Arup has become the first engineering consultancy firm to receive certification from the National Equality Standard (NES).
The NES is independently assessed by EY and supported by the Home Office, the CBI and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Arup was assessed against criteria across seven standards which encompass 49 competencies. In order to achieve certification, EY undertook a comprehensive evaluation of Arup’s processes and practices, interviewing staff, undertaking site visits, and reviewing documentation and internal systems.
“I am absolutely delighted that Arup has been awarded NES certification. The business case for EDI has been made time and again and now we need to move forward: we know that a diverse firm, with diverse teams in turn deliver better solutions for our clients. We are absolutely committed to creating an organisation which has a fully inclusive environment, offering equal opportunities where all can have a rewarding career. ” Dervilla Mitchell, UKMEA Chair
“Arup’s commitment to the EDI agenda can be seen time again, whether overtly, through our support of Pride Week, International Women’s Day and Black History Month, or through evidence, such as 48% of our 224 graduate intake this year being female. Achieving NES certification is a great way to get independent recognition as proof of our accomplishments to date and we are looking forward to keeping up our strong record in this field, continuing to improve to ensure we are a truly inclusive organisation.” Saskia Lear, Senior project manager and EDI programme manager
“The National Equality Standard was developed by business for business and sets clear equality, diversity and inclusion criteria against which companies across all industries are assessed. Arup is one of only 18 companies so far to meet the level required to achieve the National Equality Standard and we are delighted to be a part of their EDI journey. Arup now can confidently demonstrate their EDI commitment to their employees, clients and wider stakeholders ” Simon Feeke, NES lead assessor