Navigating the sustainability skills gap

A STABLE climate and rich biodiversity are critical to everything and everyone. Ecological emergencies are deeply connected to social justice: those who are most impacted may not be the ones whose actions are responsible for the crises that can lead to vast human suffering and destabilise lifesupporting systems. Engineers have a unique level of influence, and engineering plays a significant role in improving lives worldwide. At the same time, engineering companies contribute to the majority of humankind's impact on climate change.

In the UK alone, there are 729,000 engineering businesses (13% of all businesses), employing over 8.1 million people and generating over £645bn. The window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all is rapidly closing. Engineering can be a creative and problem solving profession that helps build the best possible world for current and future generations in the face of multiple challenges.

Society relies on engineering companies and professionals participating fully in the urgent transition to net zero and beyond. Companies have set ambitious targets, and the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has called on companies to reduce emissions dramatically by 45% no later than 2030 and to reach net zero by 2040. We need strong capabilities to change practices if we are to deliver urgently on what society needs most. Reimagining our practices can unlock vast untapped potential within the engineering profession to deliver sustainable, equitable, and ethical results. Globally responsible engineering can create a safe and just future for everyone

What is the Compass?

The Global Responsibility Compass points practitioners towards the capabilities they will need to stay relevant and provides practical ways to develop themselves. This product was created by Engineers Without Borders UK, developed with the support of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and is endorsed by the Engineering Council.

Who is it for?

The Compass is for practitioners from multiple disciplines working in engineering who are looking for ways to respond effectively to our age's complexity, uncertainty and challenges. It empowers engineers and their wider teams to lead innovation that benefits people and the planet. The tool helps identify team competencies, articulate the value of a multidisciplinary team, and helps learning and development support for all employees.

How does it work?

The Compass articulates 12 essential competencies that align with the four principles of global responsibility: Responsible, Purposeful, Inclusive, and Regenerative. It provides template action plans for individuals, along with an online learning library of relevant professional development and training. Developed through extensive consultation and testing, the Compass identifies the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindsets for success and offers practical ways to acquire them.

Benefits

Practitioners - Identify your strengths and any gaps in the skills you need for your role, develop a clear action plan, access practical learning resources and keep ahead of updates to professional standards.

Teams Reflect -  on your strengths as a team and value the contributions of a diverse group of practitioners to ensure projects deliver sustainable, equitable and ethical results.

Companies - Identify dynamic learning opportunities for all staff, support the development of motivated and committed teams, demonstrate your responsibility as an employer, and help your staff meet and retain professional qualification requirements.

Download the Compass at https://bit.ly/43TknU9

www.ewb-uk.org