Reimagining engineering practice through a global responsibility competency compass

Abstract

A study by the Institution of Engineering and Technology indicates a perilous skills shortage: only 7% of engineering companies in the UK with a sustainability strategy say they have the skills needed to fulfil it. This paper presents the work of Engineers Without Borders UK in tackling the skills gap in the engineering sector, through the global responsibility competency compass. Developed with the support of the Royal Academy of Engineering and endorsed by the Engineering Council, the compass aims to support practitioners from multiple disciplines working in engineering towards the capabilities they will need to stay relevant in the context of today's challenges. It provides users with practical ways to develop themselves so that they can respond effectively to this age's complexity, uncertainty and challenges. Engineers are uniquely placed to tackle global challenges, improve quality of life, protect the environment and increase resilience to risk. Furthermore, the sector is being called on to develop and apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours that reflect the broader impacts that its decisions have on society and the environment. This paper also discusses the role and relevance of global responsibility and the compass to the application of coastal defence as an example.