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Diversity and inclusion

About us

Diversity and inclusion

Creating a culture of inclusion

At NPL, we believe that diversity and inclusion is critical to our vision to deliver extraordinary impact, from our excellent science and engineering as an exemplary National Laboratory.

We want to nurture a culture of inclusion where we can all be ourselves in a safe and supportive environment, while simultaneously ensuring that we are more representative of a diverse range of communities. We believe that by creating an inclusive environment, where all our staff are able to thrive, we can accelerate the creativity of our ideas, enhance our ability to innovate for the future and deliver solutions that meet the needs of all of our society.

You will find this reflected in our organisational values and in our Equality, Diversity and inclusion policy and staff Code of conduct.

As part of NPL's commitment to Diversity and inclusion, we hold a number of memberships and accreditations:

You can find out more about our work in our 2022-2027 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Read our Gender Equality Plan

Stronger Together, Everyone Matters

Our campaign showcases not only the range of careers available in an organisation like ours, but also the diversity of people that do them. Read real life stories from our people.

Explore our campaign

Our Diversity and inclusion goal

Our goal is to create an inclusive culture and environment where:

All our employees feel their differences are valued and that they are empowered to bring their genuine selves to work.
All our employees have access to support when they need it and believe that NPL is an inclusive place to work for all.

All are supported to succeed

As an employer, our people are important to us, and we want to create an environment where all employees thrive and have equal access to opportunity regardless of identity, background, or circumstances. We want to ensure that different perspectives are welcomed and valued, and that we foster a culture that allows individuality to shine.

Different perspectives make us better

Through an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable participating, we can enhance our creativity and ability to innovate. By creating a vibrant diverse research environment that people want to be a part of, we can inspire and deliver robust and innovative solutions to solve national and global challenges.

Inclusion is critical for success

Having access to diverse voices alone is not enough. We want everyone who works with, at or for NPL, to feel welcomed and valued. Our ambition is to become an organisation where inclusion is deliberate and instinctive, not only in how we work together but in how we work with and for others beyond NPL.

Ways we support diversity and inclusion at NPL

Staff-led special interest groups

We have ten active staff-led Special Interest Groups and Networks. Our networks cover a range of themes including Disability and long-term conditions, Ethnicity, Faith and Religion, Gender, LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity, Menopause support and Parents.

Disability leave

We offer paid disability leave for staff with disabilities and long-term conditions to attend planned appointments related to their disability and have introduced tailored workplace adjustment plans to support all staff that share that they have a disability with us.

Inclusive on-site facilities

We continue to make changes to our premises to create a more inclusive environment, at our main Teddington site we have introduced new ablution facilities and gender-neutral toilets. All our sites have multi-faith spaces available, and nursing facilities are available at our Teddington and Strathclyde sites.

Flexible working

Work-life balance is important to NPL, the opportunity to explore flexible and part time working options is open to all, subject to business requirements.

Health and wellbeing

All employees have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, which is a free confidential service available 24/7 providing advice and counselling, and includes access to a wellbeing hub. We also have Mental Health First Aiders within our organisation who can provide a first point of contact to support staff with their mental wellbeing.

Support for parents

We offer enhanced maternity, surrogacy and adoption pay for our employees and have policies in place related to paternity, parental and shared parental leave. We also have an onsite subsidised nursery at our Teddington site.

Support for adult carers

All employees have access to a digital platform that provides specialist carer experts, support is available for up to 5 adults in your life. This service supports you and your family through your caring journey, aiming to make it as stress free and simple as possible.

Discover a career at NPL

Our success comes from attracting energetic and imaginative people who share our values. Visit our careers page to find out more about working for NPL, the wider benefits we offer and our current vacancies.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to adjust at any stage of our recruitment processes. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us.

Gender pay gap report

We are proud of having a diverse workforce made up of talented individuals of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

Gender pay gap report 2024

Gender pay gap report 2023

Gender pay report 2022

Gender pay report 2020-21

Gender pay gap report 2020

Gender pay gap report 2019

Gender pay gap report 2018

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