Our team of colleagues represents dozens of nations, embodying numerous cultures and many different perspectives. We embrace these differences and promote actions and behaviours that will deliver an inclusive and supportive work environment where every member of the Smiths team feels that they belong and can be the best version of themselves.
Equal opportunities
We provide equal employment opportunities. We recruit, support and promote our people based on their qualifications, skills, aptitude and attitude. In employment-related decisions, we comply with all applicable anti-discrimination requirements in the relevant jurisdictions. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment or retaliation.
Inclusion
Inclusion at Smiths is about making sure that we have an overall culture that welcomes all persons and that each of our site cultures works for everyone at that site. One size does not fit all, but both our Values and the Smiths Leadership Behaviours articulate how we expect colleagues to behave and lead others with respect and understanding.
Our purpose and culture
Gender diversity at Smiths
We value diversity of all kinds, and are specifically focused on increasing gender diversity at all levels of the organisation and in all types of role.
This means ensuring that we both understand and fix the factors that may be impeding the progression of women at Smiths. Making good progress towards our short-term target of 30% of senior leadership roles held by women.
Our business model
of our colleagues are female
of our Executive Committee members are female
of our senior leadership positions are held by women
of our Board Directors are female
Diversity and inclusion initiatives
Maternity Buddy programme
Our new Maternity Buddy programme offers peer-to-peer support for Smiths women navigating pregnancy at work and preparing for, or returning from, maternity or adoption leave. It builds on our global Parental Leave Policy, giving colleagues who are primary caregivers a minimum of 16 weeks of paid leave when a child is born or adopted. Women often report unease navigating pregnancy at work, and that the transition back to work after maternity or adoption leave can feel difficult. The informal scheme is designed to help women in this key transition period and help us to retain female talent.
Women in Engineering partnerships
We have partnerships with WES (Women in Engineering Society) and SWE (Society of Women Engineers), which are significantly expanding engineering networks for our female colleagues.
Employee resource groups
We have established several employee resource groups across the company including Veterans, LGBTQ+, Black Employee Network and Women@Work groups.
The Black Employee Network
Founded in 2021, the Black Employee Network is dedicated to establishing a safe space for diverse black employees and their allies.
Its mission is to help to foster a culture of belonging that promotes equity and representation of black employees at all levels of the company and the group. The BEN’s goal is to provide networking and development opportunities, establish programs and activities to enhance cultural awareness, and provide support to better attract and retain talent.
Pride Coalition
The Pride Coalition is open to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, across Smiths Group. It provides the opportunity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to connect, socialise, support one another, and discuss issues of relevance to their communities. We seek to foster a culture of belonging and to promote a safe workplace where LGBTQIA+ people feel comfortable and protected to express their authentic selves at all levels of the business.
The Veteran Employee Resource Group
The Veteran Employee Resource Group operates across our network. Its purpose is to assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and unification of the veteran community within Smiths.
The group’s motto is ‘from salute to handshake’ supporting the transition from life in the armed forces, to civilian life.
It also offers a mentoring programme for armed forced colleagues and a support network to protect the mental health and wellbeing of ex-military personnel as well as military spouses.
Neurodiversity Employee Resource Group
At Smiths, we believe in the strength that comes from embracing diversity in all its forms, and the Neurodiversity ERG is a testament to our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Dedicated to supporting Neurodiverse employees and employees who are caregivers for neurodivergent family members. The Neurodiversity ERG’s mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space where both groups can openly express themselves and discuss ways to enhance support within our organisation.
The group provides educational resources, engaging events, employee spotlights and open discussions on important Neurodiversity topics.
women@work
women@work is a global network of female employees who strive to increase the representation of women at Smiths. They inspire, motivate and empower others within their local community by creating opportunities for themselves and frameworks for action and development.