Embrace

The diverse talent, skills and commitment of our people help us take on and solve some of our customers’ most complex and demanding challenges. At BAE Systems we want everyone to be themselves at work, because we know that’s when they’re at their best. Embrace is an important forum for discussion and change within our business.

Our aims

Embrace is a UK group run by employees and is open to all - regardless of background. Its members are a diverse range of individuals united by a passion and drive to highlight the importance of diversity within the business, and ensure everyone is understood and respected in the workplace. Embrace is supported by Director-level sponsors and allies who ensure the views of the group are heard at the most senior level in BAE Systems.

Our vision is to be a forum for discussion and change in BAE Systems, where the benefits of cultural diversity are promoted, embraced and realised.
Our mission is to promote cultural diversity within the business and highlight the importance of having a diverse workforce.

Tony - Embrace member

"For me Embrace is a support group for ethnic minority employees in the organisation. A safe space they can discuss their experiences and concerns with colleagues who may (or may not) have experienced similar in the past, but also discussing with colleagues who understand and can empathise. These experiences can be used to drive and influence change in the business by highlighting, raising awareness and educating on cultural and racial differences. In recent years, BAE Systems has placed diversity and inclusion at the top of our agenda. I am proud to support the Embrace Employee Resource Group and be part of the change we are striving for. I want to inspire, motivate and champion ethnic minority employees in our workplace. You can't be what you can't see” is a phrase I have seen and I often use. Success in my role to me means that we normalise the conversation about inclusion and it becomes a cornerstone of who we are as an organisation."

Thiv - Embrace member

“Diversity is perceived differently by most people. A vast number of the disadvantages experienced by people of different ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds are hidden. I would like to help break that barrier, and I believe BAE Systems can achieve a truly diverse culture. I hope Embrace will open minds to discussion about backgrounds and cultures, and help people understand what diversity really is. It’s also a way to tackle the shortage of engineering skills in the UK. Our goal should be to help students understand their potential, and inspire them to become the next generation of innovators, scientists and engineers.”

Deepi - Co-Chair, Embrace

"Employee groups like Embrace are driving important and positive change in organisations by challenging entrenched attitudes and stigmas around cultures and ethnicity. At BAE Systems, Embrace gives employees from all backgrounds a voice to share any concerns in a safe space, put forward ideas for change and know that they are being heard."

Gareth - Embrace sponsor

“All people, regardless of their age, race, gender, disability, religious beliefs and upbringing have the right to be treated fairly and equally. I want to help create a more inclusive environment at BAE Systems where employees are respected and valued for who they are, where they get equal access to opportunities and resources, and where they can thrive and contribute.”

Philip - Embrace member

“To me Embrace, is a group that supports and celebrates the wonderful array of cultures, heritages and ethnic groups we have within our company. It provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with people from different backgrounds and to spread understanding and awareness about different beliefs, traditions and ways of life. Being in a leadership role within the Naval Ships Engineering organisation, and coming from an ethnic minority background myself, I see it as privilege to able to lend my support to Embrace whenever I can, to support inclusivity, and to hopefully inspire others to do the same.”