Tell us about your organisation.

General Dynamics UK has been established for more than 50 years, and technically, we’re everywhere! Our 1,400 employees are solving the toughest security and technology challenges facing our nation and its allies, by developing and delivering mission-critical products and systems that save lives. Since arriving in South Wales 15 years ago, we have established three sites, and our business continues to grow. We play an active role in our local communities and run successful apprenticeship and graduate programmes, increasing our intake each year.

Why are you supporting the awards?

We have an active Inclusion and Diversity strategy, and gender equality plays a key part. In particular, as an engineering-based organisation, we are keen to grow the number of women choosing careers in STEM-related subjects. We want to showcase General Dynamics UK as a fantastic place for women to have a varied and satisfying career. We see supporting the ‘Womenspire’ awards as a visible way of demonstrating to our local communities, our commitment to gender equality and supporting women in STEM-related careers.

Why does gender equality matter to you?

We’re committed to promoting diversity across the company. We recognise that diversity of experience, perspectives and capabilities is good for our team and our shareholders, and it’s critical to our future success. Currently, 22 per cent of our workforce is women, and we want to raise that proportion and provide more opportunities for women to drive the company’s future success.

A significant proportion of our workforce come from Engineering schools, where the number of women attending these courses is falling. General Dynamics UK is trying to address this problem through initiatives aimed at attracting young women into careers within engineering, with an active and varied programme of events, including our involvement with Chwarae Teg.

Why do you support the work of Chwarae Teg?

We recognise the value that a focused and committed organisation like Chwarae Teg can bring to the Welsh economy. General Dynamics UK is committed to gender equality, and inclusion and diversity more generally, which is reflected by your work.