Empowering Voices: Male Allyship and Flexible Working

The successful and well-attended WEAF’s Empowering Women in the Workplace event took place at Boeing Defence UK in Bristol.

In a collaborative and safe environment, attendees heard from Ian McNeil, Engineering Director at Boeing Defence UK who shared invaluable insights on male allyship and initiatives to support colleagues.

Nick Jones, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau, enlightened the group on the importance of flexible working rights in the UK, sparking meaningful discussions among colleagues who are now acting on what they learnt.

Nick provided details on the Equal Pay Act and Equality Act and how they can support women in the workplace.

Ian shared positive news from Boeing’s broader commitment to growing a more diverse UK workforce. Reflecting that commitment, Boeing is a signatory of the UK’s Women in Defence Charter and Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter.

Boeing’s pledge to create an inclusive culture for women is reflected by a range of family-friendly policies in the UK, covering enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave, along with flexible working arrangements that allow employees to balance their day-to-day responsibilities.

Furthermore, Boeing and STEM Returners have partnered to launch a ‘Return Flight’ programme in the UK, aimed at supporting individuals back into the workforce following a career break.

The event was marked by engaging conversations and diverse perspectives, reinforcing WEAF’s commitment to empowering women in the workforce across aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing.

The upcoming session this autumn will focus on menopause, exploring the challenges it can present in the workplace. We will discuss how sharing experiences can provide valuable insights for everyone, fostering a supportive environment for all attendees.