In 2022, three-in-four STEM-focused companies said that they were experiencing skills shortages and difficulties hiring, all of which hinders growth, innovation and competitive edge. With women making up only 24 per cent of STEM professionals in the UK, a major part of the answer to this challenge lies in having a comprehensive gender diversity strategy, owned, and visibly led, by business leaders.
PA Consulting’s ‘Closing the STEM Gap’ report surveyed attitudes to gender diversity in STEM and it is clear that leaders in the sector recognise its importance. Over half (56 per cent) of those surveyed said gender diversity is a top priority for their organisation and a fifth said it was more important than other factors like mental health issues, sustainability, and company culture. They also reported progress, with 78 per cent saying they had seen a strong improvement in encouraging and supporting gender diversity and inclusion in STEM roles over the course...