Nuclear Rainbow Forum Launched to Make Sector More Welcoming to Diversity

Jacobs and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have pioneered a new initiative to make the nuclear industry more inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

The Nuclear Rainbow Forum launched in December at the Nuclear 2022 conference in London and has already attracted 17 member organizations from across the industry. It aims to share best practices, campaign collaboratively and run joint initiatives to promote diversity and raise awareness.

In addition to Jacobs and UKAEA, Nuclear Rainbow Forum members include Rolls-Royce, EDF, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Nuclear Waste Services, Nuvia, Cavendish Nuclear, Magnox, Urenco, Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Prospect Union, the Nuclear Industry Association, Babcock, and the National Nuclear Laboratory.

Europe Lead for Prism, Jacobs’ LGBTQ+ employee network, Katie Godfrey says the response from conference goers had justified the company’s decision to pioneer this new initiative. 

“I’m so proud of the response we got from the Rainbow Forum. There was a constant stream of people at the Rainbow Forum stand asking questions, offering support and thanking our team for being so visible. At Jacobs, we live inclusion and we are sure that the Rainbow Forum can help bring about meaningful change that will benefit the nuclear industry.”

Jacobs Vice President for Business Development David Ellis says, “The Nuclear Rainbow Forum reflects the U.K. nuclear industry as it is today – forward-looking, inclusive and welcoming towards a very diverse range of people.”

UKAEA Director of Materials Research and Inclusion Sponsor Amanda Quadling adds, “UKAEA is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment in which everyone can thrive. In doing so, we strive to achieve greater diversity across the industry and welcome the launch of The Nuclear Rainbow Forum.”

Jacobs recently retained Stonewall’s coveted Gold Award, once again ranking no. 6 in its Top 100 Employers for LGBTQ+ People Index. Stonewall is the U.K.’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality — its Top 100 Employers List recognizes exceptional employers who are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ staff and customers.