Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At a glance

Embedding DEI into our culture and talent practices fosters belonging and an authentic employee experience with our brand. Meaningful impact takes time and begins with listening, giving us a platform for open dialogue and helping identify areas for improvement and growth.

Ethos.

Diverse by design

Large auditorium stage with speakers presenting beside a giant screen displaying the words “Championing Change”.

Authenticity.

A place to be your true self

In a sector where diversity has historically been underrepresented, our DEI initiatives actively challenge institutional imbalances and promote a culture of inclusivity, belonging and empowerment - regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, neurodiversity or background.

People collaborating in a relaxed workspace, sharing ideas over a laptop and smartphone in a contemporary café environment.

Thrive.

A place to flourish

Our talented team comes from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. By investing in our people, through tailored training, inclusive policy reform and platforms for diverse voices, we create environments where people feel confident to grow, both personally and professionally.

Several people sit in a row at a meeting table, facing toward the front of the room and listening attentively.

Evolve.

A place to drive meaningful change

Our industry-leading Belonging initiative, led by passionate BakerHicks volunteers, is dedicated to exploring and implementing employee-led ideas that advance diversity and inclusion across the business.

Collaborative workplace meeting with professionals engaged in discussion around a conference table.

Nurture.

A place to shape the future

Our outreach programmes across schools, colleges and universities aim to inspire the next generation of STEM and project delivery talent. Through mentoring, project-based learning and employability workshops, we offer hands-on engineering and design experiences that encourage underrepresented groups to pursue careers in our industry.

Two people sit at adjacent desks looking at technical drawings on dual monitors while discussing the work on screen.

BakerHicks at a glance

1300

Dedicated employees
50

DEI ambassadors
17

Office locations
7

European countries

Four people in outdoor work clothing stand together in a garden area with tools and a wheelbarrow nearby.

Three people jogging together on a paved path surrounded by trees.

People gathered in small groups in a large indoor space, talking and networking from an overhead viewpoint.

A conference stage with three presenters speaking in front of a large screen displaying the title “Championing Change.”

Achievements

2025

Finalist - IChemE Global Awards

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

2024

Winner - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year

Laura James, Financial and Professional Services, Property Week Awards

2024

Finalist - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Team

CIOB Awards

2023

Finalist - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champion

Ground Engineering Awards

2022

Finalist - The Herald Scotland & GenAnalytics Diversity Awards

Diversity Star Performer / Diversity Campaign of the Year

From the team

Taking part in the podcast and interview for Black History Month reminded me that we instinctively celebrate historical achievements and often forget to include ourselves. We overlook the representation we bring – in the adversities faced and achievements we make in our industry, communities and lives.

Sochima Onyenemelu

Senior Engineer - Mechanical Services

The Accelerate Your Potential Programme is helping me develop the skills I need and gain more confidence to progress towards senior roles in the future. I’m getting more exposure to different people and areas in the business, giving me valuable insight into the wider responsibilities and interconnections.

Charis Nelson

Design Manager - Rail

I joined BakerHicks after completing a week's work experience. This incredible opportunity was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Belonging group, who have developed formal links to educational institutions like my college at the time. This really opened doors for me and helped kick-start my career.

Kenzie McLaughlin

Architectural Technologist

The six weeks paternity leave gave me a greater insight into the day-to-day life my wife has raising our kids in the first year, and with the flexibility of taking two weeks at the birth and four weeks prior to my wife going back to work, it gave her a breather before stepping back into work mode.

Michael Edgar

Associate Director, Power - Scotland | Certified Passive House Designer

Being part of this journey has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my time at BakerHicks, and I’m excited to continue creating opportunities for those committed to making a difference. I look forward to carrying this momentum forward, championing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and ensuring that everyone feels a true sense of belonging.

Aleksandra Stamenkovic

Belonging Chair | Senior Engineer - Civil & Structural

Black History Month

An interview with Sochima Onyenemelu, who talks to us about her family, her journey to becoming an engineer and what Black History Month means to her.

DEI commitments

Our diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives

The power of five. Our DEI activities are shaped by meaningful engagement with our teams and act as a blueprint for industry-wide change, building an inclusive workplace culture rooted in empowerment, respect and integrity.

We’re committed to creating a workplace where diversity is valued and equality is part of our culture. As an accredited Inclusive Employers member, we provide mandatory webinars and a wide range of DEI training, including bespoke company courses, specialist workshops and recruitment training for managers. We also run targeted outreach programmes with local schools, colleges and universities, offering work experience placements and encouraging young talent into our industry.
Whether it’s recording an episode of our internal Wavelength podcast, publishing personal stories from employees that challenge norms, or hosting socially inclusive events to raise awareness - we believe in the power of communication to shift perceptions.
Our enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave policies were shaped through direct conversations with our people to better support working families. We’ve also strengthened policies on carers leave, IVF and fertility treatment, foster care and transitioning at work, alongside updated manager guidance to help them support colleagues through a wide range of experiences – from neurodiversity to infant loss.
We’re committed to creating a fair and positive environment for our teams. Should something happen, we want to ensure every individual feels comfortable and confident to voice their concerns. We have support lines in place and digital intervention platforms to simplify routes to reporting issues.
We believe in inclusive recruitment and development opportunities. Using gender-neutral language software, running unconscious bias workshops and establishing links with LGBTQ+ friendly recruitment websites helps to ensure our hiring practices reflect the communities we serve. Our Accelerate Your Potential Programme empowers future women leaders, and we’re open to exploring part-time and job share options.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at BakerHicks.