Note: this section has largely been done using a desk research approach, looking at what is available to the public via web sites, prior to involving a wide spectrum of organisations.
Education
Education is one of the main priorities for this group. Almost all the organisations have varied activities in place ranging from providing information, educational resources, awards and prizes to specific activities and programmes aimed at increasing education of all groups. This is mainly targeted at children, young people, teachers, young professionals and businesses. The charities give financial support for educational activities and projects, and Nuffield Foundation have developed a Science in Society Course at A-Level in partnership with other educational partners.
Public engagement
Public engagement with each target group is another main activity of professional institutes with a number of activities within each group undertaken in varying degrees.
Public confidence
It has been difficult to glean from the web sites what specific activities are being carried out to increase public confidence. However, publications on ethical issues, issues of concern or codes of conduct embedded within organisational policies show attempts to bring awareness to public. Sense About Science, a charitable organisation is devoted solely to promoting good science and evidence to public.
Science workforce
In particular it is clear that there are a range of activities directed at encouraging, enthusing and supporting children and young people to study engineering. Charities are providing financial support in the form of grants, science competitions, initiatives, and special residential courses for 9-12 age group.
Increasing diversity
Women appear to get the bulk of the activity here with more limited attempts at broader diversity. Various sponsored awards such as Young Women Engineer of the Year, Young Women Engineering Apprentice of the Year, Women in Physics, Girls in Physics, Professional Engineering Award for People Effectiveness and UKRC Diversity Awards.
