WISE launches refreshed brand together with the IET

WISE (Women into Science and Engineering), together with the IET, has launched a refreshed brand to reflect how its work has evolved in response to changing workforce needs across science, engineering and construction. 

While WISE’s mission remains unchanged, improving equity and opportunity for women in STEM, the refreshed brand signals a sharper focus on supporting organisations to address skills shortages, retention challenges and long‑term workforce sustainability, creating environments where women can succeed and progress. 

Employers across the engineering and technology sector are under increasing pressure to build inclusive cultures, retain talent and demonstrate meaningful progress. The refreshed WISE brand reflects an increased emphasis on practical, evidence‑based approaches that help organisations move from intention to action. 

Alongside the new look, WISE has introduced an updated membership model designed to provide clearer value and more targeted support. The model offers two core membership options, supporting organisations at different stages of their gender equity journey, from building foundational capability to embedding long‑term, strategic change.

Dr Laura Norton, Head of EDI at the IET and WISE Director, said: 

“This evolution ensures WISE remains relevant and effective in a changing landscape. Despite the breadth of opportunity in engineering and technology, women still make up just 16.9% of the UK workforce, driven by persistent stereotypes, misconceptions about the profession and a lack of visible role models. 

“Together with the IET, WISE is focused on addressing these barriers by combining advocacy with practical, evidence‑based approaches that support organisations to create more inclusive cultures and clearer pathways into engineering. By showcasing real role models and supporting long‑term change, we can help more women see STEM as a rewarding and sustainable career and deliver real outcomes for the sector.” 

The refreshed brand builds on WISE’s established work supporting women in STEM, while strengthening its alignment with the IET’s wider commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

More information about WISE and its refreshed approach is available at WISE's website.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Interview opportunities with IET spokespersons available

About the IET

• We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.
• We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth means we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.
• We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
• Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.
• For more information, visit www.theiet.org.
• Follow the IET on LinkedIn and Instagram via @TheIET / @InstitutionofEngineeringandTechnology.

Media enquiries to:

Sarah Jenkins
External Communications & PR Lead
E: SarahJenkins@theiet.org