Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions asked by participants at Systems Change Lab events.
Participation
Who can participate in the Lab?
Anyone who is curious about systems change in engineering or frustrated by the current state quo. Below are some examples of key stakeholder groups (and by no means all) whose involvement is critical to the Lab’s success:
- Educators
- Engineering practitioners
- Department heads / Vice-chancellors / Deans
- Accreditors / Professional reviewers
- Systems-level influencers
- The engineers who will be working into the 2040s / 50s – today’s students, early-career professionals, and emerging leaders
Do I participate as an individual or as part of my organisation?
You are welcome to attend as an individual or as a representative of your organisation. If attending on behalf of your organisation, we recommend bringing 1-2 colleagues – this helps with continuity, ensures internal support, and allows for better knowledge sharing within your organisation.
For the in person events would it be possible to bring along Apprentices or graduates from our local offices to contribute?
Yes of course! We hope the in person events will represent a “microcosm of the engineering systems” this means we want to hear from people of all ages and all perspectives in engineering.
How flexible are the levels of engagement?
We understand that commitments can change, so engagement levels are designed to be flexible. They serve as a guide to help you understand the ways you can get involved. That said, we are looking for 10-20 participants who can commit to a high level of engagement, which comes with a certain degree of responsibility and continuity.
What if I miss an event?
No problem! We’ll share key content, insights, and outputs from each milestone event so you can stay informed and engaged.
What are the routes through which you will keep us informed on Systems Change Lab progress?
Regular updates will be shared via email. We will also be using Notion as a shared platform for all Systems Change Lab progress.
How much does it cost to participate in the Lab?
It is completely free to attend!
Task and Finish Groups
How are the Task and Finish Group being developed?
The Task and Finish Group topics were shaped from participant input and event discussions, distilled into six key areas. Participants can choose a topic they are passionate about and collaborate to develop a SMART outcome and problem statement. There will be opportunities to contribute to the detailed definition of these groups both before the next Lab event in May and during the event itself. Some topics will progress as the focus for Task and Finish Groups (May–November), while others may be pursued through different avenues.
Do you have to have been involved before to be a group lead or facilitator?
No – to be a group lead you need to be passionate about the topic area and committed to working with your team and Engineers Without Borders UK to see the task and finish group progress through to November. If you are interested in supporting us as facilitator we would love to hear from also, please contact us at [email protected].
Lab events
Will the in-person Lab events be hybrid or recorded?
No, the in-person Lab events will not be recorded or hybrid as they are designed for open dialogue, co-creation, and real-time collaboration. However, key insights and outcomes will be shared with all registered participants, ensuring that those unable to attend can remain engaged and contribute to the ongoing work of the Lab.
Will each session be distinct, or will it be possible to take output from one session to another?
It will be a blend of both – sessions will be a mix of standalone workshops alongside Task and Finish Group-specific activities. The goal is to ensure participants can contribute meaningfully, whether they attend a single event or all of them. The in-person workshops will focus on developing skills, while also providing a structured framework to support the progress of the Task and Finish Groups.
Why are the events held in these locations?
We’ve carefully selected event locations to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Based on feedback from the previous Lab, we didn’t want to be London-centric, as this wouldn’t reflect the diversity of our network or the engineering sector as a whole. Locations were chosen based on:
- Proximity to key transport links for easier travel.
- Existing network hubs and student chapters.
- A balanced spread across different regions.
Do you need venues for the regional events? Can participants help with sourcing spaces?
Yes! We would appreciate any support in sourcing venues for regional events. If you have access to suitable spaces, please reach out to us at [email protected].
For any further questions about the Systems Change Lab, please contact [email protected].
