Following a one-off evidence session with the science minister,
Lord , the Committee's chair,
, wrote to the minister
to request further information on the diversity of the Department
of Science, Innovation and Technology's (DSIT)
workforce.
Lord Vallance's letter provides data
on the diversity characteristics of DSIT's workforce, with a
breakdown between those in those in science and engineering
(S&E) roles and those in other roles.
These previously unpublished statistics show that more women work
in departmental S&E roles than men, with 58% of the S&E
roles occupied by women, compared to 42% by men. In addition,
these statistics show that a higher proportion of women work
within S&E roles than other roles within the department, and
that more women work within DSIT than men.
Lord Vallance's letter also breaks down DSIT's workforce
characteristics by ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion,
disability and social mobility. These breakdowns show that 33% of
S&E roles within the department are occupied by BAME
employees, whilst 62% are occupied by white
employees.
MP, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology
Committee, said:
“It's a pleasant surprise to see so many women working within
DSIT, and such a high percentage within science and engineering
roles. Before becoming an MP, I was a chartered engineer for many
years, and I know how male-dominated the sector can be. Since
becoming an MP, I've campaigned to help women to pursue
opportunities in STEM.
“Diversity isn't a mere box-ticking exercise – it allows us
to combat groupthink and helps us innovate. I hope these
statistics can provide encouragement and lessons for the rest of
the sector.
“However, I note that there are lower numbers of non-white
employees holding science and engineering roles compared to the
rest of the department. Science is for everyone, and DSIT should
consider whether it needs to do more to attract BAME people into
scientific roles.”
/ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The committee's predecessor held an inquiry into Diversity
and Inclusion in STEM. The inquiry's report, published in
March 2023, called for more action to address
underrepresentation of women and other groups in
STEM.