDI Blog
Ciel shares insights gleaned from the conference on best practice to apply to TransFIRe Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) programme.
Securing the foundation – EDI in the foundation industries
8th November 2022, by Jo Stansfield. Materials World.
Jo Stansfield, Senior EDI Project Manager for TransFIRe, reports on the role of equality, diversity and inclusion in the foundation industries to achieve net-zero in 2050 and greater sustainability.
Joining forces – collating case studies on ED&I in the foundation industries
8th November 2022, by Jude Allan MIMMM. Materials World.
Jude Allan MIMMM, Chair of an IOM3 group collating case studies on equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) in the foundation industries, talks about next steps to enhance the ED&I focus in these sectors.