Chris Poulton: Championing Inclusivity and Innovation at BAE Systems

Photo: Chris Poulton

Chris Poulton, a gay, pan-romantic cis-gendered man, reflects on his 17-year journey with BAE Systems, highlighting his impactful role in fostering inclusivity through the OutLink Employee Resource Group. Poulton shares his pride in OutLink's achievements, including the creation of a Gender Identity Policy and the founding of the Pride in Defence network. Celebrated as a finalist in the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards and contributing to national security projects, Poulton seamlessly integrates his technical expertise with his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, making a lasting positive impact both within the company and the broader community.

myGwork: Hi Chris! What pronouns do you use, and how do you identify?

Chris: He/Him. I identify as a gay, pan-romantic cis-gendered man

myGwork: Why did you choose BAE Systems?

Chris: I joined a company 17 years ago that later merged with BAE Systems. My decision to join was largely around the customer organisations that I knew I would be able to work for, in support of our UK law enforcement and national security.

myGwork: You’re part of an Employee Resource Group (ERG) within BAE Systems called Outlink, which works to create an environment that is open and inclusive and provides support to people who may be experiencing issues with sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as their allies.  What positive impact have you seen during your time there?

Chris: OutLink has had a fantastic impact in supporting our LGBTQ+ colleagues. We created a Gender Identity Policy in partnership with our Human Resources experts, which is used to support individuals transitioning their gender whilst at BAE Systems, those who join having already transitioned or planning to transition, and the managers of those individuals. This has made it so much easier for gender-expansive individuals to be their true selves at BAE Systems. Our impact has reached beyond BAE Systems as well, with us founding the Pride in Defence network that brings together LGBTQ+ employee networks and charities from across the defence industry. OutLink has raised visibiility of the different identities behind the LGBTQIA+ abbreviation, raising understanding of minority identities, which increases the sense of belonging for those communities. 

Photo: Chris Poulton

myGwork: What has been your proudest achievement or favourite moment working at BAE Systems so far?

Chris: This is a tricky one. Over 17 years I have had many proud moments as an individual, pride in my teams’ achievements and immense pride in OutLink as an employee resource. Just last year, I was a finalist as Innovator of the Year in the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards. We had 14 colleagues as finalists, some of who won, and our OutLink network itself won the award as best Employee Network. Another proud moment for me was standing on the main stage of the very first Pride in Surrey to describe to hundreds of people our achievements in diversity, equity and inclusion at BAE Systems. In relation to my role as a software engineer, I was very proud to become a Chartered Engineer with The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology). BAE Systems supported me by finding me a mentor through the application process, giving me time to prepare my content and to attend my assessment interview. My father is a Chartered Engineer and it was fantastic for me to finally join him in gaining the post-nominals CEng MEng MIET.

myGwork: We work on a lot of different projects and products that have a very real impact on the world around us – could you tell me the product you’re currently working on and a bit about your involvement? 

Chris: As I’m sure you understand, I can’t give too much detail. What I can say is that I am responsible for the technical direction of engineering products for our customers that are used to save lives, protect our national security and assist the UK government to effectively collaborate with international partners. I also support these products in operational use, ensuring that they are available and functioning when needed most. It’s a real privilege to work alongside the users of these products, to see how what I do is making it easier for them to do their jobs well, and to guide junior members of my team into making a similar impact.

myGwork: What impact do you think you’ve had and how it made you feel being a part of it?

Chris: I have seen my personal ideas realised into functional software that gives my customers a new or improved way to do their vital work. When users say “thank you so much for making this for us”, I’m so happy. I’m equally gleeful to see my colleagues getting similar feedback on their work, knowing that I have been able to support them, too. I have been proud to combine my DE&I work with my project work, improving accessibility in software we build, and taking part in the customers’ own DE&I initiatives.

Photo: Chris Poulton

There have been times where something great features on the national news and I know that I have had a small part in making it possible. I can’t tell people about it, but I can hold that pride in myself and enjoy the knowledge that my work at BAE Systems is having such a positive impact.

Interested in career opportunities at BAE Systems? Visit their employer page to learn more.