The Catapult Network this week (24th February 2022) formalised its long-held commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I).
The CEOs of all nine Catapults came together at a special event held in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s MTC in Coventry to sign the shared Inclusivity in Innovation Charter.
They were joined by the Chief Executive of Innovate UK, Indro Mukerjee and ED&I expert Shola Kaye, as well as employees from across the Catapult Network, many of whom spoke at the event, sharing their own personal experiences and views on the subject.
The efforts to create the charter were led by Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Matthew Durdy, CEO of Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult.
Matthew Durdy, CEO Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, Chair of the Catapult Network, said:
“The Charter represents what we believe: that all people should be able to realise their promise; for themselves, our organisations and wider society. A diverse and equally participating workforce is critical to the Catapult Network”
Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK said:
“Our specialist facilities all over the UK draw together the skills, views, ideas, thoughts, perspectives and capabilities of thousands of people from different backgrounds, faiths, cultures, communities and locations. Together our Network is home to a remarkable pool of capabilities.
“This Charter is an important and proud step for us as we look towards the future for the Catapult Network.
“This is tremendously important, we are all different and each of us has something to offer. Innovate UK is working across our entire network to inspire and include more diversity to help build the skills and talent pipeline to reach our full potential.”
The charter was signed by the CEO’s of each of the nine Catapults as well as the CEOs from each of the seven centres that are a part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Indro Mukerjee on behalf of Innovate UK.
Click here to view the full Catapult Network Inclusivity in Innovation Charter.
