Meet Emma

'I have worked for the company for 16 years, joining the graduate scheme, where I worked in HR placements across mainly generalist roles and some specialist roles. I was involved in employee relations and as an HR business partner supporting employees with general HR queries. I was initially attracted to BAE Systems, as it was on The Times’ Top 100 for graduate employers. I felt connected to supporting defence as I have a number of military friends and the products and services we provide protects them, which resonates with my values. 

I never intended to stay with the company so long, yet whenever I have been at the point of looking for a challenge and change, I have always found the company big enough to give me that. Something has always come up. I’ve had some excellent training and feel supported in my development. My mentor has always made time for me and helps me by talking through any challenges, providing advice and support. 

After leaving the graduate scheme I actually went back to be the manager of the graduate scheme and early careers programme for the business I worked in. I really enjoyed this role as it meant ensuring that people enjoyed coming into BAE Systems, had varied, developmental roles and I supported their transition off the scheme to avoid the edge of a cliff that finishing a graduate programme can feel like. My part was to ensure they had the best possible experience on the scheme and felt supported and engaged throughout.

I then went into the Naval Ships business, which was culturally very different and my role evolved to being about creating a working environment where we really want people to be themselves, feel valued, listened to and respected. I’ve continued to focus on this now, albeit in a Head Office role which spans across our company.

BAE Systems is striving to create a diverse and inclusive environment where we’re free to be ourselves and give our best. We want to attract the best talent available and value people’s different ideas to drive innovation. To harness that though we know that we must have a culture where people feel appreciated for their true selves. A part of what I’ve been working on recently has been to create dignity and respect training and mandated training for everyone to help us all create an inclusive workplace. I’m passionate about wanting everyone to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion at BAE Systems and am proud of the steps we are taking to achieve this.’