The engineering sector in the UK faces a persistent diversity gap, with ethnic minorities underrepresented in the workforce despite high participation rates in related education and apprenticeships. To address this disparity, the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE) UK has developed the Engineering Ethnicity Index (EEI), which provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to foster racial and ethnic inclusion.
Launching nationally in 2025, the EEI evaluates companies across five areas, including leadership, talent management, stakeholder engagement, data and equality impact assessment, and race at work charter, offering gold, silver, or bronze certifications as recognition.
“This imbalance not only represents a missed opportunity for fairness but also for innovation and excellence. By failing to capitalize on the full breadth of talent, the sector risks falling behind in addressing complex challenges,” said ABFE-UK Co-Chair Ollie Folayan.
Early results from the EEI's pilot phase demonstrate its transformative potential, with participants reporting improved recruitment, retention, and alignment with industry standards. Using a dual assessment model (survey and external reputation evaluation), the EEI enables organizations to identify barriers, implement strategies, and track progress. The certification lasts 2 years, after which companies can reapply, promoting continuous improvement.
“Beyond recognition, the EEI fosters internal reflection and alignment with best practices,” said Folayan.
The EEI invites more companies to join, aiming to create a more innovative, equitable, and inclusive engineering sector. For more information, visit AFBE-UK EEI.