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The Women in Defence Charter was launched today at Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) by Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister for Defence Procurement. As a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Women in Defence UK, ADS, Defence Growth Partnership, industry and others, it seeks to improve gender balance at all levels and to drive and embed diversity and inclusion within our organisations. Steve Wadey, Chief Executive Officer, I were delighted to join the MOD and industry partners, to sign the charter and demonstrate our commitment to being part of a movement by our sector to have greater gender balance.

So what does the charter mean for us? We are signing up to a number of commitments:

• Support the progression of women in to senior roles by focusing on the executive pipeline and the mid-tier level
• Set appropriate targets, with a strategy to deliver them
• Publicly report on progress
• Enable women to thrive by enhancing their individual and collective impact across defence and in doing so, improving the overall output of defence

Back in 2013 we were a founding member of The 5% Club; a similar charter, but for young people. We believe having a focus, creating a public commitment and working collaboratively with others benefits our business and our sector. Ultimately supporting us in creating a diverse and inclusive QinetiQ; where our differences are not only embraced, but make us stronger.