AXIS Network launch gender balance pledge for Energy sector at SPE Offshore Europe

Gender equality group AXIS Network have today launched a pioneering scheme that will see a gender balance commitment formalised in writing by the Directors of organisations within the Energy Sector. The initiative will be known as the "AXIS pledge" and will effectively provide a behavioural charter that will be enforced at board level by the signatory companies.

Karen Blanc, Chair of theAXIS committee, will officially launch the concept at the AXIS, OGTC and OGUK "Diversity and Inclusion lunch" at SPE Offshore Europe, which takes place at the new TECA complex in Aberdeen.

The pledge has been developed by the AXIS Network committee, a group seeking to achieve gender parity across the Aberdeen Energy sector. Early signatories include a number of operating and service companies, including Aker Solutions, Atkins, Bilfinger, Chrysaor, CNOOC, CNR International, EnQuest, The OGTC, OPITO, Pinsent Masons, Repsol Sinopec, Shell, Spirit Energy, Stork, Subsea 7, TechnipFMC, Total, and Worley. Other companies operating in the area will today be encouraged to sign up, and demonstrate their meaningful commitment to achieving gender balance.

The pledge asks signatory companies to analyse and understand any gender imbalance in their organisation, develop and follow a strategic plan to close this gap, incorporating suitable aspirational targets, and to communicate on progress with staff. The AXIS pledge is the first of its kind for the UK energy sector, and the AXIS Network will play a pivotal role in holding companies accountable to their commitments to create inclusive workplaces, where women and men can equally thrive.

AXIS chair Karen Blanc says: “We are excited to launch the AXIS pledge today, and we believe it will allow companies operating in the area to commit to meaningful change. While the business case for more gender balanced teams is now well understood, the current pace of change to create work environments in which all humans can thrive lacks urgency. We will hold the pledge signatories accountable on their commitment and progress, encourage them to share with others on their progress, and seek to create a supportive and collaborative environment, to really up the pace on the shift towards a fully inclusive work environment in the area.”

Commenting, OGUK Chief Executive Deirdre Michie said: “Unlocking the potential that comes from a more diverse workforce is a critical part of the long-term success of the industry set out in Roadmap 2035 launched today.  This pledge is another great example of how our industry is moving in the right direction and OGUK looks forward to adding more value to this with the launch of our D&I Task Group later this week.”

Spirit Energy were the first company to sign up to the pledge in advance of today’s formal launch. Director of Resourcing, Talent, D&I and L&D, Susan Grayson, says of the pledge: “Being an inclusive place to work is right at the heart of how we do business at Spirit, and so being among the first companies to sign the AXIS pledge was an easy decision for us. Our industry is making progress towards becoming more diverse at all levels, but we know there is more we can do and the pledge will help all of us improve our gender balance.”

David Isaac, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Partner, Pinsent Masons LLP today joins the lunch event as a panellist, and says of the pledge, “Diverse and inclusive workforces all bring new skills, knowledge and creativity to businesses so they can become stronger and more resilient. In an industry that has typically struggled, this scheme is a significant step forward for the oil and gas sector to change the status quo and to deliver a more varied workforce. This is imperative to support the sector’s huge transition to a net zero economy.”

More on the pledge, including details of how to sign your organisation up, can be found at www.axisnetwork.co.uk/axis-pledge