EDI in STEM consultancy
Evidence-led support that delivers real, measurable change.
Creating an inclusive STEM workplace is complex. It requires focus, credibility and a partner who understands the reality of your organisation, not just the theory.
Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) works with STEM employers to help them in their mission to turn ambition into action.
Our consultancy services support organisations at every stage of their inclusive journey, from direction-setting to accelerating impact. We bring together insight, data and our deep sector expertise to help you make progress that is measurable and sustainable.
Whether you need targeted advice or a long-term partnership, we’ll work alongside you and your teams to design solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.
Why work with WISE?
We’ve been working with STEM organisations for over 40 years, giving us a unique blend of insight and experience on gender equity.
When you partner with WISE, you gain:
- STEM-specific expertise, informed by data, research and real-world experience
- clear, honest advice, grounded in what will make the biggest difference to your organisation
- a collaborative approach, working with you rather than prescribing to you
- support that builds internal capability, not dependency.
Our focus is always on progress you can see, evidence you can trust and change that lasts.
Our approach
We know that every organisation is different. That’s why our consultancy is never off-the-shelf.
Our work is:
- tailored to your people, processes and organisational priorities
- evidence-led, guided by workforce data and sector insight
- action-focused, with clear recommendations and planned next steps.
Our aim is to support you as you embed inclusion into everyday decision-making, so progress continues long after our work together ends.
Our consultancy services
We offer flexible, bespoke support across a range of areas. Services can be delivered as standalone projects or combined into a broader programme.
Strategy, insight and data
- EDI strategy development and reviews.
- Workforce data collection, analysis and benchmarking.
- Gender and intersectional data insights.
- Progress monitoring and impact measurement.
Policies, processes and systems
- Inclusive recruitment, onboarding and progression.
- Gender pay gap analysis and action planning.
- Reasonable adjustments and accessibility in practice.
Leadership, culture and capability
- Leadership and HR development.
- Embedding EDI into objectives, KPIs and governance.
- Supporting and strengthening ERGs and internal initiatives.
- Building shared accountability.
Career pathways and retention
- Mentoring programme design and advisory support.
- Inclusive talent development and progression pathways.
- Return-to-work and retention strategies.
- Flexible working and job design in STEM roles.
Workplace experience
- Supporting women’s health in the workplace.
- Understanding attrition and acting on exit insight.
- Identifying and sharing good practice.
Featured in-company training course
Evidence-led. Impact focused.
All our consultancy work is aligned to the WISE gender equity framework, ensuring activity is focused on the factors that most influence talent attraction, progression, retention, engagement and the effective use of data.
If you’re ready to take action, or want to explore what a partnership with WISE could look like, we’d love to speak to you.
Meet the consultancy team
Dr Laura Norton
Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, WISE Director
Lead consultant
Laura is a highly experienced EDI strategist and a respected leader across the STEM sector.
With a scientific background and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, Laura has spent more than a decade leading impactful programmes on gender equality, inclusion, workforce data, and culture change across professional bodies, academia and international collaborations.
Her influence extends across policy and practice, contributing to Cross-European Gender Equity Programmes, parliamentary reports and award-winning EDI research. She has spoken at Westminster, served as an Athena SWAN assessor and panel member, and led global initiatives tackling bias and advancing diversity in STEM and scientific publishing.
Laura also sits on multiple sector‑wide advisory groups including the Engineering Council Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, the APPG for Diversity in STEM, the Science Council, and the Royal Academy of Engineering Progression Framework Steering Group.
As a consultant, Laura brings a clear, evidence-led approach to EDI strategy. Her expertise spans data and insight, engagement, understanding attrition and progression pathways in STEM, gender pay gap analysis and inclusive recruitment.
Lucy Leonard
EDI training and delivery specialist
Associate Consultant
Lucy is a specialist in training and delivery across equity, diversity and inclusion.
With a background in psychology, Lucy has extensive experience working in the NHS where she led training and development for the therapies workforce. She contributed to the widening participation project in psychological therapy services in the London region to improve diversity of therapies services.
Lucy has designed and delivered EDI training programmes within NHS organisations undergoing cultural transformation, working with staff at all levels. Her approach combines evidence-based insight with practical application, covering areas such as allyship, bystander intervention, cultural competence and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
As a consultant, Lucy supports organisations to embed inclusive practices in meaningful and sustainable ways. Her expertise includes implementing reasonable adjustments, establishing employee resource groups and staff networks, supporting colleagues through menopause, conducting equality impact assessments, and engaging whole organisations in the EDI agenda.