Nuclear Rainbow Forum launched to make sector more inclusive and welcoming

17/05/2023

Jacobs and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have pioneered a new initiative to make the nuclear industry more inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

The Nuclear Rainbow Forum was launched in December at the Nuclear 2022 conference in London and has already attracted 17 member organisations from across the industry.

It aims to share best practices, campaign collaboratively and run joint initiatives to promote diversity and raise awareness.
In addition to Jacobs and the UKAEA, Nuclear Rainbow Forum members include Rolls-Royce plc, EDF Energy, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Nuclear Waste Services, Nuvia, Cavendish Nuclear, Magnox, Urenco, Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Prospect Union, the Nuclear Industry Association, Babcock International and the National Nuclear Laboratory.

Katie Godfrey, Europe Lead for Prism, Jacobs’ LGBTQ+ employee network, said the response from conference goers had justified the company’s decision to pioneer this new initiative: “I am so proud of the response we got for the Rainbow Forum. There was a constant stream of people at the Rainbow Forum stand asking questions, offering support and thanking our team for being so visible. At Jacobs, we live inclusion and we are sure that the Rainbow Forum can help bring about meaningful change that will benefit the nuclear industry.”

David Ellis, Jacobs’ Vice President for Business Development, said: “The Nuclear Rainbow Forum reflects the UK nuclear industry as it is today: forward-looking, inclusive and welcoming towards a very diverse range of people.”

Amanda Quadling, the UKAEA Director of Materials Research and Inclusion Sponsor, said: “UKAEA is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment in which everyone can thrive. In doing so, we strive to achieve greater diversity across the industry and welcome the launch of the Nuclear Rainbow Forum.”

Jacobs recently retained Stonewall’s coveted Gold Award, once again ranking number six in its Top 100 Employers for LGBTQ+ People Index. Stonewall is the UK’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality; its Top 100 Employers list recognises exceptional employers who are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ staff and customers.

www.jacobs.com

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