Get involved in our newly-formed LGBTQ+ Member Network and learn about the other Equality, Diversity and Inclusion networks available to you.

In 2019, the IET conducted a survey which found that over 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ respondents would never consider a career in engineering due to the fear of discrimination. Despite this disheartening statistic, we know that many people from the LGBTQ+ community do indeed work within the sector and have very positive as well as sometimes very challenging experiences. Regardless, it can feel isolating being part of a minority and not having other likeminded people around who you can reliably speak openly to and share experiences with.

This is why we have formed a new EDI network for IET members who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together, grow their own personal networks and engage with our EDI team directly on what’s important to them.

Our first network meeting will be taking place via Microsoft Teams on Friday 22 November from 12pm to 1pm and will be a chance to get to know the networks chairs and fellow members and discuss aims and focuses for the group moving forward.

If you would like to find out more about the network or register to join, please email me at inclusion@theiet.org – we’d love to hear from you. And please remember - allies are welcome too.

Our other EDI member networks

Alongside our new LGBTQ+ network, we also have Disability and Neurodiversity Member networks available to support you. Some benefits of joining one or more of these networks include:

• Meeting other engineers and technicians with similar passions and interests.
• Learning more about the experiences of others.
• Knowledge and insight sharing.
• Gaining peer to peer support.
• Engaging with us, the IET, directly on what needs to change.
• An opportunity to get involved with IET campaigns, events and reports.

Our Disability Member Network takes place every 6 weeks on a Thursday, between 1:30pm and 2:30pm, and is chaired by IET Vice President and Chair of our EDI Board, Katy Deacon, alongside myself, Daisy March, Senior EDI and Engagement Executive for the IET.

Our Neurodiversity Member Network takes place every 6 weeks on a Friday, between 1:30pm and 2:30pm, and is chaired by myself.

All network meetings are held via Microsoft Teams. If you want to learn more about any of our networks, leave a comment below or contact me directly via email at inclusion@theiet.org.