Equality, diversity and inclusion
As outlined in Strategy28+, IChemE is committed to providing a platform that advances opportunities and promotes good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). This commitment supports our role in engineering a sustainable world and aligns with our endorsement of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity Concordat and the Science Council declaration on diversity, equality and inclusion.
Our IChemE Code of Conduct & Ethics requires all members to treat others fairly and without bias, and to act with integrity in all professional duties. This means respecting each individual’s right to seek opportunity and advancement without barriers.
What do we mean by equality, diversity and inclusion?
Equality is about ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to realise their potential. It involves treating people fairly and without discrimination, particularly in relation to the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation.
Equality is not about treating everyone the same, it’s about removing barriers and ensuring fairness.
Diversity refers to the presence and recognition of differences in background, experience, identity and perspective. A diverse environment values these differences and benefits from the richness of ideas and innovation they bring.
Inclusion is about creating environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and able to contribute fully. It goes beyond representation to foster a culture of belonging, psychological safety, and equity.
Diversity at IChemE
IChemE celebrates the diversity of its global membership and the chemical engineering profession. With around 31,000 members across more than 100 countries, we are proud to foster a culture of respect, fairness and appreciation across our member communities.
We engaged with the 2025 Royal Academy of Engineering EDI Progression Framework benchmarking and are drawing on the recommendations to support our efforts across all areas of the institution.
Our equality, diversity and inclusion priorities
To support the delivery of Strategy28+, IChemE will:
- raise awareness of ED&I through member-centred activity and inclusive communications
- identify and reduce barriers to equal opportunity, and challenge discrimination where it occurs
- support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion across the profession
- share and promote examples of good practice
- monitor and review our policies and practices to ensure continuous improvement.
These commitments apply to all members, employees, applicants, and stakeholders. We also encourage our members to champion ED&I in their own workplaces and professional environments.