Thursday 8 March 2018

The terms diversity and inclusion have come to represent different things to different people. For some companies its the “buzz” word of the moment. For others the need to adopt diverse ways of thinking is entrained throughout the business culture. Within the nuclear industry we have been slow to adapt to the benefits diversity can bring. Until now. 

Now we are starting to recognize that diversity can provide a bridge over a burning platform. A platform which hosts our entire industry. If the nuclear industry is to not just survive but thrive in the UK we must embrace diversity of thought. 

NNL’s Head of Technical Skills and Capability, Olivia Thompson gave a presentation last week at the UK’s Department for Trade and Industry Civil Nuclear Showcase to highlight exactly why the UK nuclear industry needs to change. Her presentation explained how we can use statistics to underpin a business case for diversity of thought. 

She explained that diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It’s the the mix of people within an organization. Inclusion is about making the mix work. Its about empowering people by respecting and appreciating what makes them different. It’s not about charity and its not about doing something special for one group of people or for one day of the year. It’s about giving everyone a voice. A voice for those who have different viewpoints, different backgrounds, different life experiences. 

Because the everyday experiences of businesses across the world who embrace diverse thinking demonstrate that diversity underpins a strong business model. More diverse thinking breeds new ideas, new ideas breeds innovation and innovation breeds business growth. 

Diversity Builds Better Business. 

Simple.

Now we must do something to help change the culture within the industry, because targets and quotos won’t lead to change unless people want to. We have got to convince those who recruit in their own image that the industry has moved on. It’s moved on and its starting to embrace a new era.  Lets make sure the new era is as diverse as possible!