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Catapult Network confirms commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Catapult Network confirms commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Catapult Network this week (24th February 2022) formalised its long-held commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I).

The CEOs of all nine Catapults came together at a special event held in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s MTC in Coventry to sign the shared Inclusivity in Innovation Charter.

Watch the event highlights here:

They were joined by the Chief Executive of Innovate UK, Indro Mukerjee and ED&I expert Shola Kaye, as well as employees from across the Catapult Network, many of whom spoke at the event, sharing their own personal experiences and views on the subject.

The efforts to create the charter were led by Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Matthew Durdy, CEO of Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. Matthew Durdy, also Chair of the Catapult Network, said:

The Charter represents what we believe: that all people should be able to realise their promise; for themselves, our organisations and wider society. A diverse and equally participating workforce is critical to the Catapult Network.

Matthew Durdy
Chair, Catapult Network
CEO, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

“Our specialist facilities all over the UK draw together the skills, views, ideas, thoughts, perspectives and capabilities of thousands of people from different backgrounds, faiths, cultures, communities and locations. Together our Network is home to a remarkable pool of capabilities.”

“This Charter is an important and proud step for us as we look towards the future for the Catapult Network.”

Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK said:

This is tremendously important, we are all different and each of us has something to offer. Innovate UK is working across our entire network to inspire and include more diversity to help build the skills and talent pipeline to reach our full potential.

Indro Mukerjee
CEO, Innovate UK

The charter was signed by the CEOs of each of the nine Catapults as well as the CEOs from each of the seven centres that are a part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Click here to view the full Catapult Network Inclusivity in Innovation Charter.


About the Catapult Network


The Catapult Network supports businesses in transforming great ideas into valuable products and services. We are a Network of world-leading technology and innovation centres established by Innovate UK. We deliver impact across the UK economy, enabling businesses to thrive in global markets. Since inception, the Catapults have collectively played a lead role in delivering over 14,000 industry collaborations, over 5000 academic collaborations and supported over 8,000 innovative SMEs across a wide range of sectors and extended international partnership projects.

For Press Enquiries
Contact India Campbell, Communications Manager
India.Campbell@catapultnetwork.org.uk