What we do
At Equate Scotland, we make a positive difference for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, natural and the built environment, and mathematics), while shaping inclusive workplace cultures across organisations and academia.
Established in 2006, Equate Scotland is the national expert in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) throughout the STEM sectors. We make a tangible and sustainable change, enabling women and other underrepresented groups studying and working in these key sectors to develop, by supporting their recruitment, retention, and progression. Our vision is of a progressive STEM labour market where women can contribute equally to advancements in science, engineering, and technology and have fair access to the jobs of the future.
Working with women
Our programme of free activities develop women’s expertise, essential skills and confidence. Our priority is to create learning and work spaces in which women can flourish.
We achieve this by:
- Delivering training and support for women at each stage of their careers.
- Providing opportunities for women students to make valuable links with industry via our student network – the UK’s only student network for women STEM students.
- Responding to, and proactively pushing for labour market and further and higher education policy that is inclusive, equitable, and address the systemic barriers contributing to the under-representation of women in STEM.
Working with employers
In order to achieve the change we wish to see for all women, we work alongside industry and academia, creating positive changes in employment practices, behaviours and workplace cultures which are evidenced to benefit everyone.
We achieve this by:
- Delivering expert and bespoke training designed for staff at every level — from senior leaders to HR teams and employees — promoting a whole-organisation wide approach.
- Providing consultancy to support employers in strategy development or simply helping employers understand where to start on inclusive practices.
- Presenting partnership opportunities that enable employers to unlock their potential, embed inclusive practices, and demonstrate a strong commitment to EDI.
Find out more about how we work with employers and organisations here.
Equate Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to deliver our work without charge to students and women. The Scottish Government also funds our public training events to build EDI knowledge and capacity in the STEM sectors. Our training, consultancy and recruitment support comes at a cost, however all income generated is invested back into our support for women studying, working in, or returning to STEM and allows us to reach more women across Scotland.
