Charter for women in science, technology, engineering and maths

Despite some slow progress in recent years, women's under-representation in science, engineering, technology and maths careers remains pervasive.

As part of the drive to reverse this pattern, Prospect has drawn up a charter for women in STEM. The charter calls on organisations, employers and decision makers to:

• promote the economic and business benefits of a more diverse STEM workforce
• target science and engineering-based companies to enhance board level representation of women
• encourage all employers – public and private sector – to provide career pathways accessible to all
• support mentoring programmes and buddying schemes for women in STEM at all career stages and make sure they are not isolated in workplaces
• pilot science and engineering apprenticeship programmes for disadvantaged young women and provide a sustainable funding model for higher-level STEM apprenticeships
• work with unions to enhance and broaden the STEM ambassadors' programme and support Union Learning Representatives in encouraging women to return to STEM learning
• commit to greater longevity and stability of STEM funding to reduce short-termism and uncertainty in STEM employment
• create a Cabinet level science minister with specific responsibilities to increase the representation of women at all levels of the STEM workforce
• prioritise action to remove barriers to part-time working in STEM occupations
• incentivise professional development and outreach for STEM teachers.