Groundbreaking equity, diversity, and inclusion research underpins this programme’s approach to increase industry inclusivity, and establish the Midlands as the go-to location for global research, development and production of Advanced Ceramics.
Introduction
Inclusioneering was commissioned by the Midlands Advanced Ceramics for Industry 4.0 programme to carry out a first-of-kind equity, diversity and inclusion research survey for the sector.
Led by Lucideon and funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strength in Places Fund (SIPF), the programme aims to establish the Midlands the go-to location for global R&D and production of Advanced Ceramics.
Our Approach
The programme’s Skills and Diversity workstream plays a vital role on this mission, to increase the inclusivity and attractiveness of the industry, and this EDI research provides a critical first step. Inclusioneering designed and implemented a detailed EDI survey to establish a baseline of demographic representation and inclusion experiences of the programme team. To provide context, we carried out in-depth research into the demographics and needs of the Midlands’ population, drawing on data from the 2021 Census and regional reports.
A key strength that Inclusioneering brought to this research was expertise in GDPR compliance and managing sensitive personal data in a complex multi-organisation environment. The programme team included 16 partner organisations, spanning academia, large and small businesses. Acting as an independent Data Controller, Inclusioneering ensured all data protection principles were upheld.
To ensure success of the survey, we engaged closely with each partner organisation, appointing EDI champions to inform survey development and support communications in their own organisation. This collaborative approach helped ensure high engagement and meaningful participation across the consortium.
Outcomes
The survey uncovered powerful insights into demographics, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Ethnicity
- Disability and neurodiversity,
- LGBTQ+ identities,
- Socioeconomic background,
- Unpaid caregiving responsibilities.
It also explored generational shifts in education and career pathways, as well as highlighting differing experiences of inclusion across the academic, large business, and small business contexts.

Impact
Using an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the research identified existing strengths in the programme team that can be built upon to foster a stronger, more diverse and inclusive Midlands advanced ceramics sector.
These findings delivered actionable recommendations to guide EDI priorities for the programme. They align both industry and regional needs, a key requirement of the Strength in Places fund, and enable the programme to shape its strategic approach. Recommendations were also made for future funding applicants, and identified opportunities for increased EDI impact for UKRI. This work lays the foundation for meaningful progress in creating a more inclusive and thriving advanced ceramics sector in the Midlands.
”This is great work which we can use and disseminate across different stakeholders and will be received very well both from UKRI but also local authorities and wider foundation industries partners.
Dr Gilda Gasparini, Programme Manager, SIPF Midlands Advanced Ceramics programme