Stem the flow of talent from science, technology, engineering and maths
Women account for just one in 10 of all employees in science, engineering and technology occupations, compared with one in two in the workforce overall.
That is why Prospect is asking employers, decision makers, opinion formers and anyone else who believes that research and innovation are key to achieving economic growth, to sign our charter for women in STEM and implement its proposals.
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.
Documents, leaflets and news stories
| Title | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientists attack soft fruit research cutbacks | 25 September 2002 | ||
| Prospect to fight threat to forensic science | 20 January 2003 | ||
| Scientists dismayed at DEFRA blow to UK horticulture | 20 January 2003 | ||
| Lab closure claim untrue, say Cheshire scientists | 13 March 2003 | ||
| Cheshire scientists to lead the world in ground breaking synchrotron light source project | 02 April 2003 | ||