Welcome

Last week was a big one for EqualEngineers. Our team was busy criss-crossing the UK, delivering Insight Days with partner organisations, engaging students at university events, and hosting our first in-person network session of the year. We’re back with batteries charged and hearts full after connecting with so many of you in real life.

This week, we’re proud to officially open nominations for the Engineering Talent Awards 2026, spotlighting the people and organisations shaping a more inclusive engineering future. Read on for highlights from last week’s Disability Network event in Manchester and this week’s podcast episode on courageous leadership!

Nominations Now Open!

The moment has arrived! Nominations are now LIVE for the Engineering Talent Awards 2026, powered by EqualEngineers.

This is your chance to celebrate the individuals, teams, and organisations leading the charge for equity, innovation, and inclusion in engineering and technology. Whether it’s a colleague, a changemaker, or even yourself, we want to hear about it.

You can submit multiple nominations across different categories, so don’t hold back. Let’s recognise the talent transforming our sector.

Disability Network in Manchester

Last week, we hosted our first in-person Networks event of 2026, led by our Disability Network and held at the Rolls-Royce SMR offices in Manchester.

The day centred on real stories, lived experience, and honest conversations around disability inclusion in engineering.

Huge thanks to our Co-Chairs for curating such a meaningful space, and to keynote speaker Katy Deacon, who shared rich insights on accessible design, inclusive leadership, and systemic change.

Key takeaways:

• Inclusion must be proactive, not reactive. Design accessibility from the start.

• Barriers often persist not due to lack of solutions, but a lack of consistency, leadership, and investment.

• Psychological safety is foundational and leaders play a key role in making it real.

This Week on The SAFE Leader Podcast

In this week’s episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast, I speak with leadership strategist, author, and inclusive leadership expert Jodi Vandenberg-Daves.

We unpack what it truly means to lead with courage, not just in boardrooms, but in life. From social justice to caregiving, emotional intelligence to inclusive workplaces, this conversation weaves deep insights with practical reflection.

If you’ve ever wondered how to align your values with your leadership… this episode is for you.

Let’s Connect!

Please reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn if we are not already connected.

I love helping organisations where the angle I take with the work I do might help in someway have you make traction in your culture.

Feel free to get in touch here.

Stay SAFE!