As a global high-tech company, Leonardo employs over 45,000 people around the world with 8,200 based in the UK.

I spend my days leading Leonardo UK’s Inclusion and Diversity strategy, working with leaders across the business to influence and gain commitment to people initiatives and change programmes which create long-term value for the business.

Diversity goes beyond the nine protected characteristics of the Equality Act. It’s diversity of lived experience, career experience, cultures and everything in between to ensure that our boardrooms and decision makers can make informed decisions on who we are and what we represent as an employer.

Since Leonardo is one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security, it’s my role to work with the business to ensure that we are attracting talent from diverse backgrounds, that our workplace reflects our communities and those who we work alongside, and the work we deliver reflects the growing diversity of our customers. In addition to my role as Head of Inclusion and Diversity, I am also a full-time carer – my wee girl is a Type 1 diabetic (T1D). So I understand how it feels to work for an organisation that understands the importance of making adjustments to support colleagues and offering flexibility for medical appointments, and why our T1D colleagues welcome us all having a stash of jelly babies in our desk drawers!

Technology has the power to change lives. It does for my family – technology literally keeps my daughter alive via her insulin pump and Bluetooth signal. But we must consider how we make technology inclusive, accessible and equitable for all people – regardless of their background, gender, age or socio-economic status. But how do we do this without a diverse set of individuals problem solving together?

Leonardo, and all our peers in the technology sector, must ask ourselves how we can ensure that the benefits of innovation reach everyone?

Companies are recognising that diverse teams – beyond gender, ethnicity or background – are more creative, more empathetic and more effective at solving complex problems. Initiatives like the Tech Talent Charter are helping ensure that diversity is not just a box to check, but a core principle that drives innovation.

Leonardo is working continually invest in our colleagues’ experience to ensure that they all feel welcome, supported and can thrive. Our activities include:

• Running a women’s talent programme which has supported over 200 women in the UK so far, and plays a key role in reducing our gender pay gap.

• A socio-mobility programme, working with 25 young women from socially disadvantaged backgrounds across six months to help connect them with degree apprenticeship opportunities

• Bringing 40 STEM Returners into our business for a three-month placement and nearly 90% being offered a permanent role. These returners have typically been out of work for some time, often due to ill health, caring responsibilities or to raise the next generation.

• Offering a guaranteed interview to anyone applying via the Disability Confident scheme, of which we are an accredited member

• Running traditional mentoring and reverse mentoring with the Association For Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers

• Flexible working arrangements, allowing carers like me, the ability to successfully manage a career alongside hospital and care needs

Inclusion in technology isn’t just about numbers – it’s about culture and a trusted working environment. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, where everyone’s ideas are valued and where technology works for the benefit of all, not just a few. The tech sector is well on its way to becoming a leader in inclusive innovation, but there’s more to be done. Whether it’s breaking down barriers for women in tech, improving digital access for all communities or creating workplaces where diversity is celebrated, the journey is ongoing.

As we look ahead, we must remember that for technology to reach its full potential, it must be inclusive. By making technology more accessible, more equitable and more diverse, we are not just building a better tech industry with more innovation, we are building a better, more just society. And that is a vision worth working towards.