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Urenco hosts second Inclusion & Diversity virtual conference
06 December 2021
Urenco has hosted its second global conference for its Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) champions. The conference focused on the theme of celebrating progress and inspiring for the future.
Urenco Chief Financial Officer and I&D executive sponsor, Ralf ter Haar opened the event by commenting on how far Urenco has come in its efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse organisation in the last year, including the development of a new global I&D strategy and goals to 2025.
I&D champions from the various countries in which Urenco operates also heard from two inspiring external speakers: Loraine Martins, director of D&I at Network Rail and Chris Collier, senior director, Talent Acquisition and Diversity & Inclusion for Southern Company.
Loraine Martins spoke concerning the importance of networks; making champions visible; psychological safety; leadership training and three key challenges in the I&D journey: the need for leaders to be fully on board; ensuring that company values work with all cultures; and attitudes, as some people may be actively opposed to I&D.
Chris Collier explained how “D&I is in Southern Company’s DNA” and how it needs to be part of everyone’s day job. He talked about the company’s four-pillar strategy incorporating workforce, workplace, community and customers, and how leaders need to “be comfortable being uncomfortable”, facilitating conversations about I&D with the same level of confidence with which they might discuss safety or business financials.
The I&D champions also discussed their role, including the importance of networks and allyship and how to speak up against microaggressions.
Summing up, Ralf ter Haar said: “I was impressed with the engagement and willingness to share personal stories.” Sarah Howe, Culture, Diversity and Inclusion programme director said: “Inclusion is about emotional currency and being our genuine, authentic selves and I want to praise everyone for being so open and engaging in such important conversations.”
Urenco sponsors Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear and is also committed to the nuclear sector gender commitment.
About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of enrichment services and fuel cycle products with sustainability at the core of its business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for 50 years, Urenco facilitates zero carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office near London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Using centrifuge technology designed and developed by Urenco, and through the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services; operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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